Today we’d like to introduce you to David Van Elslander.
Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began working in the furniture industry when I was 19 years old. I went to school in Southern California for a year before I realized I wanted to learn how to build custom furniture. I moved back to Michigan and started working for a small custom cabinet shop in Port Huron as a shop helper. I would sweep floors, take out trash, and load and unload equipment using a high-lo. A couple hours out of the day I would get a chance to get a cut list ready for the builders and be able to watch how they began the process of building cabinets.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At first, it was a challenge. Being a teenager working with middle or older-aged men was a learning curve for me. I needed to learn how to communicate properly, how to act promptly, and not get in their way. Most of them probably thought I wouldn’t last long or wasn’t serious about the work so it was difficult to find one of them to sit down and take the time to teach me, which is understandable. Making minimum wage was also a challenge because I drove an hour one way so half of my paycheck would go right to my gas tank.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At first, I wanted to become a builder but the company I was at needed help in the finishing department. As I mentioned I was new to all of this so I figured I might as well give everything a try. I began working in the finishing area, it was me and one other guy. He taught me what grit sandpaper to use, how to prepare the furniture for priming and staining, and eventually, I worked my way into the spray booth. Each job is very different so I really began enjoying it when I was able to create custom colors with paint, stain, and glaze- the more artistic side of it. Eventually, I moved on from that shop and began working for a company who specializes in the restoration side of furniture. Eric Blumenstein was the man who taught me everything I know as far as touching up furniture and how to handle every piece depending on if it was in a flood, fire, or just needed repairs. I loved being able to fix something that was otherwise going to be thrown in a dumpster.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Working with clients is a learning process that I believe never ends. Each person wants something different which is fun for me because I like being flexible and trying new things to make customers happy with their finished product. A lot of work I do is on pieces that have been in families for generations or if people are moving or redoing their homes and need to get rid of a dated look.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Vanelslanderrestore.com
- Instagram: Vanelslander_restore
- Facebook: Van Elslander Furniture Restoration
