Adopted by the Chiricahua, Apache and christened, “He who walks with wolves” Grizzly is now renowned all across the country for his beautiful handmade leatherwork as well as his respect for nature and love of wolves. But, like so many great men, Grizzly journeyed far beyond his origins to get to where he is today.

Spending a number of years homeless and living in a cardboard box, Grizzly took odd jobs to stay fed before finally finding work as a cowboy and tour guide. It was during those hard times that his two daughters were born.  Around 1990, Grizzly set foot on the land that would eventually become Fort Grizzly. Even then, he knew in his heart that it would one day be his. The owner of the land allotted Grizzly space to live there in his trailer, and eventually a small house.

While there, Grizzly started to occasionally make jackets just for friends, but people saw that Grizzly had a talent for what he was doing and encouraged him to take some of his jackets to a trade show. It was then that Grizzly’s talent turned from a hobby to a business. People loved the jackets, and Grizzly’s been taking orders ever since.

Grizzly’s retail operation now encompasses a full line of western apparel and accessories including jewelry, artifacts and other western findings.  Grizzly himself continues to live on the ranch, now his, with his wolves and horses, working on his art nearly 100 hours a week just to keep up with demand.  But, even with his busy schedule, Grizzly still finds time to volunteer for Big Brothers and the Feed the Children Program. His two daughters are a pivotal and cherished part of his life.

Fort Grizzly, a seven and a half acre plot of land where the last major Apache wars were fought, will eventually become a wolf refuge where people can see wolves and gain an awareness and respect for the creatures that Grizzly loves so much.

After decades in the leather business, I went into retirement from the leather business.  After ten years of absence, I am back creating my trademark designs.  I would like to thank all past customers and future customers.