Business Owner
Freeman's Upholstery Shop
has been a family tradition since 1984. Over the years Nate learned the trade as an apprentice upholsterer. As
the second-generation owner of Freeman's Upholstery Shop, Inc., Nate
understands first-hand the struggles and day-to-day life of Vermont's
small business owners. Freeman's Upholstery Shop employs two
part-time craftspeople in addition to Nate's ownerIn 2005, as Nate prepared to assume control of the business, he designed and built a custom couch from paper sketch to frame
construction to a finished upholstered piece. "Cello" is now the
signature piece of Freeman's Upholstery Shop and an immediate qualifier
for the quality of Nate's craftsmanship and innovative design.
Entrepreneur
In
addition to his specialized trade, Nate has also initiated a start up
company offering an all-natural, biodegradable pet product, Green
Mountain Kitty Litter, under the business name, "Natural Homes, Inc."
As a side business, Nate is growing product sales slowly as he
finalizes the process of product development, sourcing, and packaging
and labeling. The concept for Green Mountain Kitty Litter came from
the family experience of adopting two kittens from the humane society
and then purchasing both traditional and biodegradable litter products
none of which seemed to live up to their advertised promises. At last,
Nate found a litter product made of soft wood pellets, but was
surprised to discover that the company is based in Florida. With an
appreciation for local and regional economies, Nate contacted hard wood
pellet manufacturers in the area and created close business
relationships right here at home.
Family and Education Formative Years Heritage Public Life