Craftsmanship, heritage and entrepreneurship took center stage in the recent episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel, featuring Luke Kolbie — founder of Kingfisher Leatherworks, Avontuur, and CEO of Russell Moccasin.

Additionally, Kolbie is the founder of the Conservation Through Craftsmanship Coalition (CCC), a network of makers and brands dedicated to supporting conservation through traditional skills, handcrafted products and a shared commitment to protecting the landscapes that inspire their work.

During the conversation, Kolbie shared the story of how his journey into craftsmanship began, the mentors who helped shape his path and how a passion for well-made goods turned into multiple ventures rooted in tradition and quality.

Kolbie traced his start back to an early moment with mentor Gernot Schaff, who first introduced him to working with leather by giving him a hide and encouraging him to start making. That experience ultimately led Kolbie to launch Kingfisher Leatherworks, a company known for handcrafted leather goods designed to last for generations.

“Good craftsmanship tells a story,” Kolbie said during the episode. “When something is made well, it carries the mark of the person who built it.”

That same philosophy extends to Avontuur, the retail space Kolbie co-founded in downtown Homewood with partner Andrew Adams. The store’s name comes from an Afrikaans-Old Dutch word meaning “a bold undertaking,” a fitting description for a concept that brings together small, quality-driven brands under one roof.

Located in the former Homewood Sporting Goods building, Avontuur was designed to be more than just a place to shop. The space showcases a carefully curated collection of goods from independent makers, many of whom Kolbie and Adams have built relationships with through their travels and work in the outdoor and craftsmanship communities.

During the episode, Kolbie also discussed his role as CEO of Russell Moccasin, the historic American footwear company known for its handmade boots and moccasins. Leading a legacy brand, he explained, requires balancing innovation with a deep respect for the company’s history and the skilled craftsmen who continue to build each pair by hand.

“At the end of the day, we’re caretakers of these traditions,” Kolbie said. “Our job is to honor what came before us while making sure it continues for the next generation.”

Throughout the conversation on Afield, Kolbie reflected on the importance of slowing down and investing in products made with intention. Whether it’s leather goods, boots or outdoor gear, he believes that craftsmanship should prioritize durability, function and the stories that develop over time as those items are used in the field.

For Kolbie, supporting the people behind those products is just as important as the goods themselves. Many of the makers featured at Avontuur are small businesses built around a single craft, and the store regularly hosts events and pop-ups that give customers the opportunity to meet the artisans behind the brands.

By the end of the episode, one theme remained clear: for Kolbie, craftsmanship isn’t just about making things — it’s about preserving traditions, building community, and creating products that stand the test of time.

You can listen to the full episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel and Luke Kolbie here.