John Hampton of Collier Custom Auto Trim (Naples, FL)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
It means a lot to me to be blessed with a talent that has provided for my family for over 30 years. Some years have been better than others, but all are better than working for someone else.
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How did you get started in upholstery?
After graduating from high school, I was not able to go on to college. I was a manager of a garden center at a hardware store at the time. Another upholsterer noticed my fine “broom pushing skills” and asked if I was looking for a job.
What types of upholstery do you do?
Custom auto, air, marine, and convertible and vinyl tops.
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How long have you been upholstering?
34 years.
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What is your biggest consumer demand?
People are looking for something different than what everyone else has.
What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
We made a custom convertible top from scratch for an NBA Hall of Famer for his Chrysler 300.
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
A very rare Derringer pistol that the customer had been in search of for years. When we found it, he didn’t have a clue how or why it was in the car.
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Have you noticed any up & coming trends?
Nothing outside of diamonds and double diamonds.
What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
Consistent pricing amongst local shops. We want to offer our customers the best possible job using quality products, which makes our job easier.
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Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another Publication?
- Best of the Best in our County for Vehicle Accessories/Restoration 2023
- Best of the Best in our County for Auto Service Center 2023
Do you have a shop animal?
Yes, a mini goldendoodle named River.
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Some answers have been edited for clarity.
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