In a quiet corner of Victoria, BC, there’s a shop where old-world craftsmanship is still alive — not as nostalgia, but as a thriving, modern trade. Tommy’s Upholstery, founded in 1949, is a family-run business now in its fourth generation, known not just for restoring seats, but for rebuilding a sense of connection to the craft.
“Tommy was my dad, who was actually the founder of the business,” says Doug Thompson. “He started in the trade in 1925 working on horse carriages.”
That lineage isn’t just a footnote — it’s a living part of the shop today, where Tommy’s great grandchildren still work summer shifts.
“It’s pretty special to be gifted this opportunity to take over a small family business and to see our own boys working there in the summers as fourth-generation employees at Tommy’s Upholstery,” said Wendy, Doug’s daughter. She, along with her husband Chris Mandorla, bought the business from Doug in 2015.
Not Just a Job — A Long-Term Craft
Inside the shop, the vibe is collaborative, curious, and constantly changing.
“There is no typical day,” said Tom, a trimmer on the team. “You could be working on motorcycle seats one day. The next day, you could be working on a custom hot rod. The next day would be boat canvas and something marine or commercial seating from a restaurant that they need back in half a day so they can get more butts in those seats for the lunch rush.”
There’s a shared satisfaction in the variety and creativity of the work.
“Every job is different. Every customer is unique,” said Ken, another trimmer on the team.
Vaughn, their colleague on the shop floor, said: “It’s really satisfying. Kind of keeps you on your toes.”
A Trade Rooted in Comfort
Upholstery is one of those things you don’t always think about — until you realize it’s everywhere.
For Tommy’s, helping people understand that value is part of the mission.
“One of the most difficult things that we have encountered over the years is educating people what we are able to do — the fact that there is a shop that can look after their upholstery, repair things that they think they’ve got to throw away and just buy new. So education is important,” said Doug.
But it’s an uphill battle.
The People Make the Place
The staff at Tommy’s speak warmly of each other — not just as coworkers, but as collaborators and mentors.
“Since starting here at Tommy’s, I have felt nothing but supported and respected by my coworkers,” said Bri, a member of the team. “It’s a shop that loves when people ask questions, and I find that I learn something new every single day.”
Even newcomers without experience are welcomed in.
“After high school, I really got into cars. So every time I had a day off, I went around everywhere in town with a resume and a cover letter. The only place in town that showed an interest in a keen young person that had no skills, no experience, was Tommy’s,” said Tom.
With no colleges in BC currently offering an upholstery program, Tommy’s steps up by training new talent in-house.
“Anybody wanting to learn the trade needs to get involved through an in-house apprenticeship like we offer at Tommy’s,” explained Wendy.
Built to Last
It’s not just about craftsmanship — it’s about building something meaningful and lasting, both in the work and the workplace.
“The employees we’ve worked with have worked there decades,” said Chris, the shop’s co-owner. “We offer a four-day work week and benefits and fair wages and long-term employment to those employees.”
Customers notice too — and they keep coming back.
“A lot of our customers at Tommy’s are repeat customers, and some of them have family businesses or long-term businesses that we help maintain,” Chris said.
Dave, the owner of a local towing company, said the team helped bring his ’51 Ford to life.
“The good thing about coming to Tommy’s is that you can walk through the door, tell them what you have pictured in your mind. They put that plan into play. They finish a project, and it’s everything you dreamed about,” he said.
Shane, the owner of a local coffee shop, added: “The service is just awesome. It’s just a real pleasure to work with people that care. The attention to detail is second to none, and just really great, friendly people.”
Looking Ahead
Tommy’s isn’t just about preserving the past — it’s about building a sustainable future for the trade.
“I would say our trade has a very bright future,” said Doug. So long as people want to live in comfort, there will be a demand for skilled upholsterers like Tom, Ken and Vaughn.
“There’s a ton of stuff to learn at Tommy’s, but that’s what I like about it. With the guys here, with their knowledge, I can always just go back to them and check on my progress,” said Vaughn.
For others considering a hands-on, creative career, Wendy says the invitation is wide open:
“If you think you might be interested in contributing to the comfort of others all while using your creativity and specialized skills, why not consider a career here at family-owned Tommy’s Upholstery, where we’ve been taking care of the community for over 75 years.”
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