Blog

See Townsend Leather at NBAA 2022

Talking leather, getting deep into aircraft details and designs, and taking time to just be with ‘our people‘ – Townsend is very excited to get back to the NBAA conference this year.  

We have so much new and beautiful to shine a spotlight on this year, our booth will be busy and full.  

Our newest and most luxiourous yet resilient leather yet is our featured star this year.  We want to be sure everyone has a chance to get their hands on this supple gorgeous leather, so to make sure you are awake and ready to take on the day of a tradeshow – we want you to invite you to start your morning Majestically.  

Stop by Townsend Leather’s booth #3885 on Wednesday morning from 9-12 to join us for a Bubbles in the Morning party.  A morning cocktail hour of bubbles and delights with Townsend Leather.  Get your hands on our newest leather, Majestic Cowhide, have some bubbly to start your morning off right, and head out to the rest of the show majestically. 

Contact us for more details, info@townsendleather.com 

“Enable the usage of 50% more hides…”, see an article expressing excitement at the introduction of Majestic Cowhide to the market…

[pdf-embedder url=”https://townsendleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NBAA-BACE_053.pdf”]

Of course, Majestic Cowhide will not be the only leather on display at the Townsend Leather booth. 

Whenever your designs deserve a spotlight, we have the leather for you.  

Let us know if you will be at NBAA or have any questions about our newest offerings, info@townsendleather.com

Townsend Leather’s fan favorites and passion-drive leaders, Jared and Sarah Eckler, were featured in a profile interview article with Business Aviation Magazine.  

With heart and intelligence, they discuss Townsend’s extreme high-quality, covid impacts, growth, and our newest product – Majestic Cowhide. 

Majestic Cowhide will be a spotlighted product at the upcoming NBAA tradeshow.  

[pdf-embedder url=”https://townsendleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BAM023-82-87-Townsend-Leather_PROOF.pdf” title=”BAM023 82-87 Townsend Leather_PROOF”]

The Top CEO announcement is not a surprise for anyone connected with Townsend.  Jared’s heart-led leadership is felt daily by everyone here at Townend but is visible to anyone on the outside as well, fans of Townsend, community members, customers, everyone sees the impact Jared. 

The Times Union describes many of the incredible things Jared does to support the Townsend team, one thing not mentioned though is the non-action that is equally powerful.  Jared knows how to listen, how to be still, and be present.  Leadership is not always big gestures or loudly visible, powerful leadership sometimes comes from leaning forward to listen a little closer when an employee needs to rant about something.  That feeling of welcome, of personal connecting, of equal-plane you-matter-ness is something Jared models so admirably in his leadership.  

JARED ECKLER PRESIDENT, TOWNSEND LEATHER

Jared began working at Townsend Leather in May 1997, working with their raw materialand learning all aspects of production. from then-President Terry Kucel, who spotted his leadership abilities and supported his studies in Business Management and Economics at Empire State College. In 2010, Jared stepped into the President’s role.

Jared is an amazing leader who engages each Partner as an integral part of the company, motivating them to be their best selves. You can find him sorting hides or helping toggle or mill an order of leather just about everyday, along with mentoring and supporting individuals as they grow their own capabilities, and his skill and devotion to having fun while getting things done to create a warm, family-like atmosphere.

Every Partner gets a handwritten anniversary card every year with a personalized thanks for their unique qualities, and the annual Superlative Awards celebrate individuals for exemplifying company values like grit, flexibility, and communication; regular things like T-Shirt Theme Fridays and “Twinning” shots on the company’s internal Facebook Workplace, along with deep and wide-ranging discussions of everything from TED talks and novels to the latest pop media trends.

Jared is every Townsend Partner’s biggest cheerleader during difficult times and good ones alike. His compassion, optimism, belief in his team’s potential, and open-door,non-judgmental style builds a genuine connection that serves us well, no matter what challenge a day brings.

We previously talked about Townsend Leadership’s celebration of their previous 40 under 40 awards, but as it feels directly tied to Jared’s win as a Top CEO, it is worth mentioning again.  Townsend Leather has 40 Under 40 award-winning leadership.  Townsend Leather prides itself on who we are as much as what we do, and who we are is driven by our leadership.  Luckily, we have the best, award-winning, passionate leadership anywhere.  We have been awarded as the Best and Top place to work for many years, and for almost as many years we have been awarded special recognition for our leadership team. And it is not surprising when you spend any time with Tricia, Sarah, Tim, or Jared – you immediately know this is a team that is connected, invested, and wants to create greatness together – both in product and in people.  

