www.donhume.com

You can take the man out of "Oklahoma," but you can't take the "Oklahoma" out of the man. And that's precisely why Don Hume, founder of Don Hume Leathergoods, in Miami, Oklahoma, decided over four decades ago to bring his business back to his home soil.

Born and raised in Turkey Ford, Oklahoma (just a stone's throw away from Miami), Mr. Hume enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in the San Diego, California area. Once his stint in the Navy ended, he decided to stay in California and join the La Mesa County Sheriff Department as a deputy.

"This is where his interest in leatherwork began," says Jerry Collins, President of Don Hume Leathergoods. "He couldn't help but notice the standard duty gear (belts, holsters, handcuff cases and the like) was woefully inadequate. He became intrigued with developing better quality duty gear."

For several years, Mr. Hume worked as a deputy during the days and a leather craftsman in the evenings in La Mesa.

"This inevitably took a toll on him and he eventually decided to concentrate fully on leathergoods and set up shop in La Mesa," Collins says. "It was a small operation at first with Mr. Hume acting as everything from the floor sweeper to the shipper."

Take Me Home to Miami
It was only a few years before Mr. Hume felt strongly compelled to return to his Oklahoma roots. In the late 1950s, he relocated his then fledgling business to Miami, where it has been a mainstay in the community ever since. At that time, Don Hume Leathergoods had two employees.

Today, there are 70 employees on the payroll and the company proudly provides 9,000 different items to law enforcement agencies across the world. The current day facility is located in North Miami and consists of a 68,000-square-foot building with an unattached 8,000-square-foot warehouse.

"The advantages of being in a rural community in Oklahoma are tremendous," Collins says. "Don Hume Leathergoods has had remarkable support from the city of Miami, as well as surrounding communities. The Miami Area Economic Development Service has been very helpful and supportive, as well. From the beginning, we have maintained a strong connection with the city's leadership (mayor, city manager, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) This has been extremely helpful and a terrific means of support. Rural communities seem to put forth that extra push to assist local businesses with economic development and growth. There is a huge potential for expansion in our fair state. I believe these are the key reasons Mr. Hume decided to bring the company back home in the first place."

Don Hume Leathergoods Does Its Part
Don Hume Leathergoods has long been regarded as one of the finest leathergoods manufacturers in the world, consistently supplying the law enforcement community with gun holsters, belts, handcuff cases and related leather equipment. It has now expanded its holster lines, providing products for men and women in the private sector who comply with the concealment carry laws.

Manufacturers of law enforcement and private sector concealment carry duty belts, gun holsters, shoulder rigs, trouser belts, magazine holders, handcuff cases, baton holders, radio holders, mace holders, badge holders, glove pouches, flashlight holders, cell phone holders, and accessories in quality leather and nylon.

Don Hume Leathergoods is recognized as part of a growth industry, as well as a strong component in the fight against terrorism.

"Our products are in demand on a nationwide basis to agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Transportation and Security Administration, Customs Borders Protection, and Immigration Customs Enforcement," Collins says.

Looking for a Few Good Men and Women
Since the tragic day of September 11, the demand for Don Hume Leathergoods' products has expanded by over 300 percent! In addition, the company's workforce has added at least 12 to 15 employees.

"Law enforcement agencies across the nation are beefing up in manpower, as well as in technology and equipment. To keep in step with this, Don Hume Leathergoods anticipates expanding its workforce considerably. In fact, by year end, we expect our workforce to increase by at least 25 percent," Collins says. "These are challenging times for the men and women who defend our cities, states and government. Every year, these unselfish people face tragic events head on, risk their lives and never lose sight of the job to be done. Those of us at Don Hume Leathergoods are proud to help these brave men and women and do our small part in the fight against terrorism."

To contact Don Hume Leathergoods in Miami, Oklahoma: Jerry Collins 800-331-2686, info@donhume.com.