Larry Bond
Location: Locust Grove, Okla.
In Town: “I do custom upholstery for people from all over because I have been in the business for over 50 years and my customers come back. I mostly upholster furniture. I do many sofas, dining chairs, easy chairs and pieces of antique furniture. Leather upholstery also makes up a good-sized portion of my business. I started in a furniture factory in Oklahoma City, Okla., and worked for four manufacturers, which kept closing or being sold before I started my own business. I spent 10 years upholstering for myself in Vinita, Okla., and 30 years in southwest Missouri. I moved back to Oklahoma in 2008 to do business here. I didn’t have a hard time getting started because my customers followed me. Being able to provide something people want and need while being good for the business, as well, is the key to success. Any undertaking has to be beneficial to both in order for it to work.”
In the Country: “I inherited a farm that borders Fort Gibson Lake on one side. I raise goats and would like to get some chickens. I usually raise a garden but that didn’t work well this year because of the weather. I sure miss my okra and tomatoes. I also manage 10 acres that belonged to my sisters. I keep the land mowed and free of debris like dead trees. Living in the country always seemed natural to me because that’s where I was raised although in Delaware County. My father farmed, mostly dairy, but we tried to be self-sufficient so we had chickens, a garden and strawberries to sell on the side. My family lives in Missouri and sometimes come to visit and share my style of country life. I have three kids, 11 grandkids and eight great grandkids that enjoy visiting the farm.”
Story and Photo by Terry Ropp
