Custom Workroom Conference

Meet the CWC Speakers: Aaron Studham

Aaron Studham started at Marcoux Upholstery part time in 2008 making deliveries and sweeping floors while working various odd jobs. As he developed his upholstery skills, he took on more responsibilities within the business, including estimating and working with designers. In 2023, Aaron purchased the Leominster, Mass., business, which offers commercial and residential upholstery with a focus on custom-built projects, including sofas, banquettes, and beds. Marcoux Upholstery projects have been featured in magazines like Architectural Digest, Decor Maine, and Boston Home, and appeared on the TV shows Castle Rock and Dexter. Learn more at www.marcouxupholstery.com and Facebook, and Instagram .

Aaron is teaching UPH-5 Building Confidence - From Frame to Finished Project
If you already have basic upholstery skills and tools, you, too, can build your own furniture. With a slipper chair as his model, Aaron Studham will show you how to plan the project, tackle complex shades, and create cut lists. He’ll then demonstrate how to build a good foundation, install springs, and choose the proper methods for upholstery. Aaron will also explain how to apply these skills to other projects. Before you know it, you’ll have the confidence to make your own low-cost high-value projects.

Meet the CWC Speakers: Deborah Cronin

Deborah Cronin has been in the interior design industry for more than 40 years, first in home decorating retail sales and management and then, since 1999, as owner of Leatherwood Design Co, a high-end to-the-trade fabrication studio in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Her specialties are making shades and any other project that requires inventive techniques. Deborah loves sharing her expertise with her designers, as well as with workroom colleagues at CWC, Workroom Tech, various WCAA chapters, and State University of New York at Purchase. She is a member of the WCAA Virtual Chapter. See more on Facebook and Instagram.

Deborah is co-teaching WT-5 Made in the TDBU Shade with Jennifer White

For Deborah Cronin and Jennifer White, the most-asked question lately is, “Can a top-down/bottom-up shade be motorized?” In short, Yes! Together, they’ll give an overview of TDBU operating systems, including beaded chain loop and cordless, and discuss the variables when considering motorization. Will it need to coordinate with a home system? What about budget? Does the homeowner need both TD and BU? Deborah and Jennifer will also talk about step-by-step fabrication and review the necessary calculations, including for adding bottom trim or hobbled folds. Finally, they’ll tackle how to motorize your shade, and share samples of headrails, motors, and more.

We had a great first day of registration for Custom Workroom Conference 2026! Thank you to everyone who signed up to attend. Here is a sneak peek at who will be at CWC in Erie, PA this September.

After one day of registration it looks pretty even between all levels of experience. That is very good to see!

New business owners 0-5 years are needed to keep the workroom industry vibrant and growing, the businesses who represent 5 - 15 years are rising stars who are ready to scale and grow, the people who have been in business 15 - 25 years know how to succeed and keep the workroom industry stable with consistent products and services, and the people who have 25+ years of experience and are attending set an example of "always learning" and give back by being mentors.

We welcome all levels of experience and each person is valued for their desire to learn, grow and network. The newbie has as much to offer and is as important at the seasoned pro. Join us at CWC 2026 and experience it for yourself! Registration is open at www.customworkroomconference.com