So some pretty insane stuff has happened in my life since my last post. Over this past weekend, I became the youngest Mr. Leatherman Toronto in the history of the competition. For those non leather readers out there this is a pretty big deal. This means a year chock full of appearances, travel, hard work and a ton of charity involvement. MLT is one of the most well respected titles in North America, and to have it represented by someone so young says alot about the direction that the community is going in.

It has already opened so many doors, and will give me the opportunity to further myself personally and to represent Toronto on an International scale. And I would like to take a moment to indulge myself and thank some people who I neglected to mention in various other public forums over the course of the days following. I would first and foremost like to thank my Mom. Followed quite quickly by three people whom I would not of even been a title holder without, Carolyn Kelly, Jack Pearce & McG who helped set me on this path. Ed & Dean for being such amazing title sponsors. Matt Pavelich & Fenn for your continuing support in the face of the competition and now my title year. To my class of 2010, I owe you so much. I learned so much competing against such great guys. Shaun Proulx for the confidence to believe in my voice. Corey Breau for being so young and doing so much with the title. Brendan McGovern even though we barely just met, your coming in 2nd at IML was more inspiration then you can imagine. And to the judging panel, for taking the much more controversial road of appointing a 22 year old as Toronto’s ambassador to the community. And especially Peter Kincheloe for his incredibly kind words. And a huge thanks to Bryan, who I don’t think ever realized that this painfully shy young man would end up where I stand today. And of course to Ray Hayhurst for biscuits.

I look forward to taking this title to all kinds of events throughout the year. To hosting some amazing fundraisers. And working with Mr. Leather Fellowship Devin Thompson & Toronto Bootblack bootboy digger to do some amazing work in the community this year.

Autumn brings us to the beginning of the end of another Mr. Leatherman Toronto’s title year and without question my congratulations go out to those 2009 titleholders, Peter Dillon and his crew. I have experienced first hand the ups and downs that unkowingly await a leather titleholder and Mr. Dillon has done both Toronto and those who came before him proud.

As for MLT the organization, honestly I cannot say much, I know what the average Joe on the street knows. Despite many disgruntled opinions from the unknown masses, it appears business as usual and MLT 2010 is holding strong. Joshua McPherson has won Mr. Black Eagle 2010, Graham-Martin Campbell took the title of Mr. Barn Leather 2010, Mr. Firkin Leather is to be named at Leather Brunch on October 18th, Mr. Spearhead will be announced at the Eagle on October 15th and Mr. Gladman’s Den is currently looking for contestants to find successor. There has been no word from the Priape/Woody’s and Steamworks camps and with Zeldas in admidsts its rellocation I do not expect a Mr. Zeldas this year. So all in all things seem to be shaping up well and I am looking forward to the new reign.

After my year as MLT I have opted to stay out of the politics and what boards of Directors do, he said/she said and rumours of poor behaviour are enough to turn anyone off anything. My support and dedication will always lie with the individual(s) who put themselves under the microscope and represent. So to the class of 2010 good luck, have fun and I look forward to meeting you. Just by stepping forward you have shown you got balls, and as anyone who knows me can attest to, I do so admire balls.