Today we’d like to introduce you to George Edgemon
Hi George, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in rural south Ga in an agricultural family. My father was a retired farmer who jumped into the leather business first, and as a geology student at the time, I quickly shifted focus and learned the trade along with my studies. I shadowed him for a few years and received my degree, but decided to follow my passion for this form of creating. As a child, I always dreamed of being a painter or artist of some sort. The realization of following this path started to come to light with this business. We found our niche, built a bespoke product and quickly grew a name for ourselves. We have been operating for over a decade and realized we had something when our products started reaching celebrities. I have settled in Marietta roughly 6 years ago after my dad retired and closed our brick and mortar shop on the Ga/ Florida line. I have since become married to an amazing wife, father to a beautiful boy and found a good foundation in my area. I’m anxious to grow, market and expand, as I have had to take a step back and settle into my new role as a dad the past few years. I am excited for this new year to come and become more confident as each one ticks by.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is has been a roller coaster. I have learned so much, especially through my mistakes. I am most confident though in my products. Repeat business and word of mouth has kept me alive, but my struggles have been finding the right help with marketing and tasks outside of producing goods. Going back and forth between brick and mortars, online presence and social media was and still is a challenging game. Also keeping this business going during lockdown.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Our niche is bespoke leather goods. The product I am more so known for are my alligator belts. What sets me apart part from the rest, is a hand made product that looks factory made. I don’t cut corners with materials and I make the premo standard. Each belt I make, I aim to be the best I have ever done. The will that keeps me in this game isn’t monetarily driven, but derived from the joy and satisfaction of making goods for a person. Every customer has a story and background I want to hear. Each product that one wears has a story from whence it was made. That story is not only my story, but the story of the animal, farmers hunters, tanneries and the whole process that goes into these goods. Mass production of items may lessen quality that goes into products. Let’s make less last longer. This is the idea and vision of my leather goods.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am a safe person. I aim to be calculated and comfortable with my decisions. Although I know that can hold a business back and am open to risky decisions if well advised from my peers, especially well seasoned ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edgemoncrockett.com
- Instagram: @edgemoncrockett
