Couple leaves Phoenix for Quincy to start upholstery repair business for cars, boats

QUINCY — It’s common to appreciate the paint job, the model and what is under the hood when admiring cars. The upholstery often times can be glossed over. Some may not even notice it.

But not after Chuck Hagan gets his hands on it.

“You have to be an artist to do this,” said Hagan, who owns Topstitch Auto and Boat Upholstery with his wife Julia. Hagan has been working in upholstery for almost 50 years, owning businesses in Arizona before his family moved back to Quincy to be closer to Julia’s family.

Hagan said he started his first business in 1986 “with $185, a sewing machine and a dream.” It was a family trade. His father worked in the same industry, but after five years, Hagan wanted to be his own boss. That first company did well, but business really took off after Hagan moved to Phoenix in 2010 and opened his second company. Phoenix was more populous, and its proximity to 12 lakes meant more boat-owning customers.

However, the Hagans grew tired of Phoenix’s heat, busyness and traffic. They wanted to slow down and found Quincy’s seasonal variety and greeness refreshing.

“Business was wonderful, but it was just too much working,” Julia Hagan said. “I don’t want life and time to get away from us. I’d like to be with family and just slow down.”

The Hagans packed up and came to Quincy earlier this year, officially opening Topstitch on April 1.

Topstitch provides a range of services from repairing rips to designing full custom interiors. Hagan is happy when any job walks through the door.

“From the highest end to just bring me your beater, and I’ll make it look good,” he said.

Hagan has served Maseratis, antique cars and fancy boats. It’s important to him to keep the service affordable so it’s accessible to all.

Hagan, a former high school football coach, voiced a strong desire to support the community. He’s excited to fill a hole in the Quincy market.

“People can get it done here instead of taking (their vehicles) to St. Louis or Chicago,” he said.

The Hagans want to support the Quincy community that is supporting them by “going out to eat, seeing new restaurants and keeping (our) money here.”

Topstitch has kept the Hagan family busy since moving to town, with a steady flow of customers coming mostly by word-of-mouth. Bryan, the 13-year-old son, helped design the logo, and Macy the shop dog keeps waiting customers happy.

The next time you hop in your car, look at the upholstery. Even if it’s not ripped, imagine double-diamond or fish scale stitching. Where you see a comfortable seat, the Hagans see a blank canvas.