Gary Dodd of The Furniture Den (Petersburg, IL)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
It has been very rewarding. All the compliments keep you going. “I hear you are the man to go to all the time.”, or “everyone says you are the best”, and a lot just say, “I love it.”
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How did you get started in upholstery?
I started in a basement apartment tearing furniture apart to see how it was put together
Then I started calling different companies about samples. The Upholstery Journal was a big help back then with phone numbers and suppliers listed. They are not around anymore, but very helpful. Then I took a mail order upholstery course, but most of what was in it I had already learned on my own.
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What types of upholstery do you do?
I work on furniture, automotive, and boats. I once made a new cover for the giant slide at the Illinois State Fair. We have been doing all the seats for the Springfield Illinois Fire Dept and Police Dept for 25-30 years now as well.
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How long have you been upholstering?
54 years.
What is your biggest consumer demand?
Furniture
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What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
I really love a lot of the old cars we’ve done. Last year we did a 1954 El Dorado Convertible, a 1958 Ford Edsel, a 1955 Studebaker, and several Jeeps. We also do a lot of boats that I have enjoyed.
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
We have done several different sizes of The Contour Chair that Art Linkletter used to advertise on TV when I was a kid.
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Have you noticed any up & coming trends?
I am seeing more pieces of furniture done for sentimental reasons.
What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
It was a lot nicer when every supplier had a sales rep that would visit quarterly and update your books and show closeouts and specials.
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Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another Publication?
Yes, about 20 years ago we ran commercials showing our work as well as the new furniture that we carried.
Some answers have been edited for clarity.
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