What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
Upholstery is what I love to do, and I want to inspire others to find the same love for upholstery that I have to help save our dying trade.  

How did you get started in upholstery?
When I got married, I worked in the kitchen, but my father-in-law is a very experienced upholsterer and introduced me to the trade. I took my own path into vehicle upholstery while he does more home and furniture upholstery.

What types of upholstery do you do?
I do vehicle interiors and vinyl tops, boats, office furniture, restaurant furniture, airplane interiors, and any commercial furniture. 

How long have you been upholstering?
I have been doing upholstery for about 15 years. 

What is the biggest customer demand?
Vehicles and boats!

What is your favorite upholstery project you’ve done?
I love restoring classic cars. Seeing the final results after the restoration is complete is awesome!

What is the strangest item you’ve found in a restoration?
Dead animal carcasses in the seat frames. 

Have you noticed any up and coming trends?
I’ve noticed more optic cables and LED lights to create star headliners. 

What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
I think connecting with high school students and graduates to introduce them to the trade as a possible career option would be helpful.   

Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another publication?
No, I have not.

Some answers have been edited for clarity.