Martin Dingman is the founder & creative director at Martin Dingman of Lead Hill. He and his wife, Gay, started their first neckwear company in 1983. Two years later, he co-founded Cole Haan Accessories, which was eventually sold to Nike. In 1990, he launched Martin Dingman, a premium leather goods company.
Dingman graduated from Missouri State University in 1976 with a degree in marketing, and paid his way through school by working at a men’s specialty store. For their first business, Dingman would drive across the country calling on stores during the day and phone in orders to his wife each night so she could ship them.
How has the rise of e-commerce and social media influenced your business strategy and customer relationships?
We love how connected we are with customers through social media and e-commerce. The ability to receive quick, honest feedback has been a game changer. However, wholesale partnerships with men’s specialty stores remain the heart of our business. Interestingly, the rise of e-commerce has also benefited our wholesale strategy. The visibility we gain online translates into more recognition and credibility for our retail partners.
What future challenges and opportunities do you see for luxury goods manufacturers?
The luxury market naturally experiences ebbs and flows, following the rhythm of the economy. During tougher times, demand might slow, but discerning customers don’t compromise on quality. They might space out their purchases, but they won’t lower their standards. We’ve maintained our staying power by not bowing to downward price pressures. The right customers appreciate consistency, and they know that excellence requires time, effort and patience. It’s much like someone accustomed to driving luxury cars: They might delay their next purchase, but they won’t switch to a lower-end brand.
How has the Made in the U.S.A. aspect of your products influenced your business strategy and customer base?
Made in the U.S.A. has been a cornerstone of our brand. Supporting the local economy and creating jobs here at home is important to us. While this country isn’t perfect, we’re grateful to live in a place that offers opportunity and freedom. For us, supporting American craftsmanship isn’t just something we say. It’s something we live by.
How do you communicate the value of investing in premium products to consumers?
The truth is, buying quality is more economical in the long run. When you buy something well-made, it lasts. There’s no need for constant replacement. I always tell customers to buy the best they can afford. It takes time for people to fully understand the value of quality. Leather products, for example, reveal their worth slowly. Over time, the quality either meets expectations — or it doesn’t. At Martin Dingman, we’ve worked hard for decades to exceed our customers’ expectations at every step.
What has contributed to Martin Dingman’s longevity?
Our longevity comes down to a few things: Faith, People, and Product over Profits. Faith has been at the core of everything we do — we know every success is a gift from God, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to steward those gifts. We also work hard to make sure that we treat people with respect, whether it’s our team, our partners or our customers. It’s always been about crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s — doing things the right way, every day, for a long time. Our product designs are timeless classics. We don’t chase trends; we create pieces that will still feel relevant years down the road. This has been a key part of our DNA from day one.
What have been the advantages and disadvantages to being headquartered Arkansas in such a global industry?
Arkansas has been an incredible gift to our business. Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, we are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that have become a part of our brand’s DNA. The quietness of country living, paired with the warmth of southern hospitality, has shaped not only our products but also the way we approach business. Life here moves at an intentional pace, fostering creativity, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the work we do.
Our community is made up of honest, hard-working people — a reflection of the same values that guide our business. From young talent eager to make their mark to multigenerational families running thriving businesses, there’s a sense of pride in everything this region produces.
While the cost of living here is relatively modest, the quality of life is immeasurable. This allows us to grow without compromising on what matters most — creating beautiful, timeless products that reflect the refined country life. Being based here gives us the unique opportunity to blend tradition with innovation, staying rooted in classic values while evolving alongside our industry.
How has the retail industry changed during your time in the sector?
When I started, I was just a college kid working the floor at a men’s specialty store. Those experiences shaped me, and I’ve never left the industry since. Over time, we’ve seen significant changes, including a decline in the number of specialty stores. However, the stores we choose to align with — much like our products and business — have only gotten better with age. What’s truly special is that many of these relationships have grown to be multigenerational. We’re now working with the next generation of owners, continuing partnerships that began decades ago.
There’s something timeless about seeing a store evolve, stay relevant, and thrive with the same values that attracted us in the first place. In the past three years, we’ve taken our partnerships even further with the launch of Martin Dingman Lodges — a dedicated program in select specialty stores across the U.S. Today, 19 Lodges feature our entire collection, offering customers a complete experience of The Refined Country Life. It’s been a privilege to watch these stores evolve while building deeper, more meaningful relationships with each generation.
What do you wish more people knew about the work you do?
We’re a family-owned-and-operated business, and we pour more thought into every product than people might realize. It’s not unusual for us to hold an entire meeting just to choose the right thread color for a style. Every detail matters to us because our products are more than just items — they reflect the care, craftsmanship and tradition that define who we are. But more importantly, we’re a lifestyle brand, and every piece we create is designed to embody The Refined Country Life — a life that values craftsmanship, simplicity and excellence in every moment. Our collections — Martin Dingman, our core line of classic footwear and accessories, Per La Vita, our all-Italian line, and the Royal Sporting Collection — reflect this philosophy. These products aren’t just functional — they’re meant to accompany you through life’s adventures, from weekends in the field to moments of leisure and travel.
Sign up for Daily E-news
