Designer Quality furniture upholsterer seeking employment

[kodydog]

I have had my own shop for over 20 years.  I am passionate about upholstering but not the business aspects of it.  I am looking for a high end upholstery shop that can use my many skills. NO DRAMA, NO BAGGAGE.  Good hard worker, dependable.  I have  references from decorators I've worked with.  Willing to relocate for a stable full time job to a well established enterprise.  Resume upon request. elnorthuis@yahoo.com

[kodydog]

I have read many posts lamenting the difficulty of getting good help, that they hire them, train them, and they are out the door starting their own business.  Is business that slow that no one needs an upholsterer right now?  I am curious as to why I did not get one response.  Someone please reply.
Did I post on the wrong forum?

[otlass]

No, Business is actually very good, but I got burned once by a similar post, and got burned big time, but I was still debating with myself if and how to respond to your post. I am looking for somebody who really is experienced in all aspects of the trade, pays strong attention to details, is able to work independent, and does not believe that the fabric is just the final cover to hide your mistakes. If you are interested please reply to my rather gruff post and maybe we can work something out.

[kodydog]

Thank you for the response.
I was employed by Century Furniture. I am experienced in all aspects of the furniture trade.  Decorators have given me antiques that came in a box at an auction and I've reconstructed from the frame up. I can cut, sew, pattern make, retie, joinery--I can do it all.   I've worked (and still do) for myself independently  for over 20 years.  I would not consider a job high quality if you ignored the inner workings! I would never put fabric on  a chair that still  needs interior work (springs, joinery, padding, etc.) You can email me and I will send you my detailed resume and some pictures of my work. I am a professional upholsterer.

[206RB]

There is a lot of furniture work in Silicon Valley right now. We do mostly auto, marine and aircraft work, but have been turning away furniture work at a record pace. 
Good luck, and don't forget to interview your potential employer.

[kodydog]

I am not opposed to moving.  Do you know someone in the silicon valley that is looking for a designer quality experienced upholsterer? Yes, I would want to be sure prospective employer was known for high quality and was well established before I commit myself.

[206RB]

No, sorry, but most of the time I'm chained to the workbench.
But the people I would start with if I were you would be some of the suppliers out here. They know the pulse of the industry much better than myself.

[kodydog]

Thanks for the good advice. I'm looking for work in the southeast coastal area. I've had some luck in the Jacksonville St. Augustine area going to upholstery businesses and handing out my resume. This gives me a chance to check them out also.

Applying for jobs on the internet doesn't get much response. I think people want to meet you face to face. We do a lot of business with a All American Foam and they gave me some good leads.

I've applied to several aviation companies that were advertising upholsters needed. I have a little experience with cars, boats, and campers but mostly furniture. Is it a big stretch from furniture to airplanes?

[JuneC]

Kody, look in the Miami/Palm Beach Craigslist ads for Trades.  There's always wanted ads for upholstery in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.  There are several there right now.  I frequently check these ads to see if my competitors are hiring (good indication of my business demand vs. theirs). 

June

[kodydog]

Thanks June . I went to Craigslist and found several good leads. Don't know why I didn't think of that. One thing I've noticed in this job market is if a jobs posted and your interested, you better move on it. They get filled quick. The good thing is I have work through X-mass.

I talked to a retired interior decorator from Naples Fl. He volunteers with SCORE. He gave me some good ideas also.

Meanwhile I'm still looking and sure I can make something happen. Thanks again.