This past year our “Clued In” Award-winning leadership team was asked to celebrate their personal recognitions of their past 40 Under 40 awards.  

The Albany Business Review scours the entire Capital Region each year for influential leaders and after a nomination, review, and analysis process – they finally settle on just a small handful of people to honor.  Townsend Leather is proud to boast that 3 of the people that drive Townsend in heart and direction are previous winners of this 40 Under 40 influential leadership recognition.  

This year, the Albany Business Review wanted to do catchup and a “where are they now” feature of some honored previous winners.  Townsend’s 3 winners are still all at Townsend, still being influential, still being amazing.  

Sarah Eckler

See the Albany Business Review Feature here: https://bizj.us/1qf7kv

Sarah oversees all aspects of sales and marketing at Townsend Leather, working closely with the internal and external sales and customer service teams, the sample department, and marketing and graphic design teams… all while helping to bring Townsend’s leather-producing capabilities and expansive product line to the design-world through trade shows, our website, social media, promotional materials… Townsend’s world-renowned leather is used for end-applications that include aviation interiors, hotels, casinos, yachts, cruise ships and even private residences.

Sarah is known far and wide as the heart of Townsend Leather.

In the time since her 40 Under 40 award she has only deepened her love of supporting people in every way, while simultaneously growing Townsend’s reach to a worldwide brand.

Jared Eckler

See the Albany Business Review Feature here: https://bizj.us/1qf7l1

See more about Jared’s original 40 Under 40 recognition: https://wp.me/p9cvc3-1Ob

Jared loves making leather.

Whether he is participating in oversight of all production quality and process, or is acquiring and allocating the raw material from Germany. Jared loves working with our team on culture, partner recognition, and development.

Jared has spent the past few years since his 40 under 40 award leading, Jared has harnessed his natural leadership skills to be a mentor and positive example to hundreds of Townsend Partners over the years. Jared’s passion for Townsend comes from his passion for people and ensuring that both the leather that Townsend makes and the people that make it are crafted and cared for, to the best quality possible.

Tim Beckett

See the Albany Business Review Feature here: https://bizj.us/1qf7kz

See more about Tim’s original 40 Under 40 recognition: https://wp.me/p9cvc3-310

Tim is a cool guy who does cool things.

He has P/L responsibilities at Townsend Leather, so his duties on any given day are where it would have the greatest impact. His passion is in the continued growth of Townsend and helping it reach its future goals.

Townsend Leather is so proud of being a high-minded yet down-to-earth, fantastic place full of fantastic people.  With leaders throughout the company in all levels and areas, it is now surprise that Townsend is continually recognized with outstanding leadership.  

Townsend’s Leaders are so deserving of the awards they have received.  These recognitions and the further acknowledgment of them are a meaningful testament to their continued dedication to the growing Townsend team and their continued excellence in leadership.  We are continually growing and changing as a company, but one of the powerful consistents that makes Townsend Townsend, and makes us an award-winning team – is our leadership.  Their passions, compassion, skill, and drive help make us who we are. 

Our passion is leather and like you, our love is color.

We have improved our Sample Sorting & Selecting process!  When you are looking for leather samples, Townsend Leather makes it even easier for you, go to our Sample Store and with one click narrow down to just the color range you want to explore.

If you are looking for something right away, you can sort immediately to our In-Stock selections.  Or click around through the Categories and Collections, or head right to the Townsend Leather Product you love.  There are so many ways to quickly, easily, and beautifully find the exact swatch you need for your designs.

All you have to do to get started is Register an account.  Simple, painless, familiar.   A Townsend Leather Sample account allows you to browse, build lightboxes, and place sample orders… all with just a couple of simple clicks.

When you register, you will get an email confirmation, when your account is setup and approved, you can build any custom design lightbox of leather samples your design-heart can dream.  When you are ready click Order and we will get right to work pulling your samples and getting them shipped out.

If you have special requirements of sample sizes or delivery needs, include them in the Special Instructions or Comments section. We will do everything we can to accommodate those requests.  Townsend Leather sells to the trade only. Samples will be provided as 4×4 inch pieces and should arrive to you in about 1 week.

