Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Valadez
Hi Julio, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story begins with a 16-year-old kid in Guadalajara, Mexico, back when San Juan de Dios was alive with hustle and heart. That kid was my grandpa, Anastacio Valadez. He met a master upholsterer named Pedro, who taught him the trade—stitch by stitch—and sparked a passion that’s carried through three generations to where we are today: JV and Sons Upholstery Shop in McKinney, Texas.
Grandpa Anastacio was a wanderer. As a grown man, he took his skills to Tijuana and Los Angeles in the ‘60s, chasing dreams across borders. By 1978, he’d settled back in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where my dad grew up surrounded by the hum of sewing machines. Together, they built Muebles Vago—a thriving upholstery shop with two stores selling full sets of sofas, loveseats, and chairs. It was the family’s first big mark on the craft.
When I was 16, my dad moved us to Santa Ana, California, where we lived until I was 27. That’s when I felt the itch to branch out. I landed in McKinney, Texas, and a couple of years later, my brother and parents joined me. We started small, setting up shop in a gas station corner, but with grit and skill, we grew it into what JV and Sons is now: a full-service outfit that can do it all. Sofas, restaurant booths, hot rod interiors—you name it, we build it, fix it, or make it better.
Today, my dad runs the shop alongside me, his hands just as steady as they were back in Mexico. My mom’s right there too, involved in every detail—whether it’s picking fabrics or keeping us on track. With over 65 years of family experience, we’re a tight crew. My brother’s in the mix, and even our shop dog, Zapata, patrols the floor, tail wagging like he owns the place. The “Sons” in our name? That’s me and my brother, carrying forward what Grandpa Anastacio started.
McKinney’s the perfect fit for us—a town with deep roots and a community that gets what we’re about. We’ve tricked out hot rods for local gearheads, built booths for restaurants down the road, and restored heirlooms that hold decades of memories. Every job’s a story, and we love being part of it.
It’s not all smooth sailing. The days are long, the work’s tough, and running a family business means wearing a lot of hats. But when a customer lights up over their revamped couch or a diner owner says our booths are packing the place, it’s worth it. We’re built to last, just like the pieces we craft—solid, dependable, with a dash of Texas soul.
At JV and Sons, we’re more than upholsterers. We’re a family keeping a legacy alive, from a 16-year-old dreamer in Guadalajara to a bustling shop in McKinney. Bring us your faded chair, your hot rod vision, or your next big project. With my dad and me at the helm, Mom pitching in, and Zapata guarding the fort, we’ll stitch it up right—generation-tested and Texas-strong.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The shop performs well throughout most of the year, though it slows down for a couple months at the end.
My dad also contends with the Spanish/English translation challenge, which adds an interesting layer to our experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At our shop, we take pride in our ability to craft custom furniture from the ground up. Whether it’s creating sofas tailored to your exact specifications based on a simple picture or designing restaurant booths to fit any space, we bring your vision to life. Our work can be seen in establishments like Wicked Butcher and Wild Salsa in downtown Dallas, as well as Neon Cactus and Canyon Cactus in Fairview and Argyle, Texas.
Beyond commercial and residential furniture, we specialize in complete automotive interiors. From a 1923 T-Bucket with an empty cabin to Cadillacs, lowriders, Impalas, and any hot rod, American muscle, or JDM car, we meticulously design and build every detail. Our team handles everything—cutting fabric, sewing, constructing frames, and upholstering—making us a full-service upholstery shop.
We’re also committed to supporting our community. In addition to our custom projects, we offer repair services at affordable rates and, in some cases, even free of charge for small fixes. It’s our way of giving back while doing what we love.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Im devoted to cars since I was a teenager and would pull and engine out and replace it,
I lean hard one mechanic skills but I keep them for my personal projects.
some examples of our car projects are a 66 impala, 95 Nissan hardbody and a 85 rx7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jvandsonsupholstery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jv_upholstery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JV-and-Sons-Upholstery/100045428383849/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jv-and-sons-upholstery-mckinney
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4D7AzUyJVcayWedA
