David W. Smith/Daily NewsJim Thompson owns Barren River Upholstery in Bowling Green.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of business: Barren River Upholstery Inc.

Location: 373 E. Sixth Ave.

Type of business: Furniture reupholstery

When did it open? August 1976

Owner: Jim Thompson

Number of employees: Two

Specialties: Furniture upholstery both residential and commercial.

How did the business get started? A friend of mine and I rented a commercial building in downtown Bowling Green and we started two different businesses. We had to heat it with a wood-burning stove. We’re both still in business today.

What is your background? I am an Air Force veteran and attended Western Kentucky University. I served as an apprentice in two well-established upholstery shops.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? Overcoming overhead expenses while still making reupholstery affordable, but profitable.

What’s your business philosophy? I try to do the best job on every piece of furniture I recover. I do not take a picture of past jobs because the only one that matters is what I’m doing that day.

What issues are affecting your industry? It’s a dying trade. No younger people are taking it up as a career.

What are the factors that make your business successful? No. 1, repeat customers. No. 2, good employees over the years and support from numerous interior decorators and commercial institutions.

How do you handle competition? I respect all individuals in this profession and wish them the best of luck.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Be ready for total commitment both financially and time wise. The first five years are critical – 90 percent of all businesses either succeed or fail during this time period.