Careers
JD’s Upholstery: The Team
An upholstery business is not just about covering items with fabric. It is about taking care of the needs of the customer on all levels, providing exceptional communication and customer service, and seeking perfection in an imperfect object. Some of the key roles, which often coincide, include:
Upholsterers: The foundation of the business, upholsterers at JD’s are responsible for the hands-on work of covering and repairing a multitude of furniture types, from antique chairs with straps or springs, or custom hotel seating areas, to vehicles of all types and everything in between. This role requires precision, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of different materials and techniques. Regardless of the project, the upholsterer ensures each piece meets high-quality standards people have come to expect from JD’s Upholstery.
Repair Technicians: Repair technicians focus on restoring damaged or worn upholstery to its former glory. This role involves assessing the damage, making any necessary repairs, and applying upholstery to renew the piece. Technicians need to have a strong understanding of the different furniture assembly methods, various repair techniques and appropriate materials.
Design Specialists: For those with a flair for creativity, the role of a design specialist offers an opportunity to work closely with clients in selecting fabrics and styles that align with their vision. This position requires a discerning sense of trends, color theory, and spatial awareness, allowing employees to communicate effectively with the clients in order to transform their ideas into beautiful, tangible results.
Project Managers: These individuals must have excellent communication skills, product knowledge, and the ability to understand and convey the customer’s vision to the upholsterers. The project manager oversees various upholstery projects from start to finish, ensuring that timelines are met, financial aspects are communicated to the client and management, and quality standards are maintained. Strong organizational and leadership skills are essential. The project manager may visit a client on site to confirm measurements, obtaining fabric samples to identify the availability and options to be considered and as well as discuss other factors that may impact the request.
Quality Control Inspectors: Quality control is vital in any craft-based industry, and upholstery is definitely no exception. Quality control inspectors at JD’s Upholstery are responsible for examining finished products to ensure they meet the company’s high standards. This role requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of upholstery techniques and materials.
Preparing For What Is Ahead
The upholstery industry is experiencing a resurgence, driven by the growth in Nashville and the surrounding area, the availability of personalized design in the industry, and a growing appreciation for strong craftsmanship. As consumers seek to invest in maintaining quality pieces, whether in a commercial venue or in their homes that reflects their personal style and values, JD’s Upholstery is committed to serving their customers with excellence and giving God the glory.
Working in a vibrant city like Nashville also provides JD’s Upholstery with some unique networking opportunities. They collaborate with local designers and businesses providing insight to the ever changing world of design, styling techniques, commercial branding and the creative vision of their clients.
Adaptations that JD’s Upholstery has experienced over the past few years include digital fabric printing which allows for customers to select one-of-a-kind fabrics at a lower cost. The opposite of fabric created in the digital world is the expansion of rich woven upholstery fabrics in a wider spectrum of options and in greater availability. Traditional furniture styles return with the new trends. The mid-century modern revival was replaced by the tufted sofa and channel back chair once featured in the formal living room of a by-gone generation. It is true when they say “Everything old is new again”. And the list is ever growing.
As the market evolves, so does JD’s Upholstery. It is their objective to continue to expand their knowledge and expertise to meet these challenges head on yet they remain dedicated to creating beautiful, high-quality upholstery. The team at JD’s Upholstery and their roles will continue to progress as trends and technology does. This will result in not only an expansion of the career capabilities in the world of upholstery but in the opportunities they, and their clients, will experience tomorrow and with the continuing grace of God, JD’s Upholstery will proceed to do so for years to come.