J. Wood Leathers has been supplying quality hides and leathers to makers, craftspeople and manufacturers for decades. Now led by Managing Director Jack Wood, who joined the business straight from school and took ownership from his father in 2023, the Yorkshire based leather merchants continue to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern thinking.
In this interview, Jack reflects on his journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for continuing J. Wood Leather’s growth, innovation, and global reputation.
From Family Beginnings to Leadership
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first became involved in J. Wood Leathers?
I finished school in June 2009 and started at J. Wood Leathers that September – and I’ve been here ever since. It was a bit of an accident really. At the time, I was considering the armed forces or university, but neither really drew me. My dad said, ‘why don’t you come and work with me?’
As a kid, I’d gone along with him in his van to Hull, Scotland, and the South West, but it was mostly for the adventure and trips to the cinema. There was no formal plan – I just joined and never really left. Seeing the hard work my parents put in and the comfortable life it provided inspired me to contribute and, honestly, make some money for myself.
When did you realise you wanted to stay in the family business long-term?
There wasn’t a single moment. I started young and gradually became more involved. Over the years, I took on more responsibility, and eventually the business became my natural path. I bought the company from my dad in December 2023, which was a big shift – having your name above the door changes the whole vibe!
Tradition Meets Innovation
How do you balance heritage with new ideas as the next generation?
The tradition lies in the product itself. Leather craftsmanship isn’t broken, so we don’t try to fix it. The innovation comes in how we market, sell, package, and stock our products – largely through technology.
What values have been passed down that remain central today?
There are a few mantras that I keep coming back to:
- Stock: ‘It’s better to be looking at it than looking for it’
- Customer Service: ‘Customer is King!’
- Work Environment: ‘Tidy desk, tidy mind’
- Overcoming Challenges: ‘If it was easy, everyone would be doing it’
Most of these came from my dad – except the tidy desk one; his desk was a nightmare!
How important is craftmanship and material quality to the brand?
Essential. That’s an easy one. Quality is the foundation of everything we do.
How do you develop new leathers?
It comes down to listening – to customers and the market. We ask questions, gather information, and let that guide the process. Every project is different, and sometimes you have to trust your gut. I’m still learning every day and have made mistakes along the way, but that’s part of the journey.
Customer Service and Team Culture
How do you ensure customer service remains at the heart of J. Wood Leathers?
It starts with the team. Everyone who joins must understand the ‘Customer is King’ mantra. I’m proud of my team – they genuinely care about the business and our clients. High standards, attention to detail, and leading by example are all central.
How do you keep them motivated and aligned with the company’s values?
I keep the team small so we all know each other and can work together. A happy team produces better work, and everyone feels valued. We muck in, help each other, and make sure the environment is positive – it’s a conscious choice.
Have you faced challenges that required a rethink?
Absolutely. I’m a ‘worst-case-scenario’ thinker, so I’m always adapting. Complacency is the enemy – I keep a photograph of RMS Olympic, Titanic’s sister ship, in my office as a reminder that nothing is unsinkable.
Growth, Innovation and the Future
You recently launched your tools range – what’s next for J. Wood?
The tools have been really well received, which is fantastic. We’re taking our time to get it right and already have plans to expand the range based on customer feedback. There are a few other innovations in the pipeline. But that a conversation for another day…
How do you see the future for J. Wood Leathers?
In a word: bright. The business has grown tremendously from humble beginnings – a single role of leather and my mum doing the books – to a warehouse, six staff, and delivering worldwide. Despite challenges in the UK, I’m really pleased with where we are and where we’re headed.
What’s something people might not know about J. Wood Leathers?
We started making kilt straps from whole butt splits in the early 2000s, and now we have a full Highland wear range: buckled, kilt pins, shirts, ties, sporrans, kilt hose, garment bags, shoes… pretty much everything except the kilt and jacket. We might be the only leather merchant/highland dress supplier hybrid in the UK!
What do you enjoy most about the leather industry?
The people. The trade is full of characters – suppliers and customers. Some of my best relationships are with people in the industry, and that’s what makes it really special.
Looking back, what stands out most about J. Wood Leathers journey?
The growth. From a tiny setup with no hot water or proper toilets to a global business delivering products worldwide, it’s incredible. It’s a privilege to carry on the business my parents built, and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved together.