Joseph Martin Capriola’s journey from apprentice to master craftsman reads like a saga of Western legend. Stepping into the renowned G.S. Garcia Saddlery at the turn of the 20th century, young Joe Martin embarked on a path that would define the rest of his life.
Under the tutelage of leading craftsmen, Joe Martin honed his skills in saddle making, learning the artistry and precision required to create some of the finest saddles in the world. From stitching to tooling, he mastered every aspect of the trade, ensuring that each saddle bore the mark of his meticulous craftsmanship.
After a decade at Garcia’s, fate led Joe Martin to the Bellinger ranch in the rugged landscapes of the Lamoille Valley. Embracing the life of a cowboy, he worked the land alongside his wife Carrie, fulfilling their duties with dedication and pride.
But destiny had other plans in store. In 1924, as the automobile industry began to take shape in Elko County, Joe Martin recognized an opportunity to apply his skills in a new way. Drawing on his experience with canvas and leather, he opened the Elko Auto Top Shop, crafting and repairing car tops for drivers navigating the harsh conditions of the Great Basin Region.
As word of Joe Martin’s expertise spread, so did demand for his craftsmanship. Soon, his shop became a hub for saddle repairs, drawing customers from far and wide. In 1929, seizing the chance to build his own legacy, Joe Martin and Carrie opened J.M. Capriola Co. at the corner of 5th and Commercial St., just a stone’s throw from his former mentor’s shop.
For the past 95 years, J.M. Capriola Co. has stood as a bastion of quality and tradition in the heart of Elko. From handcrafted bedrolls and teepees to custom saddles and silver-mounted bridles, each piece bears the imprint of Joe Martin’s legacy.
Today, as we celebrate our 95th anniversary, we remain true to the values that have guided us from the beginning. Every saddle, every piece of tack, is crafted with the same attention to detail and dedication to excellence that Joe Martin instilled in us all those years ago.
As we look to the future, we carry with us the proud heritage of J.M. Capriola Co., determined to honor our founder’s legacy by continuing to uphold the standards of quality and craftsmanship that have defined us for nearly a century.