Forging friendships through the love of his craft

Nov 30, 2023

By Doppler Online On June 6, 2023 Business

Every piece of furniture, whether old or new, antique or modern, has a purpose to serve and a story to tell. Ian Fedele, owner and operator of Ian's Furniture Refinishing, brings these stories back to life.

Fedele has been practicing his craft for 39 years and specializes in furniture refinishing, repairs, and colour matching. He works with both antique and modern furniture, specifically dining room suites and bedroom suites. Fedele does work all over Simcoe/Muskoka, including Barrie, Orillia, and Parry Sound, and occasionally jobs for clients in areas further afield as well as local businesses and even Casino Rama.

Not only is furniture refinishing a passion and talent of Fedele's—but it is also his legacy. His parents owned J&F Refinishing as he was growing up, and some of his earliest memories involve spending time in the factory.

"It was part of my life all along," Fedele says. "Summer holidays were spent at my dad's factory. Instead of playing on the street with my friends and getting into trouble, my mom said I had to go to work with my dad."

Fedele began working for the family business under his father's guidance in the late 1970s when he was in high school. After he graduated, Fedele's parents moved the business to the United States. In the early 1980s, Fedele decided to take over the business here in Canada and changed the name to what it is today.

Fedele first operated his business in Scarborough, at one shop for seven years and another for over two years. In 1992, Fedele decided to Muskoka and bring his business with him. For the past 31 years, he has operated his business out of a shop on his property located just outside of Novar.

Fedele picks up and delivers all of the furniture he works on. He says his clients will typically give him an idea of what they want to be done with their piece, and if it is an antique, they will indicate whether they want it restored back to its original state or whether they want a completely new look. With the client's vision in mind, Fedele carefully transforms each piece into a beautiful work of art.

"I get to take old furniture that people think is over the hill or finished with and give it new life," he says.

Not only does Fedele focus on the aesthetics of the piece, but he also ensures it is refinished with the highest quality possible, so it is strong, durable, and will last far into the future.

"I do everything from A to Z. For example, taking a chair and doing everything from taking it apart to re-gluing it, to re-sanding it. If you take a shortcut, it takes you twice as long," he explains. "I never send anything out until I feel I’ve done everything I think is possible so it is as good as it can be."

Aside from his passion for the job itself, Fedele loves how it provides him the opportunity to meet new people and form lasting relationships. He says some of his clients have been his friends for over 25 years.

"The thing I like the most [about the job]is meeting new people and the satisfaction of having happy customers, people's happy faces," he says. "That's really what I do it for."

Fedele also enjoys making pieces on his wood lathe, such as bowls and vases, which are available for purchase. He spends his spare time gardening and fishing and loves his family and his two German Shepherds.

Fedele is available Monday to Friday by appointment only.

For more information, visit the Facebook page called Ian's Furniture Refinishing or contact by email at: [email protected]

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