Simon Martin Whips & Leathercraft was founded in April 2004 by then 22-year-old Simon.
From what started out as humble beginnings in his parent’s garage in 2004, Simon then opened a retail/manufacturing outlet in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia and 3 years later employed Australia’s only whipmaker apprentice at that time.
Simon says “People were sick and tired of cheap overseas imports and I found customers were very happy to pay extra to buy quality Australian made products. If it wasn’t for this we wouldn’t be in business now. I’m thankful to all of our customers that keep coming back which has allowed us to expand the range of retail products we offer. The fact we stand 100% behind in whatever we do or sell has helped our business immensely.”
Simon began the business focused on manufacturing his own brand of products but the retail store now includes a huge range of products, both imported and Australian made, but still focusing on quality. The store sells well-known brands including RM Williams & Akubra and has become a popular tourist destination in the Devonport/Latrobe area for young and old.
Whips purchased on this website may not be made by Simon unless requested. If you would like Simon to custom make a whip for you then please visit www.whipmaker.com.au. Simon currently has nearly a 2 year wait time for orders.
Timeline-
1994 – Simon first learnt leatherwork at highschool with teacher Trevor Barrenger (dec 2003.)
2002 – Simon began whipmaking as a hobby
2004- Simon went fulltime whipmaking in his parents garage at the age of 21.
2004 – Won Best Craft Exhibitor at AGFEST. (again in 2009)
2005 – Opened the original store in Devonport (just 60sq meters and slowly expanded every few years up to 2019 to 240sq meters)
2007- Simon was presented with a Level 4 Australian Trade Certificate in Whipmaking/Saddlery
2007 – Simon was awarded with 1st Place and “Standard of Excellence” award at the Royal Easter Sydney Show.
2008 – First apprentice and staff member employed
2014 – 10th years of Stalls at AGFEST.
2019 – Opened current store in Spreyton. (Currently 600square meters) William is our first staff member to complete 10 years of service for us.
2020 – Registered as an “Australian Made” Business.
2021 – Purchased a 1999 Dennis Dart 10mt Bus to turn into a mobile store. (still a work in progress)
2021 – Won a Silver Award at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards
2022- Was selected to be part of Tourism’s Tasmania Open the Gate Program.
2023 – Now employing 8 wonderful staff!
William started his apprenticeship with us in 2010 and has continued working with us since then, although he did explore outback Australia for a time. He is a talented horseman and master craftsman. He is responsible for making our saddles and he loves a challenge in making any custom made leatherwork.
Abbey began working with us in 2019 as our Retail Manager and enjoyed being a part of our event stalls. After 3 years with us she moved to QLD but still helps us out with choosing the latest styles of handbags or clothing. ALL THE BEST ABBEY IN QLD!
Dianne began with us early 2022 and has begun a Cert III in retail which she hopes to complete in 12 months time. Dianne spends most of her time either packing orders or opening and pricing stock. She also serves out the front of the shop and answers the phone. Oh…and she loves modelling our aprons!
Jeramie began learning leatherwork as a hobby and was one of our customers for a number of years. While working part-time with us making stockwhips since early 2021, he also has his own business. Sadly Jeramie is on leave caring for his wife but when better he is hoping there is enough work for him to be full-time with the “team”.
Abbie has began her saddlery apprencticeship with us in 2022 under the guidance of our master saddler William. Abbie will be quietly working away behind the scenes but happy to have a chat to anyone that loves horses and art like she does.
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