Biography

ART , DRAFTING and PLAYING in a Heavy Metal rock band in the early 80`s was the inspiration for the start of AL SWANKY doing custom leatherwork. After viewing a video the band I was playing in had done, we realized one major problem. We looked like a jeans and T-shirt type band , when in fact we needed to look like Metal God warriors preparing for the ultimate battle. So on June 13,
1983 , I cashed my one and only unemployment cheque and went to a local leather retailer with $183.50 CDN. We started to install studs and rivets into everything leather we could get our hands on. Before long ,we had to book ourselves , we looked so radical , we couldn`t even get an agent ! After outfitting my own various bands for 2-3 years I now was also doing a lot of work with local and international Rock & Metal acts making complete stage costumes and accessories, even some country bands got into it. Every one knew that an entertainer had to look good on stage . It also made for a good attitude adjustment , for the good , the bad or the ugly !!! I found there were many bands out there that I had
done work for , and one day a chance meeting
between myself, a musician and his exotic dancer girlfriend ,led to an "Oh I`ll take that, that, that and these. This one lady led to a major swing from bands to exclusively the Exotic Entertainment Industry (female dancers)by 1986., From 1985 to 1989 , I hosted a local T.V. Show called METAL MANIACS. The show was designed to feature original Rock and Metal bands in a setting that many a player can never get to see. Playing in front of 500 people in a real , big time room.
I ran every Battle of the Bands in town from 85`to 89` , with METAL MANIACS as a major sponsor. As the shows host, director and organizer , the show got the attention of all the major record companies and we saw that a lot of promo product, concerts, interviews, autograph signings and tour jacket were being used. That led to a lot of work for not only the recording industry but also the people who watched the T.V. Show on a weekly basis.

DEFINITELY DIFFERENT LEATHERWORKS opened up it`s first retail location April 1 , 1988. Still dealing 85% with dancers and entertainers, the shop shocked alot of the public that had never seen such outrageous clothes and accessories. Now I am dealing with a larger market in the general public. Tastes and sizes we a radical departure from what I was used to but never saying no to a request , I custom built almost anything leather for every one from Humans, Bikers, Animals & Entertainers now.
My wife Michele and I , started going with a mobile leather shop to motorcycle rallys in 1990`From local bike rallys to across Canada adventures , these added a whole different flavor of what was to come. We saw some cool places , met great people and found the complete understanding of the I WANT side of business. Many of my customers ride stock , off the showroom floor motorcycles to the wildest radical customs . Dealing with HARLEY-DAVIDSON , SUZUKI , HONDA , KAWASAKI , YAMAHA, BMW and so many more in the CRUISER bike, ROAD RACE bike and DRAG RACING bike styles , Absolutely anything possible .

If it can be thought of , it can be made... Leather lasts ...
Motorcycles are 85% of my every day @ DEFINITELY DIFFERENT LEATHERWORKS
PRODUCTS MADE IN 100% REAL LEATHER . EVERY PIECE MADE IS CUT FROM A HIDE.
( Cow , pig , lamb , snake , deer/moose , kangaroo , buffalo , fish , foil finishes etc...)

COMPANY LOGOS CUSTOM DESIGNED BELTS HEAT FOIL / GOLD LEAF EMBOSSING
MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS and ACCESSORIES ROAD RACE SUIT SPONSOR DECALING RODEO & SHOW CHAPS ENTERTAINERS COSTUMES & ACCESSORIES PET COLLARS and LEADS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STRAPS and HOLDERS NOVELTY ITEMS & GIFTS NYLON WEBBING WORK CUSTOM EMBROIDERY on leather
 

* REPAIRS , ALTERATIONS & CUSTOMIZING to virtually anything leather .

* we carry a full line of BUCKLES ( nickel or brass )from 1/4" to 4" , D-RINGS , O-RINGS , SQUARE RINGS , CLIPS and CLASPS , SNAPS ( 12 colors ) , FASTENERS , PLASTIC CLIP SETS (and keepers ) , SPIKES (1/2",1", 1 1/4"rivet &screw), STUDS ( 20 shapes ), KEY RINGS ( 4 sizes ), BOOK CORNERS , RIVETS ( 8 sizes, 4 colors)