Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Repp.
Hi Chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My dad and mom were Jesus people hippies living communally in Northern California in the Mid-70’s. The communal leaders were looking for ways to support the commune and someone discovered the basic skills to fix vinyl restaurant booths and leather car seats. So New Life Service company was born. Even today, there are leather pros all around the US and Canada who have their roots in that original group,, my Dad, after moving to New York finally settled us in Southern PA in 1983. He then built the business to furniture stores, car dealers, office buildings and private jet owners in the Baltimore, Washington DC area. As a kid, over the summers, I would help out. But during college I worked part time in the business too. After being married young, and having our daughter unexpectedly- I decided to pause graduate school and enter the family business full time to support our growing family. In the decades since, Dad has retired and I have grown to work on more furniture in homes, corporate offices even the local NFL and MLB stadiums. Just like me, my kids have shared many days tagging along with dad to learn about the family leather business. My middle son, who is in graduate school himself, has started learning the trade and is taking a more serious turn toward learning the skills himself. Finally, in recent years we have enjoyed connecting with people all around the world through LeatherHelp and our social media, Its been fun sharing the trade by teaching leather classes online- in fact last month i acquired a student, Lana, from Queensland Australia. Last month, I was on with a podcaster living in South America. One of our major hotel groups in DC is based in Ireland, and I’ve stayed in their Dublin hotel. And on LinkedIn we share lots of work and tips with other leather pros all around the world. From the humble hippie beginnings, we have certainly been blessed to provide for our families and have a world wide impact.
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?
Not a smooth road. Family business can be tough. In 2006 my dad and I had a falling out and split our companies into two with different territory. It took me way out of my comfort zone to cold sell my own account ts and build a new business. But it worked, later my dad and I were reconciled, and he still sees my business LeatherHelp and a furthering of his original legacy at New Life Service. . We talk every week and he asks all about my leather travels and unique project. It still brings him joy to hear me, and now my son, carrying on the trade.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are specialists in leather refinishing. When a customer has a leather sofa or chair that is sun faded, cat scratches or just dirty, we are the company to call. Many of the furiture stores and other wood and upholstery tradesman in the Baltimore area all recommend us for leather.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Seth Godin, EMyth, InShot Video Editor, Accidental Creative Podcast, Patrick Lencioni Business Author
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LeatherHelp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leatherhelpguy?igsh=cHZvaHhwaTIycjBr&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19aXZfJoVf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leatherhelpguy?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@leatherhelpguy?si=Md4A8fOfYtPb-c2m
