The Economic Times

In 2015, a Portland entrepreneur borrowed $5,000 to make a leather journal; 6 years later, his brand crossed $100 million in sales

A leather journal made in a Portland garage became the starting point for Portland Leather Goods, a company that grew far beyond local craft markets. Curtis Matsko and his partner built the business around direct sales, durable leather and accessible prices. Etsy helped push the brand to a much larger audience, while the company continued growing without outside investment or venture capital.