When A&B Custom Upholstery first opened its doors, it was owned by a man named Al. David Madrid was hired onto the company as an upholsterer working alongside then-secretary Kimberly Gilbert. Within one year’s time, Kimberly purchased A&B, promoting David to Supervisor over more than half a dozen workers. She taught David the value of hard work by putting her life into her craft. Not only did she custom make furniture, but she dedicated herself to helping others beyond the professional realm. Ten years into running the business, Kimberly decided to sell the it in an effort to spend more time with her growing family. Observing her now seasoned worker David, she felt he was the right person to keep A&B alive.Taking on this new responsibility was a challenge for David. Having no prior schooling in business, he implemented the skill set he had acquired moving up the corporate ladder under former boss Kimberly’s wing. He shares that his strategy focuses on the honest and optimistic care he gives his clients. A&B soon expanded once Madrid began having frames built in-store by scratch instead of outsourcing for them. He also found that maintaining a collection of fabrics (to sell at a discounted price for those who can’t afford current year Designer sets) allowed an assortment of projects to be achieved for clients whose budget wouldn’t have allowed otherwise.Within the past 5 years, Madrid has even brought in the next generation. Eldest daughter Mercedes holds the position of Manager, and his second daughter Ana is steadily growing her craft within the company. When asked what she feels makes A&B a success, Manager Mercedes responds, “Good quality. What sets us apart from other furniture businesses is that David always explains his work. He lets people know why he uses each product, and he chooses products that last beyond a trend change.” People come back to us wanting a new look for their pieces, not because our previous work didn’t last.