Frank Clegg got his start in leatherwork almost by accident, a Christmas gift of leather tools from his girlfriend while he was still in college in 1970. He launched his own line in 1974, right after finishing an MBA at Babson College, and landed his first real proof of concept when a Boston couple opening a boutique in St. Croix placed a $3,500 order on the spot. The business is still based in a restored mill in Fall River, Massachusetts, now run alongside his sons Andrew and Ian.