Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Ximenez.
Hi Roger, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1977, I left Nicaragua to pursue an apprenticeship in leather goods in Offenbach, Germany, where I had the privilege of learning from true masters of the industry.
By late 1980, I returned to Miami—now my home—and began applying the techniques I had acquired, crafting ladies’ handbags from a small garage for five years before moving into a larger warehouse on 20th Street.
It was there that I discovered my true passion: the art of crafting fine belts. Transitioning into belt production was a major step, as it required specialized equipment and precision craftsmanship.
After 45 years of dedication, I can proudly say that I have mastered the art of creating some of the finest belts made in the USA today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I faced many challenges along the way, from sourcing quality leathers to finding the right accessories needed for handbag production. Fortunately, in 1986, I became a pioneer in Miami’s caiman leather industry. We imported semi-finished hides to our warehouse and later sent them out for tanning as needed.
Today, I work with very few exotic skins, as major luxury brands now acquire nearly 90% of the highest-grade materials, leaving limited availability for small U.S. manufacturers. Instead, I focus on importing directly from Italy’s top tanneries, selecting only the finest calfskins available on the market.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In 2019, I introduced a vibrant collection of belts featuring bold colors—from pink to yellow—enhanced with striking contrast stitching. The line took the golf industry by surprise and quickly gained attention for its originality and craftsmanship.
Today, we offer 30 to 40 different leathers, ranging from smooth to embossed textures, with over 2,000 possible combinations. This innovation, however, also paved the way for competitors to produce private-label belts using inferior materials and workmanship.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never give your secrets away!
Pricing:
- Our belts range from $199 to $499
- 199-499
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rogerximenez.com
- Instagram: Rogerximenezbelts
- Facebook: Rogerximenezbelts
- LinkedIn: Rogerximenezbelts
- Twitter: Rogerximenezbelts
- Youtube: Rogerximenezbelts
