Justin John Alps is the artist, craftsman and leather master behind each and every thing created here at the X. He began doing leatherwork in 2001 as a hobby after receiving a his late grandmother's set of old leather working tools. With each project he continued to develop a passion for not only the art, but the entire industry. Diligently studying the work of Northwest craftsmen Shane Crossley a
nd Russsel Bustos and craftswoman Rebecca Londo. Later Justin began an apprenticeship with a master carver, designer and artist; Ty Skiver in Pendleton, Oregon. During the time in Pendleton Justin was not only able to learn valuable tricks to the trade but was given the opportunity to build chaps for many of the PBR and NFR contestants. Over the years Justin has assisted Skiver Leather in tooling the Pendleton Roundup trophy saddles that were built by local saddle maker Randy Severe. This dynamic duo of Skiver and Alps also designed and built prototype designer cowboy boots for the world famous Lucchesse and Paul Bond Boot companies. The true heart of a cowboy was never lost as the commitment to build tack, chinks, chaps and equipment for some of the hardest working famers and ranchers in the world was always on the list of things to do. Justin later went to work as the lead tooler and designer for Hamley's in Pendleton, Oregon. In 2016 Justin left the oil and gas industry and went back to tooling full time as the owner of Long X Trading Co. And is most well known for customizing shoes with high quality tooled leather!!
