Klein’s Custom Leather Finds a New Home in Holdrege with PCDC’s Help

A new leather shop is opening in Holdrege thanks to a tip from a Holdrege resident and assistance from PCDC.

Ken Klein was in the process of purchasing a leather shop in Kearney when the building he was planning to rent was sold.  

Klein, who lives in Eustis, told a Holdrege customer who stopped in for a boot repair that he was looking for a new location. That customer told Klein that Holdrege would love to support his business and connected Klein with Ron Tillery, PCDC’s executive director at the time.

“I said if I couldn’t find anything I could afford, I would move it back to my house,” Klein said. “But, PCDC really put forth the effort to show me how much they wanted me in town.”

Tillery contacted Klein and helped him find a location for his business in Holdrege after being alerted to the opportunity. He believes Klein’s business will flourish in Phelps County.

Klein’s Custom Leather & Repair is now located at 118 West 11th Avenue in Holdrege, which is just west of Nebraskaland Tire. The location was a former dance studio.

A Long History in Leather

Klein grew up in the leather business as his parents owned a store in Lexington for many years. For the past 20 years, Klein has been doing leather repair work as a hobby business while he worked full-time as a trucker.  

He hopes to officially open the new Holdrege location in December. He’s been busy setting up his store and is waiting for the final electrical work to be completed.  

Klein’s main work involves repairing horse saddles and cowboy boots, but he also repairs anything leather, including purses and women’s and men’s shoes. He makes custom leather products on request, such as belts and cowboy boots. He also sells leather products in his store, including gloves, cinches, and dog collars.

In the past, Klein has drawn customers from eastern Nebraska, northern Kansas, Louisiana and South Dakota. Many of the Phelps County feedlots are already customers.

Klein is grateful for the assistance PCDC provided in finding him a location in Holdrege, which is also a shorter commute for him from Eustis.  

PCDC is also providing assistance through a Business & Franchise Development grant, which will help with renovation or equipment, initial inventory and digital development.

For more information on Klein’s Custom Leather & Repair, visit him on Facebook at Klein’s Custom Leather & Repair or contact him at (308) 325-4554.