How I Built This with Guy Raz Leatherman Tool Group: Tim Leatherman
Jan 31, 2022
Tim Leatherman, founder of Leatherman Tool Group, shares his incredible journey from struggling in his brother-in-law's garage to creating the iconic multi-tool. He recounts the seven years it took to sell his first tool, facing relentless rejection yet remaining undeterred. Tim’s experiences in Vietnam influenced his innovative thinking, while he highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Today, his brand is valued over $100 million, showcasing a remarkable evolution from a single sale to million-unit success.
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Prototype Building
- After returning to Oregon, Tim began building the prototype in his brother-in-law's garage.
- Using scrap metal and basic tools, the initial versions were crude but functional.
Blacksmithing
- Tim's early prototypes were made from cannibalized tool parts, sheet metal, and basic tools.
- He used tin snips, a vise, and a hammer, working without heat or flames.
Gerber Rejection
- Tim's initial plan was to sell the multi-tool patent to a company like Gerber for a million dollars.
- Gerber rejected it, saying it was a tool, not a knife.