Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Novotny.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Chicago and at age 10 moved to the south where I lived for 23 years. After completing my engineering degree I moved back to Chicago and worked for General Electric for the next 11 years. I started sewing when I was age 12 and have been sewing ever since. I began upholstery as a hobby and like so many in this field, started in my basement.
Although not a formal business at the time, my “side business” grew and grew until it was impossible to work at GE and maintain the upholstery. I left GE to pursue a full time business and it has continued to grow year over year. We now are a full service upholstery And Drapery workroom serving Chicago and the suburbs.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Our biggest struggle since the beginning has been staffing. This is a field which requires many years of experience and practice. Finding individuals who want to start at the ground floor and work their way up learning and honing the craft has been a challenge.
Please tell us about Chicago Upholstery & Drapery Co.
We are a full service upholstery and drapery workroom located in historic Rogers Park. We service both commercial and residential clients and have a large showroom with fabric offerings. We are proud that we have been selected by Chicagoans as “best in class in ReUpholstery” 3 years in a row. We pride ourselves in providing the best work in the industry with great customer service.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Having working capital upfront would have been a huge help. It would have allowed us to invest in equipment and supplies which ended up taking us longer to procure.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7101 N Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60645
- Website: www.chicagoupholsterycompany.com
- Phone: 773-663-3261
- Email: contactus@chicagoupholsterycompany.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/chicagoupholstery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagoupholsterycompany/
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