Allen & Michelle Fortner of Restitch Auto Upholstery (Albertville, AL)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
I enjoy the ability to help North Alabama car dealers restore cars for their lots while working with my family and establishing a business that I can pass on to them.
How did you get started in upholstery?
My dad opened a used car dealership in 1967 that we still own today. The only other upholstery shop in town was going to go out of business soon, due to the upholsterer retiring. So we decided to fill the gap for us and other dealers in town. What I thought would be a hobby for my wife turned into a full-time business!
What types of upholstery do you do?
All automotive upholstery – headliners, carpets, and seat repair.
How long have you been upholstering?
6 ½ years!
What is your biggest consumer demand?
Seat repairs
What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
Customized golf cart seats.
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
A gun
Have you noticed any up and coming trends?
Different styles of perfs.
What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
More remakes of discontinued OEM fabrics!
Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another publication?
No we have not.
Some answers have been edited for clarity.
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