Meet Dave Schroeder | Leather Crafter & a Steamfitter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Schroeder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a parent, I think one of the most important things I have done is lead by example and show to show my kids what is possible. I can tell them anything but they will follow my actions compared to my words. I can tell them they can become anything they want, but if they do not see me accomplish my goals, it would be just talk or them question “why didn’t you do that then?” If I tell them they need to eat healthy but they see me eat junk everyday they won’t listen. I feel it’s my duty to be the example of what is possible and how to be a good human. It goes with everything in life, actions speak louder than words. I try to be an example and be a good role model.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started Steam and Stitch Supply Company, it started off as somewhat as a hobby. I always like learning and growing my skill sets, also i was getting tired of the soft goods out there that I use everyday not lasting long such as belts and wallets, that were constantly having to be replaced every couple months. So that kind of drove how it started, I went to a local leather store bought some supplies, a book and watched the little youtube videos that were available back then and started making my own goods. I have been a union steamfitter for almost twenty years and I have always been good with working with my hands, so I was able to pick it up very quickly but just like anything it takes time to get good and master a trade but after the years, my goods and skills got better. I started making things for myself and as gifts for family and friends and it slowly grew from there and transitioned into a business.

It was not easy to get where I am today or am I close to where I want to be in business. I run Steam and Stitch Supply Company while I still being a steamfitter. So after work, on weekends, when the kids are asleep I’m often in my shop making goods, shipping products, selling at farmers markets and events, making content, social media, and all the other things needed to run a business. I am a one man shop, sometimes its overwhelming but it takes a lot of prioritizing and being as efficient as possible to make sure I do not miss anything that involves my kids. People are always talking about balance in life but I believe that is a myth, you will always make time for what’s important to you, and to overcome those challenges you have to make those changes either it be wake up a couple hours earlier or go to bed a little later.

I learned a lot of lesson in what it takes to run a business, things I never knew such as setting up a business, taxes, Profit and losses, accounting, website design. The making of goods was the easy part, the how to run a business part took a lot of learning and still am learning. I believe this is something is missing in education and should be taught before graduating high school. It was all sink or swim good thing there are tons of resources out there to learn from.

I would like the world to know about Steam and Stitch Supply Company, isthat we are American made, blue collar owned company. I make high quality goods for the people who build the word, the ones who care and take pride that their goods and the money they spent will withstand the test of time. I make sure I use premium full grain leather from the best tanneries and the best hardware to ensure that our goods will be the best out there, that there is dedication with every stitch.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a lot of great places to go and I love being outdoors so a place I would take someone would be up at the kern river above Kernville during the summer. It is a great time Camping, fishing, tubing, hiking, family time, bonfires, stargazing and BBQ’s. Some of the best meals and conversations are with friends and loved ones have been while eating off paper plates. That’s where I would take someone visiting

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here with out my support, love and encouragement from my family. My amazing wife, who supports and helps me with all my crazy ideas, my two wonderful children who give me the drive to keep growing and pushing me forward, my mother who has always supported me and encouraged me to try thing in life.

I also would like to shout out my great group of friends who I have meet in a business group that , where we all push each other to keep growing and thriving, where we talk about our goals and the steps to get there or how to overcome hurdles, challenges and support each others businesses.

Website: https://www.steamandstitch.com

Instagram: Steamstitchco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steamstitchco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@steamstitchsupplyco