2026 Third Quarter Newsletter
A Love of Leather and the People Behind It + 4 Estate Planning Steps for Collectors and Hobbyists
A Love of Leather and the People Behind It
My husband and I have a lot in common, including our love of beautifully made leather goods. Over the years, we have accumulated quite a collection from Saddleback Leather Company (“SBL”), a company founded and owned by husband-and-wife team Dave and Suzette Munson.
My husband introduced me to SBL. As an attorney, he was tired of spending money on briefcases that lasted only a couple of years, so he began searching for something that was truly built to last. His search led him to SBL, and in 2015 he purchased an extra-large Classic Briefcase. That particular briefcase has since been retired, but it is still one of his favorite pieces.
A year later, I purchased my first SBL piece, a small Original Tote. That was the beginning of my own SBL collection!
One of the things that initially attracted us to the company was its commitment to quality. Saddleback Leather Company offers a warranty of 100 years on its leather products and embraces the philosophy, “They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead.” The idea is that their products are so well made that they are meant to outlast their original owners.
But our appreciation for SBL grew considerably in January 2025, when we joined Dave and Suzette and a small group of other SBL fans on a trip to León, Guanajuato, Mexico, to tour the company’s manufacturing facility. We were even fortunate enough to stay in Dave and Suzette’s home. Getting to know the people behind the company gave us an entirely new appreciation for what they have built.
Dave and Suzette often say that they are “a people business first and a leather bag company second.” After spending time with them, I couldn’t agree more.
Perhaps that is one reason I appreciate their philosophy so much. Every day, I have the privilege of meeting with people from all walks of life, and those interactions have taught me that the true value of the things we own often comes not from the things themselves, but from the people they are intended to serve.
And, of course, I can’t resist pointing out that their motto, “They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead,” sounds like it could have been written by an estate planning attorney!
4 Estate Planning Steps for Collectors and Hobbyists
Many of us have hobbies and passions that become an important part of our lives. Whether you collect classic cars, comic books, or vintage toys; create art or crafts; play music; or simply have a collection of items that are meaningful to you, your hobby may represent a significant investment of time, money, and emotion.
Estate planning can help ensure that the things you have spent years collecting and enjoying become part of your legacy rather than lost, forgotten, or mishandled. Here are four steps to consider:
- Inventory and document your collection.
Create a detailed inventory that includes descriptions, photographs, ownership records, certificates of authenticity, condition notes, insurance information, and care instructions. Keep this information in a secure location and make sure your loved ones know where to find it. - Talk to your family.
A common mistake is carefully documenting a collection without ever discussing it with the people who may one day be responsible for it. Your family may know what you collected, but do they understand why it mattered to you? Sharing the stories behind your collection can give your possessions meaning and help prevent misunderstandings later. - Decide how you want your collection distributed.
Consider whether you want to give your collection to one person, divide it among several people, donate it, or have it sold. Be realistic about who may actually want these items. If no one in your family shares your passion, making arrangements for the collection to be sold, and for the proceeds to be distributed according to your wishes, may be the best solution. - Put your wishes in your estate plan.
Even the most carefully documented collection can become a source of confusion if your wishes are not legally documented. Your estate plan should clearly address what you want to happen to items that are particularly valuable or meaningful to you. Don’t rely solely on informal promises or assumptions.
Your collections are more than “stuff.” They often represent years of passion, memories, and the things that made you uniquely you. If that resonates with you, give us a call so we can discuss thoughtful planning to help ensure your loved ones won’t “Fight Over It When You’re Dead!”
