At J. Wood Leathers, there’s a lot more to getting your leather order ready than meets the eye. From carefully checking every hide to keeping stock organised and helping customers find the right material for their projects, our warehouse team plays an essential role in everything we do.
But who are the people behind the orders?
We caught up with Darren, Tom and Mark to find out more about their roles, what goes on behind the scenes, and some of the memorable projects our leather has been part of over the years.
Meet the Team
Darren – Warehouse Manager
Darren joined J. Wood Leathers as Warehouse Manager and oversees the day-to-day warehouse operations, helping to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.
Since joining, he’s introduced new processes, improved stock organisation and helped the team work more efficiently.
One of the most rewarding parts of his role has been seeing these changes make a real difference to the way the warehouse operates.
“It’s great to see the team becoming more efficient and organised as we continue to improve the way we work.”
For Darren, teamwork is just as important as the processes themselves. A supportive working environment helps everyone do their job well and ensures customers receive the service they expect.
Tom – Warehouse & Customer Service
Tom has been part of J. Wood Leathers for six years, working across both the warehouse and customer service teams.
His role combines practical warehouse knowledge with helping customers find the right leather for their projects. Having seen the business evolve over the years, he’s experienced its transition from one generation of the family business to the next.
He’s also witnessed the move towards more modern, efficient ways of working, while maintaining the product knowledge and personal service that make J. Wood Leathers what it is today.
When asked what he enjoys most about working here, Tom’s answer says a lot about the team:
“The best thing about working here is that it doesn’t really feel like work at all! Coming in each day feels like being part of a warm, welcoming family.”
Mark – Product Specialist & Warehouse Operative
Mark has been with J. Wood Leathers since 2016, building up years of experience with our products and helping customers choose the right leather for their needs.
Having worked through two generations of the family business, he’s seen significant changes in warehouse operations and the growth of online shopping.
Despite these changes, the importance of working together has remained constant.
“We have a great team, and everyone is willing to help each other out to make sure we meet our customers’ needs.”
Mark’s product knowledge and experience help ensure customers have the information and support they need to make the right purchase.
What Happens Behind the Scenes?
Preparing an order involves much more than picking a product from a shelf. There’s a carefully managed process to ensure the right leather reaches the right customer in the right condition.
From Delivery to Stockroom
When new leather arrives, every item is checked against the delivery, inspected for quality and assigned its designated storage location. Existing stock is also counted to help maintain accurate inventory records.
The team continually looks for ways to improve storage and organisation, from investing in additional racking to introducing specialist storage crates for natural vegetable-tanned leather, which needs to be kept away from light.
With such a varied range of materials, careful organisation makes it easier to locate products and keep stock ready for incoming orders.
Picking, Checking and Dispatching Orders
Online orders are a priority for the warehouse team, helping us meet our next-day delivery commitments.
Before an order leaves the warehouse, the team checks that the leather meets the required dimensions and specifications. Each piece is also inspected for marks, imperfections or damage.
Once everything has been checked, a photograph is taken of the products alongside the order details before the items are carefully packed for dispatch.
It’s this attention to detail at every stage that helps ensure customers receive exactly what they’ve ordered.
From the Warehouse to the World
One of the most interesting parts of working with leather is discovering what customers go on to create with it.
Over the years, our team has heard some incredible stories about where our products end up.
Tom remembers helping a customer who made leather tool rolls for bonsai tree enthusiasts. One of the rolls she created using our leather was eventually sold to Tommy Lee from Mötley Crüe!
Mark has also seen our leather used to create guitar straps that have gone on to appear on the Glastonbury stage with famous musicians.
And it’s not just musicians and craftspeople. Tom particularly enjoys hearing about the costumes and outfits customers create for Comic-Con, admiring the creativity and attention to detail that goes into each project.
For the team, these stories are a reminder that the leather we supply is often just the beginning of something much bigger.
Our Favourite Leathers
With so much experience working with our products, we couldn’t let the team go without asking which leathers stand out to them.
Darren’s pick: Cayman Khaki
Darren loves the crocodile-effect print and colour combination of Cayman Khaki, which he thinks would make a fantastic-looking belt.
Tom’s pick: Buffalo Vegetable-Tanned Leather in Saxon Oak
Tom is a fan of the beautiful pull-up effect this leather develops, giving it character and depth. His verdict? It would make a spectacular belt.
Mark’s pick: Rio Leather
Mark loves Rio leather in all its available colours. As a pull-up leather, its appearance can change as the material is worked and stretched, bringing out different shades and effects.
Three different favourites, each showcasing the variety and character that make leather such an interesting material to work with.
Advice for Your Next Leather Project
Whether you’re an experienced leatherworker or ordering for the first time, our team is always happy to help you find the right material.
Their advice is simple:
- Ask questions. If you’re unsure which leather is right for your project, get in touch. Our team is happy to share its knowledge and offer guidance.
- Try before you buy. We offer a free sample service, allowing you to see and feel the leather before committing to an order.
- Start small. If you’re learning new techniques, Mark recommends trying offcuts or our stock lot offers. They’re a great way to practise, experiment and build confidence without spending too much.
And if you’re local, visiting the warehouse gives you the opportunity to explore our range in person, discuss your ideas and get to know the people behind the products.
As Tom explains, customers can expect a warm, welcoming environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and exploring the possibilities.
The People Behind Every Order
From improving warehouse processes to sharing years of product knowledge, Darren, Tom and Mark each play an important role in the J. Wood Leathers customer experience.
Their work helps ensure our products are carefully stored, accurately picked and thoroughly checked, while their experience and willingness to help make finding the right leather that little bit easier.
Most importantly, they love hearing what our customers create. Whether it’s a handmade belt, a specialist tool roll, a guitar strap or an elaborate costume, we’re proud to supply the materials that help bring those ideas to life.
Have a leather project in mind? Explore our range or get in touch with the team for advice on finding the right leather for your next creation.