Happy Friday Amigos,

Welcome to the next edition of JM’s Weekly Roundup. A quick hit of what’s new at La Matera and a few things that’ve popped up on my radar lately.

TL;DR:

• La Matera Highlight: Corbina Exótico in Cognac - one of our finest releases this year. Rich texture, warm leather, and understated character that elevates without overpowering.

• Worth the Read: Running With Sherman - a rescue donkey training for a mountain race. Absurd, heartfelt, and surprisingly inspiring. Also, don’t sleep on Born to Run.

• Worth a Watch: The Winter Olympics - USA vs. Canada women’s hockey was electric. Ruthless goalie pull and an epic Megan Keller OT winner. Replay-worthy.

• Brand I’m Eyeing: Devium’s Boca Flannel - double-brushed, USA-made, perfect weight for those rare Austin cold snaps. Built right and gets better with wear.

• Weekend Wisdom: “Go all the way with it. Do not back off. For once, go all the goddamn way with what matters.” - Ernest Hemingway

1. La Matera Highlight: Corbina Exótico in Cognac

I’ve got to say - I friggin’ love this belt. It’s easily one of the finest pieces we’ve put out in the last year.

The Exótico line as a whole has been consistently strong for us, but the Corbina Exótico in Cognac has been getting the most attention lately. The woven Argentine fabric paired with that warm cognac leather gives it real depth without overpowering the rest of your outfit.

It adds texture and character without screaming for it. If your style leans understated but intentional, this one’s absolutely worth a look.

2. Worth a Read: Running With Sherman

I’m about three-quarters of the way through Running With Sherman by Christopher McDougall, and it’s been a great one. It tells the story of a rescue donkey that ends up training for a long-distance pack-burro race in the Colorado mountains which sounds absurd... Because it is absurd but it is awesome.

As the proud caretaker of two knuckleheaded donkeys myself, this one hits pretty close to home. It’s funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly inspiring. If you like stories about unlikely athletes, stubborn animals, and the kind of grit that sneaks up on you, this one’s worth picking up. Chris’ other book, Born to Run is a definitely worth the read as well.

3. Worth a Watch: The Winter Olympic Games

I’ve had the Winter Olympics on in the background lately, and the USA vs. Canada women’s hockey game was absolutely electric. Those two teams just don’t do boring.

The U.S. pulling the goalie late in the game was ruthless, full send, no hesitation. And Megan Keller’s overtime winner? Epic. That’s the kind of moment you watch the Olympics for.

If you need something to throw on this weekend, that game alone is worth the replay.

4. Brand I’m Eyeing: Devium and the Boca Flannel

I’ve been digging the Boca Flannel from Devium lately. Double-brushed cotton, made in the USA, solid weight without feeling stiff, it’s built right.

Down here in Austin, we don’t get much of a real winter, but when those colder days roll through, a heavier flannel is usually the move. It’s the kind of layer you can throw on without thinking; easy, durable, and only gets better the more you wear it.

They’re also based out of Truckee, California, one of my favorite mountain towns, which makes me like them even more.

5. Weekend Wisdom: Ernest Hemingway

“Go all the way with it. Do not back off. For once, go all the goddamn way with what matters.” - Ernest Hemingway

There’s something refreshing about that level of conviction. No hedging, no half-measures, no easing into it. If it matters - really matters - go all in.

Whether that’s a project you’ve been dragging your feet on, time with your family, a workout, a hard conversation, or just committing to doing something well… don’t back off.

Well, you heard the man. Get out there and make something of this weekend, don’t back off.

Appreciate y’all being here.

Cheers,
JM

Jon-Mark Craddock
CEO

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Originally sent through JM's Substack on 2026-02-20.