.jpg "mid mo selfie (1)")
TJ McCubbin of Mid Mo Upholstery (Jefferson City, MO)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
Being an upholsterer means many things to me. It allows me to provide for my family while enjoying what I get to do every day. I get to meet new people with every project and provide a service that they will be happy with. This career path allows me to be creative and problem solve. There is more to being an upholsterer than just sewing. It allows me to take pride in knowing that I made something that other people will enjoy and appreciate.
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (7)")
How did you get started in upholstery?
A family friend got me started on this career path. He owns his own shop, and he comes from a family full of upholsterers. I learned a lot from him throughout the years and still do. He taught me to take pride in my work. I looked up to him my whole life and still do. To this day I feel as though every project I do is a reflection of his teachings, and I strive to make him proud.
What types of upholstery do you do?
I do a little of everything. I try to primarily focus on the marine industry, but we do a fair amount of automotive interior work also. We don’t do much furniture, but from time to time I will take on a furniture project.
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (2)")
How long have you been upholstering?
10 years.
What is your biggest consumer demand?
Marine interiors and marine canvas
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (4)")
What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
That’s a hard question, I like them all!
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (5)")
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
I haven’t really come across anything too strange, however there was this one old Chrysler that had several inches thick of mouse droppings throughout the whole car.
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (6)")
Have you noticed any up and coming trends?
Everyone seems to be wanting contrast stitching and contrast binding.
What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
With social media and all the new tech and gadgets on the market, I think there are a lot of changes already happening.
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (3)")
Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another publication?
Some of my work has been in magazines.
.jpg "Mid Mo Uph (1)")
Some answers have been edited for clarity.
If you are interested in becoming an Upholstery Diamond,
please click here to fill out the application.