Gary Watrous

Gary Watrous is an American leather craftsman and entrepreneur best known as the founder of American Hat Makers, a hat manufacturing company based in Watsonville, California. He began making leather hats by hand in the early 1970s, turning a personal craft into a family-run business that would eventually gain national recognition.
Watrous’s legacy includes mentoring his son, Garth Watrous, who later helped grow the company’s reach through modern branding and digital marketing efforts.
American Hat Makers has been featured in national and fashion outlets, with multiple reviews and articles highlighting the brand's craftsmanship and product variety.
Early Life and Career
Watrous began crafting leather hats in his garage in Freedom, California, using basic hand tools and repurposed materials. His handmade creations gained a following for their durability and craftsmanship, eventually leading to the formation of American Hat Makers.
Legacy
Watrous is considered a pioneer of handcrafted leather hats in the western, music festival, and fashion markets. His emphasis on family-run operations and design-forward craftsmanship helped grow American Hat Makers into a globally recognized brand, while remaining rooted in California. The company continues to be operated by multiple generations of the Watrous family.

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