History Collage

Walter Smith

  • Working in a field you enjoy is one thing. What made you want to start a business around it?
    In 1954, I was in a wood shop class and also had already done things with furniture while in the boys club. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to make something out of it.
  • Is this a family business? Do people close to you also get to work with you?
    Yes, my son Bruce grew up in the business and will carry on the tradition.
  • What's a favorite piece you've restored and why?
    A stained glass window from the 1950 Georgia Railroad. It's from Augusta and it's a one-of-a-kind.
  • What would you tell people that have, what they might feel, 'unrestorable old furniture'?
    Nothing is unrestorable!

Bruce Smith

  • How'd you get into furniture restoration?
    I grew up in the business alongside my father.
  • What do you like most about coming back into work everyday? What is your favorite part of the job?
    I enjoy the challenges that each day offers. I like knowing I can do what I love and provide for my family!
  • Is there a favorite piece you remember being restored?
    There is too many to list - I love Augusta History!

Jennifer Garcia

  • How'd you get into furniture restoration?
    A friend pulled me in but I have always loved antique pieces!
  • What do you like most about coming back into work everyday? What is your favorite part of the job?
    I love evaluating & learning about the antiques.
  • Is there a favorite piece you remember being restored?
    I have seen so many pieces come in that it's hard to pin point one. Every piece is a treasure to someone!

Michael Leaptrotte

  • How'd you get into furniture restoration?
    My Ex-Father-in-Law was a cabinet maker.
  • What do you like most about coming back into work every day? What is your favorite part of the job?
    Challenges and working with wood.
  • Is there a favorite piece you remember being restored?
    The more challenging pieces, the better.

Howard McClain

  • How'd you get into furniture restoration?
    Through my love of Guitars.
  • What do you like most about coming back into work every day? What is your favorite part of the job?
    Getting to leave the house because love what I do! I also love working in almost impossible touchups.
  • Is there a favorite piece you remember being restored?
    All antiques are amazing. I love seeing the families preserve the pieces.

William Nick Ellis

Supply Sales

  • How'd you get into furniture restoration?
    I got into restoration through selling supplies and hardware.
  • What do you like most about coming back into work every day? What is your favorite part of the job?
    I love to see new faces!
  • Is there a favorite piece you remember being restored?
    I don't have a favorite - I love all of it!

Nikki Roberson

Claims Analyst

Raymond Barron

Other Staff

The history & staff

When Walter Smith was a child, he wasn’t old enough to be in the Boys’ Club Woodshop so he started sweeping floors to earn his way up. He loved the furniture so much that he decided to become a doctor – a furniture doctor.

“After working over 30 years in the factories, I decided to shift gears.”

Now his business, The Furniture Doctor, occupies four buildings along the 3000 block of Peach Orchard Road. Walter’s hobbies include wood working and discovering Augusta collectibles. He specializes in furniture refinishing, antique restoration and supplies. He prides himself on his amazing business and enjoys collecting antique cars and antique bottles.

Read more about Walter and the awesome Furniture Doctor staff below:

Meet Us

Walter Smith Bruce Smith Jennifer Garcia Michael Leaptrotte Howard McClain William Nick Ellis Nikki Roberson Raymond Barron