Inventing the Leatherman Book: A Podcast Interview with Tim Leatherman and Chris Kornelis Media
Published: 4 hours ago
Go behind the scenes with **Tim Leatherman**, inventor of the original Leatherman multi-tool, and co-author **Chris Kornelis** as they discuss **The Leatherman Book**—the story behind one of America's most iconic inventions and the lessons learned from building a global company.
In this long-form conversation, Tim shares how an eight-year invention journey became a 40+ year business, why he finally decided to write his story, and the hard-earned lessons about creativity, perseverance, leadership, and innovation that shaped Leatherman Tool Group.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, maker, business owner, designer, engineer, or longtime Leatherman fan, this interview offers practical advice and inspiring stories about bringing big ideas to life.
Topics include:
• Why Tim Leatherman wrote *The Leatherman Book*
• The origin story behind the Leatherman multi-tool
• Lessons from 40+ years of building a company
• Innovation, creativity, and solving difficult problems
• The writing process with co-author Chris Krenelis
• Favorite Leatherman tools and features
• Incredible real-world Tool Tales from Leatherman users
• Advice for entrepreneurs, inventors, and creative professionals
• The story behind the people and culture at Leatherman
**About The Leatherman Book**
More than a memoir, *The Leatherman Book* combines Tim Leatherman's remarkable journey with practical insights on invention, business, creativity, and persistence. Filled with never-before-seen photos, sketches, design notes, and lessons learned over four decades, it's a resource for anyone working to build something meaningful.
Pre-order or learn more:
https://www.leatherman.com/pages/the-leatherman-book
In this long-form conversation, Tim shares how an eight-year invention journey became a 40+ year business, why he finally decided to write his story, and the hard-earned lessons about creativity, perseverance, leadership, and innovation that shaped Leatherman Tool Group.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, maker, business owner, designer, engineer, or longtime Leatherman fan, this interview offers practical advice and inspiring stories about bringing big ideas to life.
Topics include:
• Why Tim Leatherman wrote *The Leatherman Book*
• The origin story behind the Leatherman multi-tool
• Lessons from 40+ years of building a company
• Innovation, creativity, and solving difficult problems
• The writing process with co-author Chris Krenelis
• Favorite Leatherman tools and features
• Incredible real-world Tool Tales from Leatherman users
• Advice for entrepreneurs, inventors, and creative professionals
• The story behind the people and culture at Leatherman
**About The Leatherman Book**
More than a memoir, *The Leatherman Book* combines Tim Leatherman's remarkable journey with practical insights on invention, business, creativity, and persistence. Filled with never-before-seen photos, sketches, design notes, and lessons learned over four decades, it's a resource for anyone working to build something meaningful.
Pre-order or learn more:
https://www.leatherman.com/pages/the-leatherman-book