Old School in a New World
There used to be a time where patience was rewarded with quality. I remember growing up with Heinz Ketchup (when did the spelling change from Catsup anyway) commercials with the phrase "Good things come to those who wait". In those days, it was understood that craftsmanship took time, and the craftsman was revered for his (or her) talents. It was also a time of waiting. If a shop had a wait list for their work, it meant it was because they were worth waiting for. The world had its hustle and bustle, but not like today. I know I'm going on a bit of a rant here, but bear with me...
As a society in the 21st century, we've lost that idea somewhere. I'm pretty sure the internet has something to do with that, as well as places like Amazon and the like where you can order just about anything, and have it the same day in some cases! It's convenient to be sure, but at what cost? Do you know who made it for you? Do you know what conditions it was made under? Probably not. Will it mean anything to you years down the road, or to the ones you leave behind? Most DEFINITELY not.
There's something magical about ordering something from a craftsman, and even in having to wait for it. When it's finally in your hands, you know it was made just for you. You know that your purchase was crafted with thoughtful care and attention to details. You know that you probably just helped put dinner on the table for his family and that MEANS something. You've created a connection. A go-to for your needs. The outfitter was like your local butcher, green grocer or tailor. You helped take care of him with your purchases, and he in turn took care of you with carefully considered and superbly executed work. These things took TIME.
We here at Yellow Birch (all three of us) have that mindset of old. We get to know you if you'll let us. We revel in your stories of adventure. We live for the chance to make your travels easier for you; for the chance to be a small part of your life. When we work on your order, we think about you, about how you'll use it and how it can help. Where it might fail you and where we can make it better.
There is just NO way to rush old school craftsmanship. It doesn't work. Because of that, we won't do it. I know that's an affront to the way things are done these days, and you know what? We're ok with that, and we're not alone either. The world is starting to reject the idea of mass produced goods. Of shipping containers filled with the latest and greatest thing that is only cool as long as it's popular. We don't ride trends, and neither do the rest of the burgeoning craftsman industry. We're all going back to our roots, where making something by hand MEANT SOMETHING. Some of you aren't going to like that idea, and we're ok with that too. Those who are willing to wait, will indeed be rewarded with something truly special, and that's a trend that should never have died. We're bringing it back, and you can too.
Find the makers out there that care, buy their goods. Support their industries and watch it grow. See what happens when the small shop comes back, and the middle class grows in this country. There's power there that has been lost, and even though you don't know it yet... you miss it. You'll see. And don't be afraid to wait. It always ends well. Not everything has to be "right now". Your grandparents knew it, and so did theirs. The goods they bought then are still standing strong, and yours will be too. I hope to see you all there. I'll be the guy in the dirty shop apron making something special...