If you have any questions about using the Sample Store, click here for our FAQ list or email us at web@townsendleather.com

On May 18^th, 2022 a group of Townsend Leather Partners participated in, and had a great time, in the well-known CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge in Downtown Albany, NY.  After a couple years of not being able to participate due to COVID-19, our team loved being able to get back into the run-fun!

This event is the largest running event in the Capital District of New York, and is organized by, and serves as the major fundraiser for, the Hudson-Mowhawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC). The proceeds help underwrite many of HMRRC’s activities and offerings, including college scholarships, grants, free races for members, and the Just Run® Program, which encourages grade school children to run for exercise and fun.

At this year’s event, over 6,000 registered participants donated over $10,000 to this year’s Charity of Choice, Oakwood Community 

Center. Oakwood Community Center (OCC) offers a welcoming and nurturing space for the diverse residents of Troy to meet as strangers and become neighbors who care and advocate for each other.

We again, participated in the T-Shirt Contest, where businesses/teams submit a custom t-shirt design of their own, then it is judged the night before the race. Townsend won 3^rd place for the Most Corporate!

Townsend Leather’s team members joined together to create tie-dye socks and bandanas to go along with their custom-designed shirts, as well.

All together this was one amazing event – Townsend Partners worked together making their team apparel, had lots of fun, great exercise in beautiful surroundings, and took home 3^rd place in the T-shirt Contest. You can’t ask for anything more.

Townsend Leather is looking forward to next year!

ORDER SAMPLES

Love is love – show your love, in leather.

(previously posted on Townsend Leather)  Townsend is and has always been a company that celebrates color, freedom of thoughts, personal expression, and inclusivity of all humans. We live in a diverse, multicultural world, where everyone should feel safe expressing themselves.

Life is more beautiful when love comes in many colors and this month we will be celebrating this in many ways.
Here’s to loving proudly and living colorfully 💖🧡💛💚💙💜!

Show your love and pride in your designs with Townsend Leather, through our colorful standard product lines, our brand new Digital Print options, with specialty effect leathers, or even right on your device desktop.   
Some ways you can show your love and love your leather:

1) Browse a selection of Pride rainbow-inspired leather samples from our vast selection of standard products. 

2) Request a custom-curated Rainbow-inspired Townsend Leather Sample Set

3) Get an exclusive first-hand look at one of our newest leather offerings, Digitally Printed leather.  Printed with colorful Pride designs.  

4) Download a Pride-themed leather background image for your computer or mobile device.

Let us know the ways you celebrate Pride and share your colorful designs with us, www.instagram.com/townsendleather/

Love is love – show your love, in allyship.

(previously posted on Townsend Leather)

We’ve shared ways you can show Pride in your leather designs with Townsend, www.townsendleather.com/pride-2021, in everything we do at Townsend, we deeply love leather, but we know what is even more important is, people.  So we also wanted to share our passion and pride for humans.  

This year we continued and increased our support of the HRC and their valiant mission.  

“The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.  Equality for ALL not for some.”

‘Equality for all‘ is an idea we can fully and strongly stand behind.  It is an idea we try hard to express out to our community.  Sometimes the impact you have on others stays invisible, but sometimes you get lucky and you meet someone who is brave and willing to be vulnerable.  Sometimes you meet someone like Sabrina, who volunteers to share the story of her first days at Townsend, what it meant to her, and what it continues to be for her.  

Sabrina joined Townsend Leather in March and quickly become a Partner associated with greatness.  Sabrina has impressed everyone with focused dedication to work, speed, and a fun-to-be-around attitude.  Sabrina is a person who brings people together and we are so glad she is part of the team.  

“When I first came to Townsend, I was really scared. I heard great things about the place, but I didn’t know if they were true or if I was even going to be liked for who I was.

But, I was happily surprised that Townsend truly was such a loving and caring environment.

On my first day, I was really slow and kept apologizing to my trainer, but she kept brushing my apologies aside and encouraging me, telling me that I was doing great. That day I even met the president of the company, Jared, and he was also so lovely, nice, and encouraging. It was such a relief to know that the people were really like a family.

It was because of this warm, family kindness that I finally opened up to people about being pansexual. I always hid it before, because I was afraid of being judged and hated for it, but the people at Townsend welcomed me and I even met other people who were gay/bisexual. It was so nice.

I started learning more about the LGBTQ+ community and accepting who I was. I learned it was okay to like men, women, non-binary people, transgender people, etc; and I learned, I am really, really glad I came to work here.” 

And  so  are  all  of  us.  

