Rick Rossow of Rossow Upholstery (Reno, NV)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
Upholstery has been my skill for 57 years. Now at almost 70, it keeps me busy and gives me a purpose.
How did you get started in upholstery?
At 12 years old I worked in an upholstery shop doing clean up and stripping seats after school. I learned the trade in that shop.
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What types of upholstery do you do?
I do automotive, furniture, boat, and car covers. I also make backpacks and recently, I started flag repair.
How long have you been upholstering?
I learned upholstery as a youngster. Took a small break from it when I did a tour in the Marines. Then I did upholstery part time while earning a college degree and working in biotech. When I retired, I returned to upholstery work.
What is your biggest consumer demand?
Probably automotive.
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What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
A 1960 Mercedes convertible with a white cloth top and a red interior.
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
$50 in old quarters.
Have you noticed any up & coming trends?
More resto-mod kits as opposed to original seats and panels.
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What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
The manufacturing of quality items that are worth reupholstering.
Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another Publication?
Yes. Musclecar Review August 2019.
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Do you have a shop animal?
Yes, a Black Lab.
Some answers have been edited for clarity.
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