From garage to grit. Two years ago, Luke Talley trademarked a name before he even had a product. Today, Back Woods Trading Company is a thriving lifestyle brand rooted in craftsmanship, hustle, and strategic thinking.

What started in his garage, leather patches, cocktail smokers, and custom hats, has grown into a full-scale operation with a storefront, manufacturing space, and even a belt bar where customers pick their buckle and get a belt cut to fit on the spot.

Luke’s mindset is what sets him apart:
💡 Always try to be innovative.
📊 Benchmark people doing what you’re doing.
📈 Build your marketing strategy around what actually makes you money.
🤝 Surround yourself with good people.

He’s self-taught. Resourceful. And relentless about improvement. (He even learned to sew after melting leather patches with glue. One product return in two years says a lot.)

Winning the DRIVE competition and a $10K check was just the start — he’s still grinding, still growing.

Huge thanks to Luke for showing us what it means to build a brand, protect it, and evolve it — one belt, bag, and bold idea at a time.