Townsend is an equal opportunity employer.  We are heartfelt intent on balance, growth, and innovation for all, especially those that face marginalization and unfair barriers.  We hope everyone can find a place they feel welcomed, where they feel like they are with family, and we will continue striving to be that place for as many people as we can.  

Love conquers all, even hate.  

(previously posted on Townsend Leather)

Because right now, listening, supporting, and loving is what matters most, we are proud to celebrate #PrideMonth.  

Especially this month, we join in celebrating the overdue yet welcome news on the landmark Supreme Court ruling on Civil Rights Act Title VII that clearly states, “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law,” – Justice Neil M. Gorsuch 

Actions based in inclusivity, togetherness, love, and progress will always be supported and celebrated by Townsend Leather.  There is still so far to go, but as we look out to the horizon, we feel a sense of hope and peace at the path forward.  

One way Townsend Leather is taking action this month is in renewing our support of the HRC.  

The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community. www.hrc.org

It is a mission we are proud to be connected to and will continue to support.  

We are also proud to be able to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the historic and moving ruling from our Supreme Court in favor of nationwide marriage equality.  Progress takes struggle.  Progress takes time.  We are proud to be able to be witness to progress and eagerly look toward a future of even more. 

A 4th of July to Celebrate!

ORDER SAMPLES

(previously posted on Townsend Leather)  As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year and look back over Townsend Leather’s lush history, it is humbling and moving to see all that we share this anniversary year with… the Beatles last performance, the Moon Landing, Woodstock… and the catalyst event to establish Pride month. 

Townsend has long been a force of love and connection, as seen in our work, our people and on our shirts, billboards, and banners emblazoned with our All Are Welcome symbol and the philosophy behind that symbol being a cornerstone-value of how we work.  And as expressed on International Women’s Day, “We take the challenges of pushing the boundaries of leather, production, and culture seriously.  We are heartfelt intent on balance, growth, and innovation for all, especially those that face marginalization and unfair barriers“.  Therefore, we feel a sense of reverence and respect at sharing our anniversary-year with such a powerfully important movement.  

The Stonewall Riots happened 50 years ago in nearby-to-Townsend, New York City, and out of the strength, bravery, and action of those that stood up – grew the necessary and powerful annual LGBTQ+ focused Pride Month.  

This month, especially, we honor those groundbreakers and pioneers who came before to get us where we are today, as a more united group of humans.  There is still work to do.  

We look to the bright future and those who will do incredible things, and look forward to ways we can support and grow rights for all humans.  

While we celebrate 50 historical years along with millions of others for various reasons, we also put emphasis on stitching together our past with our future.  Our focus on the future gives us motivation to narrow in on youth and the challenges young LGBT face.  So we proudly support the work and mission of the Human Rights Campaign, https://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/children-youth with a donation in honor of these significant 50 years. Proud to help “create an inclusive learning environment for [all] students”.  

It is thought-provoking to recognize, just 4 years ago we were celebrating the Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriage a nation-wide right…

A 4th of July to Celebrate!

It is uplifting to imagine the many more movements and growth that we can collectively celebrate in the coming years.  And we will be there in the ways we can, supporting and being an ally, creating a company-culture based on respect, inclusion, and growth… and of course doing it in the most color-filled way we can! 🏳️‍🌈

As passionate expert color-crafters, our Sample Set Boxes are always explosions of color, but our Pride-Month Rainbow 🌈 Pride Box is especially colorfilled.  Contact us at info@townsendleather.com to add one to your library.  

https://townsendleather.com/leather/samples/product-lines/_Sample-Sets-and-Materials_

And we would be remiss if we did not highlight one of our newest designer-driven, Pride-complimentary products, Stacy Garcia Bond Cowhide.  

The strong Ruby, vibrant Curry, eye-grabbing Emerald, and daring Cobalt colors seamlessly blend into our rainbow collection.  And with its strong linear embossed pattern, it brings to mind the bold stripes of a flag.  Timeless, bold, self-assured, and complimentary – Stacy Garcia Bond Cowhide is a delightful Color-Trend highlight for Townsend Leather this Pride month of June.  

Contact us for Stacy Garcia Bond Cowhide samples, a Rainbow Pride Sample Box, or anything else.  

