"Lee Valley was launched in 1978 as a catalogue selling woodworking tools. Leonard got his start by partnering with Garrett Wade, a New York–based purveyor of similar catalogues. Owner Garry Chinn shared artwork for print and wrote to his product suppliers guaranteeing the fledgeling company’s invoices. (Mr. Chinn still owns a small percentage of Lee Valley and sits on the advisory board.)"

This is an interesting historical factoid!