Dave Thomson, the owner, designer, and maker at Knot Just A Leash Custom Ropework, leads this innovative business that specializes in custom dog leashes, collars, and unique items like knife handles, bike frames, and tactile support for individuals with low vision. The business emerged from Dave’s dual goals: to build a long-term social enterprise and to manage his daily pain conditions through engaging pursuits. With a history of working with rope and knots since the age of 15, Dave’s journey into leash making began when he repaired his dog Billy’s chewed-up leashes at his wife’s request. As demand grew for his handcrafted designs, the business flourished, with Billy even garnering the title of CEO and head of Research & Development.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Knot Just A Leash Custom Ropework. We do custom dog leashes and collars. We also do knife handles, bike frames, and tactile support for low vision.
What made you want to do this work?
My plan is a social enterprise in the long term. Yet I need to have many distraction pursuits to daily manage my pain conditions. I have been working with rope and knots since I was 15 years old. Our adopted dog was chewing his flat leashes, and my wife asked me to repair them. People started to ask where I bought the repaired leashes, and I said I made it. So now my Dog “Billy” is CEO and head of R&D.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I want to create a place for others like me with chronic conditions. A place that could become a “secret support group” for people to be less isolated and possibly gain a piecework wage from the social enterprise. Especially ex-military and EMS may have been trained in some of my techniques
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Well, my main product is dog leashes, so it would be dog owners. Yet with my custom work, it could be anybody.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
I would like to do more online, but my skills and condition have limited that. I use craft fairs and word of mouth mostly.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
It is a very old skill and there are less and less. You may find some in Granville Island and Marinas.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?
If you focused just on the dog leashes, I would say: Why are these leashes so big and more expensive? My answer is that as long as you do not put strain on the dog’s neck, the leash is held by the owner. It should fit the owner more than the dog. I have a small dog, but I’m a pretty big guy. I have a leash that fits my hand perfectly. These leashes are not sewn by a machine; they are over-engineered and are strong and durable. Many of my leashes have outlasted the metal clips.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is doing something that engages my mind and body just enough to help me through my days. The worst part would be the marketing.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I do not really have one, but I have made stickers of my dog with “WITH A K” beside him. As many people have searched for me online using ” Not Just A Leash ”
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
