Customer Introduction

Hey everyone, I'm Odin Clack, founder of Odin Leather Goods based in Louisville, Texas. What started as a creative outlet during a difficult time has grown into a thriving business with two retail stores, a strong online presence, and an active community of makers and entrepreneurs. At Odin Leather Goods, the focus goes beyond creating durable leather products. I also enjoy sharing what I’ve learned about building a craft-based business, including both successes and challenges.

What inspired you to buy a laser?

My journey into leathercraft began in an unexpected way back in 2012. My two-year-old son was diagnosed with pancreatitis and spent about two weeks in the hospital. It was an extremely difficult time for our family.

During one of the breaks from the hospital, I took a drive to clear my head and passed a small sign that simply said “leather supplies.” I decided to stop in. I had no prior experience, but I was immediately drawn to the materials, tools, and possibilities in front of me. I asked a few questions, and before I knew it, I had spent around $200 on tools and materials I barely understood at the time.

That moment turned into something much bigger. What started as a temporary creative outlet became a long-term passion. Leathercraft quickly pulled me in. Bags, wallets, saddles, boots, and templates all opened up new directions to explore, and I kept learning more.

As my skills improved and the work started to turn into a side business, I realized I needed more efficient tools. I wanted to prototype faster, create my own templates, and bring ideas into physical products more effectively. I had heard about lasers for years, and eventually I decided to take the step.

My mindset was simple: get the machine first, and figure out the applications later. That decision ended up shaping the future of my business.

Why did you choose Thunder Laser?

My first laser was an Epilog machine, and it served me well for several years. As Odin Leather Goods continued to grow, I needed a larger machine that could handle full sheets of acrylic and support higher production demands.

When I started researching again, I realized how much the industry had evolved. The performance gap between premium legacy brands and newer manufacturers had significantly narrowed, while price differences remained substantial.

I am not someone who looks for the most expensive option. I look for tools that are reliable, practical, and built for real production environments.

That is what led me to Thunder Laser.

The machines delivered the performance, speed, and build quality I needed at a much more reasonable investment level. Just as importantly, I felt confident recommending them to other makers in the community, especially those working in small workshops or just starting out.

The value proposition was clear, and it aligned with both my business needs and my perspective as a maker.

Being a Texas-based company was a nice connection, but the decision ultimately came down to reliability, performance, and overall usability.

How did Thunder Laser help you overcome initial challenges?

My transition from a full-time corporate job into running Odin Leather Goods was not something I carefully planned. I was laid off one morning, and by that afternoon I was already back in the workshop fulfilling orders.

I initially looked for another job for a couple of days, but the business quickly became too demanding, especially heading into the holiday season. Odin Leather Goods naturally became my full-time focus.

The laser played a critical role during this transition. It allowed me to rapidly prototype new designs before investing in expensive clicker dies. This saved both time and money, while also improving product consistency and development speed.

It also gave me the ability to create my own templates, which became an important part of the business. Over time, I realized I could test ideas, adjust designs, and optimize production in ways I simply could not do before.

With Thunder Laser and LightBurn software, I gained far more flexibility in how I approached production. Even small changes in design or settings could save significant time across large batches.

At the time, I did not fully realize how much I was missing until I experienced the difference.

How has your business grown or life changed since buying a laser?

The business has grown steadily from a small space at my dining room table, to a garage setup, then to a 1,500-square-foot workshop, and now to a 3,700-square-foot facility.

At every stage, I believed the space would be enough. Each time, we eventually outgrew it.

One of the biggest turning points was when my wife, Rochelle, joined the business. Opening retail stores was never part of my original plan, but her involvement and perspective helped shape a new direction for the company.

Neither of us came from a retail background, but together we built something that reflects both our vision and our community.

The laser has remained central through every stage of growth. It is now used for prototyping, production, signage, branding elements, and product customization across almost everything we create.

Its versatility has made it one of the most important tools in our entire workflow.

What do you like most about Thunder Laser?

What I appreciate most about Thunder Laser is the combination of value, reliability, and versatility. After purchasing my Nova Plus, I was impressed enough to purchase a Royal Light fiber laser shortly after. That experience alone reflects the level of trust I have in the machines.

The key advantages for my business are:

Reliable daily performance Strong cutting and engraving quality Excellent value for the investment Versatility across multiple applications Efficient workflow integration with LightBurn Fast prototyping and production capability

Most importantly, it is a system I can confidently recommend to other makers and business owners.

What advice would you give someone who is wanting to start with a laser?

For anyone considering starting a business or working with a laser, my advice is simple.

Do not rush the transitionYour current job can be a valuable foundation that supports your business growth. Stability early on gives you more freedom later.

Focus on one direction firstIt is natural to want to create many things, but successful businesses usually begin with focus. Build one strong product line before expanding.

Choose tools based on versatilityYour tools should grow with your business. A laser is valuable because it can support many different applications as your needs evolve.

Think in terms of long-term resilienceOne of the things I value most is knowing I could rely on my laser in almost any situation. It is a tool that can support a quick restart if needed, which gives real confidence as a business owner.