Buffalo Billfold: Made in USA Bison Leather Goods
The Buffalo Billfold Company knows the business of Made in USA bison leather goods. But, what makes this American-made family business tick?
Made in USA Bison Leather Goods, Since 1972
The story of the Buffalo Billfold Company starts with Bill and Lauri Keitel. Although Bill came from a family of optometrists, he decided to walk a different path. Bill began his career in the pedestrian business of “prescription-orthopedic buildup work.” The Buffalo Billfold Company started as a creative side gig. But, just a few months after renting a small storefront, Bill and Lauri Keitel fully committed to a life of leathercraft.
Bill Keitel, Buffalo Billfold Company
In the small town of Worthington, Minnesota, Bill and Lauri chose the former Citizens National Bank building as their new storefront. Built in 1901, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Citizens National Bank of Worthington, MN (Source: Buffalo Billfold Company)
From Brick and Mortar to the Information Highway
As the business grew, the owners of Buffalo Billfold stayed as flexible as their bison leather. Realizing the opportunity to reach additional customers, the Keitels expanded their business to the so-called “information highway.” Now, the online store brings in the majority of sales, with brick and mortar sales still accounting for about 20% of business.
At home, Bill focuses on hide selecting and die-cutting. The Buffalo Billfold Company proudly employs five staff to keep up with demand. In line with family business values, the staff sometimes includes at least one tag-along leather smith in training (pictured below in lavender pants).
The Buffalo Billfold Company (+ Leather Smith in Training) & its Historic Storefront
On the road, Bill and Lauri promote and sell their products at juried art festivals. As “modern day gypsies,” Bill and Lauri sometimes have been known to sleep at truck stops. Along the way, they’ve picked up a few awards, like the ArtSplash Award of Excellence (Sioux City, IA) and ArtFalls Award of Merit (Sioux Falls, SD), along with awards in Duluth (Festival Favorite) and Arizona. In addition, the Buffalo Billfold Company tans bison leather in a traditional method. Due to this connection with American bison, Bill and Lauri have been invited to Native American Indian powwows, including the largest of those gatherings—the Gathering of Nations.
The Keitels’ travels take them through the southwest—to Bozeman, Montana, Denver, Colorado, and Phoenix, Arizona. Travelling with artists and artisans, it seems like Bill and Lauri were built for this lifestyle. And yet, Bill jokes during our phone chat, sometimes he thinks he’s “perhaps failing at retirement.” Success seems like the best kind of failure to me!
Lauri Keitel Promoting her Made in USA Bison Leather Goods, 2009 (Source: Road Notes)
The Buffalo Billfold Company Way
Made in USA is more than just a label to the Buffalo Billfold Company. As stated on their site:
We believe in the craftsman’s way of life: the command over materials, tools & processes. In an era of ruthlessly cheap imports, we take pride in creating quality handmade leather goods using full grain leather. Our handmade Buffalo leather goods are Made in USA & built to last.
Featured at Yellowstone National Park and Bright Angel Lodge, among other unique venues, the Buffalo Billfold Company offers a range of bison leather products. Top-selling products include:
- the Buffalo Leather Two Fold Wallet,
- Buffalo Leather Three Fold Wallet,
- Leather Money Clip Card Holder,
- HMK Buffalo Leather Purse (named for the Keitels’ daughter, who designed the purse as a teenager), and
- a full line of buffalo leather belts.
Rave reviews include this comment from “Linn” about the two-fold wallet:
I’ve had it for about 7 years now, and I’m pretty confident it could last another 70.
And this comment from “Christy” about the HMK purse:
Love this purse. It is holds all my necessities. The leather is soft & smooth. Very durable. Great size for on the go travel.
So, what are you waiting for? Shop the online store now!
Made in USA Bison Leather Goods: Buffalo Leather Two Fold Wallet
Visiting the Store & More Made in USA Accessories
If you’re day-tripping to the Buffalo Billfold Company store (about a three-hour drive from Minneapolis), plan ahead, and keep an eye on store hours.
And, now that you’ve explored the Buffalo Billfold Company, you’ll probably need a matching hat! Check out the American-made hats, clothing, etc. on the Made in USA List. To whet your whistle:
- American Made Cap Company (bison logo ballcaps)
- Bollman Hat Company
- Covet Hats
- Head’n Home
