About Us
The Merino Brothers
We grew up in the small town of Afton, Wyoming, in a leather shop attached to our home. It was a space packed with heavy sewing machines, blades worn thin from years of sharpening, and the deep, familiar scent of leather. There was always music—from The Bee Gees to Los Tigres del Norte—echoing through the shop as our Papá cut, stitched, and shaped leather with practiced hands. Horse tack lined the walls, and rows of repaired saddles staged the floor, each bearing a history of hard miles and careful restoration.
From the time he was a boy, our Papá, Elio Sr., had a passion for creating—an innate drive to shape, fix, and build, combining strength and originality in everything he touched. In 1986, he turned this passion into his livelihood, building his own shop and naming it Western Wyoming Horseman Co. He knew he could craft anything his customers envisioned, and he did exactly that—creating each piece with skill, purpose, and pride. His work was designed to carry weight, endure the test of time, and tell a story.
Our parents came from Chihuahua, Mexico, bringing with them a profound respect for craftsmanship, hard work, and tradition. We were raised in that spirit. Some days were spent in the leather shop, other days inside with our Mamá sorting frijoles or patting tortillas to fry. Most often, we found ourselves outside with our Papá—feeding cattle in deep snow, trading horses during summer, and constantly competing to see who could ride best. Helping our parents sustain a livelihood required discipline, skill, and a close, respectful bond. For us, leatherwork and ranch life were never just chores; they shaped how we saw the world, forming a perspective we carried from childhood into adulthood.
Where We Are Today
Today, our shop is located in Denver, Colorado. We're not on horseback much these days, but the integrity, durability, and pride instilled in us from those early years are woven into every leather good we create by hand. Our connection to country still lives within—steady and familiar. We continue to work alongside our Papá, preserving and passing on the craftsmanship and lessons he gave us from the very beginning.
At Merino & Co., we honor our family’s legacy by refining the past—blending Western style and Mexican tradition with simplicity and the highest quality, creating goods built to last a lifetime.
Our Story, Your Story
This is where we come from—a story we proudly carry forward and are honored to share with the world.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to say hello, we'd love to hear from you. Reach us at info@merinoandcompany.com.
