During WWII, Anton William Otrusina was introduced to the inner workings of leather as he helped create leather goods for The U.S. Army. A few years later, Anton and his brother, Joseph, opened up Brookfield Leather Goods near Chicago and produced seats andsaddlebags for Indian Motorcycles and Sam Brown Hardware. In 1962, Anton took his passion and expertise for leather to Chicago’s Clinton Avenue where he started A W Enterprises. Shortly after, he received a call that would change history.

Galvin Manufacturing (now Motorola) had this revolutionary new product and needed a pouch for it. It was this strange thing called a “Walkie Talkie.” Anton answered the challenge, becoming the original creator of the two-way radio case. As Anton was fond of saying“Our first 2 way carrying case WAS the first 2 way carrying case”. – may want to call this out. The same thing happened in 1972, when Motorola invented the first cellular phone.

Who do you think they went to for the first case? Anton handed the reins to hisson, Edward in 1978. Since then, Edward has cleared the path with innovation and expanded designs, the lines of business and the breadth of the company while preserving the company’s roots. He’s integrated modern technology with the family’s philosophy ofOld World quality and workmanship.