Autumn Hill Upholstery Co.: April 2010

In the era of mass produced, where a desk of bed you buy is also owned by thousands of people in dozens of countries, wouldn't it be nice to find a one-of-a-kind couch? Wouldn't you appreciate a sofa designed exactly to suit your wants and needs, custom made for you and only you?

If your answer is anywhere between a "maybe" and a "hell,yes!" then Joshua Mandell at Autumn Hill Upholstery Co. can turn your most specific lounging fantasises into reality.

"We can do any style in any size, fabric, leather or configuration, " Mandell says. "There's nothing I can't do; I never say no."

Located in the Mississauga Home and Design Centre, just 30 minutes outside of Toronto, Autumn Hill Upholstery Co. is a couch seeker's paradise. Ceiling to floor windows allow light to stream in to a space filled with sample models and fabrics and the subtle smell of leather and incense.

Walk in any day of the week and Mandell will be behind his desk, ready to listen and advise. Starting his career in the back of a Serta mattress factory at age 18 and his way through sales and store management for various upscale furniture brands, Mandell offers 16 years of industry experience.

"Right now this kind of a family business, because it's just me," he jokes.

While a customized couch made in Canada is pricier than foreign mass-produced products, you are paying for much higher quality and a lifetime warranty, Mandell explains. His fabric sofas typically cost between $1,650 to $2,399, and leather upholstery usually ranges from $2,399 to $2,699. Theses prices include personalized adjustments of height, width and depth.

Mandell also offers free home consultations and promises delivery within one to two weeks. "That's unbelievable in this industry," he says.

Although the furniture business has been hit hard by the economic downturn, Mandell is confident in the future success of his newly-opened store due to his current level of customer satisfaction.

"There is no buyer's remorse," he proudly proclaims. "They get exactly what they want and they're absolutely in love with it."