In this episode of Mountain Mule Media, Tim sits down with Matt Saporito, founder of Brick Bound Leather Goods in Bozeman. Matt shares how a knee injury led him down an unexpected path to craftsmanship — building a leather goods company defined by simplicity, durability, and integrity.
Listen to Episode 51
Building a Business by Hand
When Matt tore his knee in Big Sky, he found himself with too much time to think and not enough to do. What started as a way to stay busy during recovery turned into the beginning of Brick Bound Leather Goods. Using saddle-grade leather and heavy-duty thread, Matt began making simple products with one goal — to make them well.
He learned the craft from local saddle maker Brian at Black Sheep, who showed him the basics of tooling, stitching, and materials. From there, Matt built his skills one piece at a time, creating items meant to last decades instead of years. Every wallet, bag, and tote is hand-stitched and made with traditional methods that avoid shortcuts.
“I use thread that’s overkill for what it needs to do,” Matt says, “but it means I can confidently say the product will last.”
Quality Over Quantity
The philosophy behind Brick Bound is straightforward — buy less, buy better. Instead of chasing trends, Matt focuses on functional designs that let the leather speak for itself. He uses vegetable-tanned leather, a process that relies on oils from tree bark rather than harsh chemicals, producing material that ages beautifully and reflects the natural grain of the hide.
Matt’s shop in the historic Misco Mill building has become part of a small community of Bozeman makers who share the same belief in sustainable craftsmanship. His neighbors include The Refillery Supply Co. and Treeline Coffee.
“Every piece I make was once living,” Matt says. “That deserves respect. You take care of it like your own skin.”
A Simple Name with a Deeper Meaning
When asked about the name Brick Bound, Matt explains it came from an unlikely moment of inspiration. “My business partner and I were stuck trying to come up with something that represented quality and durability. We took a break, went to dinner downtown in a brick building, and it just clicked. Bricks are simple, uniform, and strong — just like the leather we use.”
That same philosophy runs through everything he makes. Each piece is meant to outlast its owner, passed down rather than thrown away. In a culture built around convenience, Brick Bound Leather Goods is a reminder that real craftsmanship never goes out of style.
You can visit Brick Bound Leather Goods inside the Misco Mill or online at brickbound.com.
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, connecting Montana’s people, businesses, and stories.
