What's in a brand? For Diamond 8, it's a story of transition, learning, and camaraderie formed in the unlikeliest of places—the Montana Horseman Saddle Building School in Belgrade, Montana.
In early 2021, as part of my transition plan from military service, I attended a five-week course at this renowned saddle school, led by one of the most fascinating instructors I've ever met, Dale Moore. Alongside me were three other veterans, each with aspirations of becoming saddle makers.
Throughout the course, my classmates and I grew close, bonding over our shared experiences and dreams. Among them were Andrew Weaver, a USMC Vet from Wyoming; Bryan Parr, an Air Force Vet from Washington; and Andrew Wass, an Army Aviator from the Montana National Guard who grew up right next door to the school.
Our evenings were spent much in the spirit of the cowboy culture we were immersing ourselves in, with weekly dinners at the Land of Magic, a local steakhouse that seemed to capture the essence of our surroundings perfectly. It was here, amidst conversations laden with stories of cattle brands and the art of branding, that the idea for Diamond 8 took root.
The walls of the Land of Magic were adorned with hieroglyphic-like cattle brands, each with its own story and legal significance in Montana. This piqued my curiosity and led to a dinner discussion that would ultimately inspire the creation of my own brand. Diamond 8 was not just a nod to my newfound craft but also a homage to my military career—I retired as a First Sergeant, a rank uniquely signified by a diamond within the insignia, paired with the enlisted rate of E-8.
Armed with the symbolism of my past and the craftsmanship skills I was honing, I refined these elements into what would become the Diamond 8 logo—a symbol that represents both my history and my future in leather crafting.
Since graduating from the saddle school, I've kept in touch with my fellow students, each forging their own path in life and craftsmanship. Dale Moore, now in his early nineties, continues to teach, passing down his wealth of knowledge to new generations alongside his grandson, Cody McDowell.
For those interested in experiencing a piece of this cowboy culture, I recommend visiting the Land of Magic Steakhouse (link) or exploring the Montana Horseman Saddle Building School (link). Each place holds a special memory in my journey and contributed to the brand that Diamond 8 is today.
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