Townsend Leather prides itself on who we are as much as what we do, and who we are is driven by our leadership.  Luckily, we have the best, award-winning, passionate leadership anywhere.  We have been awarded as the Best and Top place to work for many years, and for almost as many years we have been awarded special recognition for our leadership team. And it is not surprising when you spend any time with Tricia, Sarah, Tim, or Jared – you immediately know this is a team that is connected, invested, and wants to create greatness together – both in product and in people.  

This past year our “Clued In” Award-winning leadership team was asked to celebrate their personal recognitions of their past 40 Under 40 awards.  

The Albany Business Review scours the entire Capital Region each year for influential leaders and after a nomination, review, and analysis process – they finally settle on just a small handful of people to honor.  Townsend Leather is proud to boast that 3 of the people that drive Townsend in heart and direction are previous winners of this 40 Under 40 influential leadership recognition.  

This year, the Albany Business Review wanted to do catchup and a “where are they now” feature of some honored previous winners.  Townsend’s 3 winners are still all at Townsend, still being influential, still being amazing.  

Sarah Eckler

See the Albany Business Review Feature here: https://bizj.us/1qf7kv

Sarah oversees all aspects of sales and marketing at Townsend Leather, working closely with the internal and external sales and customer service teams, the sample department, and marketing and graphic design teams… all while helping to bring Townsend’s leather-producing capabilities and expansive product line to the design-world through trade shows, our website, social media, promotional materials… Townsend’s world-renowned leather is used for end-applications that include aviation interiors, hotels, casinos, yachts, cruise ships and even private residences.

Sarah is known far and wide as the heart of Townsend Leather.

In the time since her 40 Under 40 award she has only deepened her love of supporting people in every way, while simultaneously growing Townsend’s reach to a worldwide brand.

Jared Eckler

See the Albany Business Review Feature here: https://bizj.us/1qf7l1

See more about Jared’s original 40 Under 40 recognition: https://wp.me/p9cvc3-1Ob

Jared loves making leather.

Whether he is participating in oversight of all production quality and process, or is acquiring and allocating the raw material from Germany. Jared loves working with our team on culture, partner recognition, and development.

Jared has spent the past few years since his 40 under 40 award leading, Jared has harnessed his natural leadership skills to be a mentor and positive example to hundreds of Townsend Partners over the years. Jared’s passion for Townsend comes from his passion for people and ensuring that both the leather that Townsend makes and the people that make it are crafted and cared for, to the best quality possible.

Tim Beckett

See the Albany Business Review Feature here: https://bizj.us/1qf7kz

See more about Tim’s original 40 Under 40 recognition: https://wp.me/p9cvc3-310

Tim is a cool guy who does cool things.

He has P/L responsibilities at Townsend Leather, so his duties on any given day are where it would have the greatest impact. His passion is in the continued growth of Townsend and helping it reach its future goals.

Townsend Leather is so proud of being a high-minded yet down-to-earth, fantastic place full of fantastic people.  With leaders throughout the company in all levels and areas, it is now surprise that Townsend is continually recognized with outstanding leadership.  

Townsend’s Leaders are so deserving of the awards they have received.  These recognitions and the further acknowledgment of them are a meaningful testament to their continued dedication to the growing Townsend team and their continued excellence in leadership.  We are continually growing and changing as a company, but one of the powerful consistents that makes Townsend Townsend, and makes us an award-winning team – is our leadership.  Their passions, compassion, skill, and drive help make us who we are. 

“The only reason it even matters to me is because it came from you . Your thoughts, your experience with me and in this company, your belief, your support, your partnership, and you as a team. A team that motivates and inspires me to make things better for and with you. “Luckiest leader” I’d take over “top CEO” with partners like you showing me the greatest heart , Grit, passion, with the experience and know how from our vets, and the wild untapped potential of our new partners – I’m lucky & honored – thank you!”  – Jared

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NBAA 2022

  See Townsend Leather at NBAA 2022 Talking leather, getting deep into aircraft details and designs, and taking time to just be with ‘our people‘ – Townsend is very excited… Full Aritcle

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TOP CEO

After winning Top Work Place again, and Clued-In Leadership award, and a special 40 Under 40 acknowledgment… our President, Jared Eckler, has now also been named a TOP CEO by the Times… Full Aritcle

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On May 18th, 2022 a group of Townsend Leather Partners participated in, and had a great time, in the well-known CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge in Downtown Albany, NY.  After a couple years… Full Aritcle

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Townsend Leather prides itself on who we are as much as what we do, and who we are is driven by our leadership.  Luckily, we have the best, award-winning, passionate leadership… Full Aritcle

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