Meet the Distinctive Chesterfields Workshop Team – Part One

Ever wondered how many people make up our workshop team? Or maybe you’ve pondered what exactly they each do to ensure your order reaches you on time and to your specific requirements? Well, wonder no more! Today on the blog we’ll be introducing you to our workshop team, with biographies of our small office team following shortly.

Sit back, grab a cuppa and say hello to our fine team…

Luke Szydelko – Apprentice Upholsterer

Since starting working at the company almost a year ago, Luke’s tried his hand at a few different roles, including dealing with the dispatch of our sofas, and general upholstery. He’s a big music fan, and loves the classic design of one of our most popular sofas, the Holyrood.

My favourite thing about the job is…The atmosphere in the workshop – everyone’s good fun.

The Chesterfield I’d choose is…the Holyrood, as it looks comfy and it’s a classic design. I’d have it in black.

My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…play Playstation

If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Jack Black, and Maria Brink, lead singer of the band In This Moment

My idea of a perfect day is….a day skydiving and then a big party at night.

Eden McCallum  – Apprentice Machinist

About Eden: One of just two women in the workshop, Eden works alongside Theresa Carrier (see bio below) in preparing and stitching the leather hides and other fabrics before they move onto the buttoning department. A student of Huddersfield Textile Excellence Centre, Eden says she loves sewing, but if she hadn’t found her feet in the world of upholstery she’d have loved to have been a builder!

My favourite thing about the role is…I like it all. I just love sewing!

The Chesterfield I’d choose is…a wing back chair

If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: Jessie J, Megan Fox and Sharon Osbourne

My idea of a perfect day is… a long walk with my dog, Lola. Then I’d spend time with my young nephews and the rest of the evening I’d watch some good TV with friends.

If I wasn’t a machinist, I’d have liked to have been a …builder.

Shaun Bannighan – Upholsterer (Studding department)

When he’s not working in the ‘studding’ department of our busy workshop, Shaun is to be found in his bedroom-turned-music studio, where he produces music from scratch. Shaun’s job at Distinctive Chesterfields involves hand-studding the sofas, and when he’s not at work or making music he likes to get outdoors and walk his dog.

My favourite thing about the role is…the environment. The people are really fun to work with.

The Chesterfield I’d choose is…the Hampton in black.

If I wasn’t a studder I’d have liked to have been a….graphic designer.

My idea of a perfect day is….a day making music, followed by shepherd’s pie for tea.

Theresa Carrier – Machinist

About Theresa: Working in the same workshop as her husband (Ashley Carrier – full bio coming soon!), Theresa’s an experienced machinist and has recently taken a new apprentice under her wing (Eden – see above). Sewing the leather for the sofa’s frame and its cushion covers, Theresa spends her free time with her horse, or taking her three dogs for a walk.

My favourite thing about the job is…the satisfaction of seeing the end result. If one thing isn’t done right, it affects everything else.

An interesting fact about me is….I’ve got too many animals – five chickens, five ducks, a horse and three dogs.

The Chesterfield I’d choose is…The Hampton, as it’s a nice comfy sofa and it looks great.

My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…curl up with my three dogs, Jasper, Tinkerbell and Woolly.

My idea of a perfect day is… Walking the dogs on the beach, at the British seaside. I’d chill in the evening, with a few beers and a nice meal, and look out over the sea.

Tom Stringer – Upholsterer (Cutting department)

About Tom: A personal trainer in his spare time, Tom regularly puts brave Distinctive Chesterfields’ staff members through their paces outside of work. Starting with the company as an apprentice five years ago, Tom’s in charge of cutting up the leather (which is delivered in hides) for the sofas, ensuring it’s the right shape and size for each Chesterfield.                                                                     

My favourite thing about the job is…how rewarding it is. It’s satisfying when you get to see a sofa you’ve made and it’s such a valuable skill.

My favourite snack when I’m being a couch potato is…spare ribs – they’re messy but worth it!

An interesting fact about me is…I can speak Spanish and I play rugby in the same team as my brother (who’s also recently joined the workshop team).

If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: Russell Brand, Jim Carey and actress Emily Browning

My idea of a perfect evening in is…I’d have Emily Browning round, and we’d enjoy a hot Bovril!

James Nixon – Apprentice Upholsterer/Dispatch

About James: A fan of British Geordie comedian Sarah Millican, James is part of our warehouse control team. Responsible for carefully wrapping and packing your beautiful Chesterfield furniture in preparation for its delivery, James loves the atmosphere in the workshop. He’s also tried his hand at upholstery and can also be found accompanying our delivery driver Greg on sofa deliveries. In his free time, he enjoys seeing friends and treating himself to a nice big pizza!

My favourite thing about the job is…We’re always busy and I love the atmosphere and the people here.

I’m at my comfiest when….I’m relaxing with my friends.

My favourite snack when I’m being a couch potato is…tortilla crisps.

An interesting fact about me is…I have basic skills on a piano.

My superhero power would be…the ability to read minds.

If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d go for…Steven Gerrard, Robert Downey Jr and Sarah Millican.

My idea of a perfect evening is…hanging out with friends, playing Xbox and eating margarita pizza.

Michael Mandunya – Upholsterer (Cutting department)

About Michael: A guitar player in his spare time, our apprentice upholsterer Michael also enjoys watching sport – namely Manchester United, and his local team Huddersfield Town. He’s in charge of ‘prepping’ the sofas, laying the springs together to ensure they don’t come loose, and applying the canvas ready for the buttons later.

My favourite thing about the role is…everything. It’s a really interesting job and my colleagues are great.

The Chesterfield I’d choose is…the Hampton in either white or black leather, or linen. I’d have a three-seater.

My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…text my friend Mercy.

If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: Justin Timberlake, Sandra Bullock and comedian Kevin Hart.

My idea of a perfect day is… I’d go skydiving and then come home, put my feet up and watch TV!

Enjoyed these staff bios? Keep an eye on the Distinctive Chesterfields blog over the coming days to meet some more members of our talented team. Until next time…