End of an Era

I've sat down to write this several times, each time thinking that I am not quite getting it right. It is a privilege to me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to an absolutely amazing woman. On August 9th, Donna Burns made her last seat cover, ending a 40 year tradition of custom Indian Blanket seat covers made by Burns Saddlery.

This chapter of the Burns story was made possible by one hard working, creative, outstanding woman, Donna Burns. When asked over the last few weeks if we are going to replace her, I always reply that "Donna is irreplaceable" and it is so true. Donna taught herself to sew and with her meticulous eye and high sense of perfection she built a quality product that has retained it's unmatchable reputation. Donna has touched every seat cover that has ever left the building.

I asked Donna where she came up with the idea for the seat cover she told me that Uncle Don Burns approached her about repairing a seat in his pick up. She thought it would work out better just to cover it. It took her a full day to figure it out, but that she did and within 1 week she had 7 orders, of which she could tell you the names of those 7 people. She related to me that the first seat cover she made was orange and what do you know the last seat cover she made was also orange.

It didn't take long for people to realize what a gem the Burns Custom Seat Covers were and business boomed. At one point in time there were 20 sewers working shifts around the clock to keep up with the demand. And for 10 years there were no other Indian Blanket seat covers offered anywhere. When word spread that Donna was going to retire, the calls flooded in. She was swamped with orders for 2 months straight, with some people ordering multiple sets.

Over the years several people have come and gone, adding their talents to the seat covers, but 1 remarkable woman has been by Donna's side since the age of 18. Sue Williams has sewn more seat covers that any employee. This dynamic duo has run the show for the past 15 years with the help of James Sorensen. James comes in at 5:30 am to cut and sew ends and keep things running smooth. Sue and Donna just worked together so well, they just had a flow about them and made an unbeatable team.

It is with sadness that we close this chapter, but with sheer awe, amazement and appreciation that we pay tribute to a woman that has accomplished and contributed so much to the legacy of Burns Saddlery.