Trained technician · Tampa, FL

Aleksandr Emelin, founder of Apex Leather Repair

Aleksandr was working as a handyman in Tampa when he saw Alexander Evstafiev on YouTube. He flew to San Diego to learn leather repair, and today he runs his own mobile repair business across Tampa Bay.

Visit Apex Leather Repair Read his story

Trained September 2026Trained in San DiegoServing Tampa Bay5.0 on Google

Aleksandr Emelin, founder of Apex Leather Repair in Tampa

His story

He saw the trade on YouTube and booked a flight

Aleksandr Emelin worked as a handyman, and he was not happy with it. The hours were long and the pay was low.

Then he came across Alexander on YouTube and decided to visit San Diego and learn leather repair in person. In September 2026 he flew in, studied the methods we use, and passed every test.

Back in Tampa, he started Apex Leather Repair, a mobile leather repair service for the Tampa Bay area.

Trained: September 2026, San Diego
Before: Handyman
How he found us: YouTube
His business: Apex Leather Repair, Tampa Bay

Before and after

Aleksandr's work

Three of his jobs in Tampa Bay.

Black leather cushion with a hole and surface cracking, before repair by Apex Leather Repair — Before

Black leather cushion after hole repair and refinishing by Apex Leather Repair — After

Black leather cushionHole and surface cracking repaired and refinished

Green leather-covered chest with scuffed, damaged finish on the top, before restoration — Before

Green leather-covered chest after the top was refinished by Apex Leather Repair — After

Green leather chestScuffed, damaged top restored to an even color

Gray quilted seat with a dark mark on the cushion, before repair — Before

Gray quilted seat after repair by Apex Leather Repair — After

Quilted seatDark mark on the seat cushion removed

Where he is now

Mobile leather repair across Tampa Bay

Apex Leather Repair is based in Land O' Lakes and travels to homes and businesses around the bay. Like us, Aleksandr works on recliners and Eames lounge chairs. He also repairs gym equipment, which we do not offer in San Diego.

Leather furnitureSofas, couches and recliners

Eames lounge chairsRepair and restoration

Car interiorsAutomotive interior repair

BoatsMarine upholstery repair

Aircraft interiorsInterior refurbishment

Medical and gym equipmentCommercial seating and pads

TampaSt. PetersburgClearwaterBrandonRiverviewLakeland

Need leather repaired in Tampa Bay?

We work in San Diego County only. In Florida, contact Aleksandr directly at apexleatherrepair.com.

Apex Leather Repair · Land O' Lakes, FL · (727) 642-0193 · Mon–Sat 7 AM – 9 PM

All trained technicians