Meet Patrick: Co-Founder, Craftsman, Problem Solver

Patrick says:

We solve our customers' problems in the shop by creating functional, one-of-a-kind works of art.

I have been walking in sawdust for as long as I can remember.

As a boy, I followed my father around in his garage/workshop, watching him cut, sand and shape wood for all sorts of projects. My job was to sweep the floor and keep the shop clean.

Today, I keep my own shop clean. I am a woodworker and a craftsman with a passion for creating unique and practical gifts, furniture and accessories. My wife, Michelle, and I co-founded Leather By Dragonfly. We design and make custom, premier leather goods.

Creating a company out of necessity

Michelle and I have been working together creating since 2008 and selling premium leather goods since 2017. We started our company out of necessity. I needed a durable apron that could hold all my tools. Michelle is very gifted when it comes to sewing machines and design. Our first leather apron was born.

Just like we solved my problem in the shop, we solve our customers' problems in their shops by creating functional, one-of-a-kind works of art, like our Custom leather apron available in Medium, Heavyweight and Forge weights.

We give you a place to keep safe your most-used tools in the shop, including pencils, squares and tape measures. No more wasting time searching for them.

Premium leather goods custom-made for you

Our hands touch every product we sell. Each item is custom-made with detail and quality.

Unlike an “off-the-shelf” apron, each of our Custom aprons has a face. We get to know our customers through the process of working with you to create your perfect apron.

After the purchase, a canvas apron template and instructions are mailed out to give as a gift or for you to get started on designing your own apron. When you’re ready, we’ll chat with you by video. We will take notes and have you draw the silhouette of your most-used tools right on the apron. Then you’ll mail back the template and we’ll get started on your apron right away.

A few other things about me

I respect good-quality tools in the shop but also when I’m out of the shop. I shave with a straight razor, shaving brush and alum block. That's my time to slow down and enjoy the moment.

When I’m not in the shop, I enjoy fishing and target shooting. I'm a competitive prone shooter in national matches and introduced the sport of competitive shooting to our son, Jordan, who earned the rank of expert while in high school. I also coached PeeWee tackle football for seven years.

I’m a former U.S. Marine, and I’m proud to be celebrating 34 years of federal service this month.

Reading our customers’ Google Reviews makes me happy. It’s gratifying to hear from fellow makers who appreciate the time and labor it takes to custom-make the pockets for their important tools.