This craftsman La Carolina exported to fifty countries on five continents, especially Asia

Since the outbreak of the current crisis, the recommendations offered by experts, governments and business schools for entrepreneurs to address this situation is consistent : go outside , go for specialization and quality , strengthen online sales, customers and diversify focus on niche markets with great ride . Few companies can boast large to meet all these requirements , much less SMEs. However, in La Carolina (Jaén ) is a entrepreneur who combines the five requirements : Jacobo Ramirez (1973). A name unknown , but it is the alter ego of Jacobstraps , one of the brands of luxury watches straps most prestigious not only in Spain but internationally. A good example is that most of its production is exported to five continents, with such exotic destinations like Maldives or Bangladesh. His articles are already present on the wrist of citizens than fifty countries , ranging from the whole of Europe to the United States , to Latin America , Australia and Asia, the latter square where concentrated the highest percentage of their orders . From the beginning of recession , its order book far from being reduced has increased by 40 % and currently produces annually about a thousand units. " I think it's common for exclusive items , which are booming , thanks in large part to the emergence of a growing upper class in emerging countries," he explains . Their belts usually have as destination brands like Panerai , Audemars Piguet , Zenith , Jaeger- LeCoultre , Tag Heuer , Omega , Breitling, Bell & Ross , IWC and Rolex , among many others. It also works as a wholesaler for crepes and teach Spanish Pedro Izquierdo. The products are completely handmade and prices range between 55 and 250 euros. Besides the material , the cost influences the time spent. "It depends on many factors, but at least three hours late with the simplest and several days with the most complicated , since in some cases the model must be designed from scratch, make patterns ... " . Almost all of your items are custom made and the process is arduous. Customers fill out a form on your website ( www.jacobstraps.com ) choose where absolutely all the details: model which may be belt - Pan , flat , classic or special - setting , type and color of both the skin and the thread length, width , shape and diameter of the holes , and if you prefer buckle or deployant . "From this information, the production process beginning with cutting the skin first and then cut wider . Subsequently is lowered to the desired thickness , reinforcing parties of more friction. Then sticks , trimmed with a pattern and a cutter , sanded and polished edges , painted and finally sewn and all the details are reviewed to verify that they meet our quality standards . " Besides traditional skins, used other exotic with its corresponding CITES , highlighting alligator , stingray , python, ostrich tejus or legs . One of the keys to its success has been word of mouth in the specialized forums, where your items are all the rage , especially in reference websites as most widely read Spanish - , or Relojistas - Relojesparatodos the Special Watches . "Most of my clients have seen my straps in forums and already have references from other fans. My motto is ' satisfaction 100x100 ' and , after working with over 1,700 customers , experience , as I have , is positive. Moreover, I have not been able to give the first in some cases, repeat the work until they are completely satisfied. " Professional history of James Ramirez is at least curious : no family tradition or studies on the treatment of leather , began to engage in this activity almost boredom. " I have always loved crafts in general, ie everything what the best tools are your own hands," he explains. His first steps came in 1990 , a time when I worked at a gas station , especially on the night shift . "I had a lot of free time and started doing things with leather because it served as entertainment." From there he began to develop its first products in a completely self-taught . His professional breakthrough came with the installation of The Carolina specializes in the custom manufacture of hunting, as briefcases or molded covers enterprise. "Knowing my job, I was hired as an apprentice . Eventually , I became head of production and responsible for designing new products ." The next step was to create , seven years ago, his own company linked to the same specialty, though his arrival at the watch industry took longer . " One day she recalls a client asked if I could make a strap for his watch. I said yes and it was very satisfying. Thereafter , I began to research and manufacture them on my own, with the challenge of getting the best results. " That first client began teaching the piece to other watch enthusiasts and fame multiplied over the Internet . "Since then, I devote myself exclusively to this activity, as in hunting and falconry had much competition ." He is now beginning to diversify their portfolio because many users asking him matching items with straps that you charge . These , belts, key or customized credit card . "I've hired a person because I build orders and I am clear that if I 'm going to dedicate to develop other products, should have the same quality as autoexijo me when I work for watchmaking. Otherwise , I will not ," he concludes .Breitling Watches