Meet Sackett Wood

For Sackett Wood, CEO of Moore & Giles, leather is not just a material, it is an art form.

“We celebrate the natural features in leather. What some might call defects, we see as attributes.”

He believes leather's timeless qualities -- its durability, breathability, and aesthetic appeal -- are what make it so desirable.

"It’s comfortable and durable. Things that last matter and things that matter last,” he said. As a graduate of E.C. Glass High School, Wood's local roots run deep as he has led the company, which was founded in 1933, since 2006. Moore & Giles is now a global leader in luxury natural leather, known for creating products that span multiple industries, from high-end furniture and fashion accessories to aviation and hospitality.

Wood said the company has a unique position in the leather industry. “We live at the end of the food chain,” he said. “These hides are only available because people eat meat. If people don’t eat meat, there’s no leather.”

This philosophy of sustainability and maximizing the use of available resources defines Moore & Giles' mission. “We believe in creating a purpose for every hide on earth,” he said.

Moore & Giles runs two distribution centers, one in Lynchburg and another in Amherst, where the company custom manufactures one-of-a-kind leather bags and accessories.

“When we came here 22 years ago, it was about providing access to leather across a broad range of markets,” Wood said and explained how the company meets the needs of designers from New York to Miami. Whether it is for residential design, private aviation or lifestyle accessories, Moore & Giles aims to deliver quality leather materials to those seeking functional luxury.

Wood's leadership saw the company pivot towards creating its own lifestyle brand, starting with bags in 2007. This move expanded their reach to a broader consumer base. "It sort of shined a light on other parts of our business," Wood said. "We’re trying to become an American lifestyle brand for bags and that is a journey."

Wood sees Moore & Giles as part of a greater conservation effort. "Making something useful out of waste materials is the definition of recycling and conservation," he said. “Sadly, a large percentage of hides don’t make it into the value chain,” meaning they go to waste.

He said Moore & Giles is committed to changing that, making sure every hide that passes through their hands finds a purpose. This dedication to sustainability is paired with a strong focus on education. Wood and his team are enthusiastic about spreading knowledge on the value and importance of leather to new generations of designers.

“They don’t teach leather in design schools,” Wood said. “We’re doing a lot to talk to young designers every chance we get.”

While Wood has been with Moore & Giles for over two decades, his enthusiasm for the business and for Lynchburg is still undimmed. His commitment to making something beautiful and lasting from natural materials reflects his deep ties to the company’s history and values. “We’re not just making products,” he said. “We’re creating something meaningful out of something that could otherwise be wasted.”

The business has global partnerships across continents like Italy, Spain, Thailand, and New Zealand, each contributing distinct qualities to their leather products based on regional differences, akin to how food varies by country.

He added that there have been new innovative leaps toward more sustainable practices, such as using olive leaves for tanning leather, offering a plant-based alternative to traditional Chrome tanning. This eco-friendly approach, though initially challenging, eventually led to the creation of high-quality leather.

A turning point for the company came in the early 2000s when they shifted from selling cheaper, mass-produced leather to offering high-end, color-focused leather that appealed to designers like Ralph Lauren. This change, inspired by industries like footwear and accessories, marked a shift in how leather could be used in home design, and it paved the way for their less-is-more, purist approach, Wood said.

Under his leadership, the company has adapted in the face of challenges. “It’s a company born out of the depression,” he said. “So, it is a company that's intertwined with resilience. Change and problems have been catalysts for progress over the years.”

So even when the market shifts, the company has continued to thrive. "We rebranded in 2006, investing in our brand with marketing, web design, photography and social media," he said.

One of the biggest challenges in today’s leather industry, according to Wood, is combating misconceptions about the sustainability of leather. “Leather can be under attack in certain areas,” he said. “But we don’t apologize for any of it. It’s the greatest sustainable solution to a waste material in the history of the world.”

Wood said that leather, as a natural byproduct, has an incredible story to tell as "the original performance material." To stay ahead in a competitive market, Moore & Giles place the spotlight on their product. “At the end of the day, the star of our show is the leather,” Wood said.

The company continually pushes boundaries in color, texture, and technique often spending time in tanneries experimenting. “There’s always something different you can do,” Wood said as he describes the firsthand approach of refining their leather products.

This culture of innovation is underpinned by core values that Wood has championed as a leader: grit, creativity, initiative, and integrity. "We hire on our core values," Wood said. “We have company meetings every quarter where those are called out and we constantly recognize people who display those values.”

He said private companies have a duty to make their communities better if they can. Moore & Giles employees are encouraged to engage in local events and initiatives, such as taking part in the Day of Caring and the 10-Miler race.

As for advice to young professionals, Wood said sometimes the best opportunities are in your own community. “Poke your head around the corner in your hometown and take a look at what might be there,” he said.

As for future expansion, Wood said their investment in lifestyle products, such as bags and furniture and their strategy to balance the business across various sectors beyond furniture manufacturing. The complexities of navigating global markets, competition and evolving fashion trends continue to be a challenge, but Wood said he is committed to driving the company forward by being both a leader in design and an educator for the next generation of designers.