30 Minutes with Workroom Tech: Episode 113 / A Short Intermission

On this episode of the podcast Ceil DiGuglielmo interviews Jonathan Bennett and Susan Woodcock to learn about the sale of Workroom Tech and the move to Richmond, VA. It's time to take a brief intermission so we can change the set, refresh the actors and get ready for the next act!

You can listen to this episode here:

Episode 113: A Short Intermission

In May 2026, Susan Woodcock announced the sale of Workroom Tech to Jonathan Bennett, owner of Unsprung Upholstery Company and Unsprung University. Susan and Jonathan share that they have heard only positive comments and have received a lot of support from across the workroom industry.

Susan Woodcock and Rodger Walker started Workroom Tech in 2017 and Susan always thought that it was a business that could be built and sold and an opportunity for others in the future. She points out that "Jonathan took advantage of the opportunity" and that they had discussed ideas about his ownership for 2 years.

Ceil asked Susan if there were things she hoped Jonathan could do that she was not able to do with Workroom Tech. Susan shared that with Jonathan being in a larger city "...there are opportunities to hold classes once a week and apprenticeship programs to enable people to learn a trade". Adding, "this is an amazing career... to be in the upholstery and drapery trades - and Jonathan can push that forward. I am excited to see what he can do with that".

On July 4, 2026 the big move happened with tools, machines, samples and supplies being loaded and moved from Tryon, NC to Richmond, VA.

The new location is a large warehouse divided into three sections. Workroom Tech will be in the front of the building with Unsprung Upholstery, business offices and storage in the rest of the space. New worktables have been build and set up in time for classes starting on July 17.

Ceil asked Jonathan about how his team reacted to the news that he was buying Workroom Tech. He shared that they were all very enthusiastic and have stepped up to help with preparing for and teaching classes. "They are very excited to do something different".

When asked about his vision and hopes for Workroom Tech, Jonathan said that he wants to keep things the same, add more upholstery and slipcover classes, and run as many classes as possible. Some of the same educators will be teaching and new people will be coming onboard.

Jonathan invites anyone "...who wants to learn for themselves or add it to their business to come on and let's do this!" If you have something you would like to learn please contact us here.

In answer to the question "where to you see yourself in 5 years", Susan shared that she has plans for another business in the workroom industry and will continue to own and produce the Custom Workroom Conference, which is celebrating it's 10th year in 2026.

Jonathan hopes that in 5 years he can get Unsprung Upholstery and Workroom Tech working "like a Swiss clock" so that he can focus on delegating, developing and teaching.

And what about the podcast? The Sew Much More Podcast: 30 Minutes with Workroom Tech will continue with Ceil, Susan and Jonathan. Thank you for listening!