West Bend, Wi – For nearly six decades, Ace Auto Trim & Ace Canvas and Upholstery has been an integral part of the West Bend community. What began in 1965 as a small auto upholstery shop, founded by Lawrence Stehling, has grown into a beloved business serving generations of local families. Today, Lee Stehling and his wife Sandy, who have carried the torch since Lee took over the reins from his father, acknowledge there is a significant change on the horizon and the Stehlings are reaching out with a heartfelt ‘Thanks.’
“The community’s support has been a significant factor in the business’s longevity and success,” Lee said. “This community embraced my family, and it continued with me and Sandy, and it’s been amazing. I’m getting to the end of the run, and I would just like to thank them all for what they’ve done for me.”
Ace Canvas has a welcoming open-door policy. Lee and his wife Sandy have been coming to the steel-frame building on the far west side of Highway 33 in West Bend, Wi, for decades. It’s been their routine.
Ace Canvas features large cutting tables, an industrial sewing machine with two large spools of thread, a grand American flag on the north wall, and a basketball hoop hanging from the rafters. The shop, 3424 W Washington Street, advanced over the years from automotive interior to furniture and upholstery and has now found its groove in boat cushions and pontoon covers.
Lee, dressed in a black knit hat and purple hooded sweatshirt, said his dad, Lawrence, and brother Jerry and the generation before were the ones that got the ball rolling.
“By age two, in my family, you were pulling staples,” said Lee. “It was a family thing, and back then it all was mainly auto trim, and that was my brother and dad, and they were so good at it…. I just never was that good.”
Lee said his dad brought in boats with a young guy named Jim Quade.
“They started the boats and then Sandy and I got married, and they thought, well, let’s see if he can handle this, because he sure sucks at cars,” said Lee. “I just loved it, and it worked.”
Ace Auto Trim was initially based in Milwaukee. First on Capital Drive and later on Silver Spring. “When my parents came out here from Milwaukee, everybody told them, outsiders aren’t welcome from big cities into small towns,” said Lee. “That could not have been further from the truth as the car dealers like Russ Darrow and Schwartzburg gave my dad instant business. They were just couldn’t have been more welcoming.”
The transition to boat covers was a significant turning point, but the support of the community remained steadfast. From customers to neighbors, people in West Bend embraced Ace Canvas. “We didn’t just serve customers—we made friends along the way,” Lee said. “When my brother’s shop closed 10 years ago, rumors started that Ace was closing too. But a wonderful lady named Judy came in and corrected the rumor, and our business boomed again. That’s what this community does for you.”
For Lee and Sandy, the West Bend community has been more than just a place of business—it’s been their home. “We’ve lived here for so long, we’ve seen so many changes, but the one constant has been the support of the people,” said Sandy. “It’s been amazing. From our first projects to the many friends we’ve made along the way, we are so thankful.”
Lee reflected on some of the pivotal moments in the business’s history. He remembered one early project with West Bend Transit when a gentleman named Hank came in and asked Lee to rebuild all their loading dock pads. “I had no idea how to do that, but Hank trusted me, and with the help of some friends and family, we got it done,” he said.
It’s moments like these, that Lee believes demonstrate the true spirit of West Bend. “People just show up when you need them. It’s not something you expect, but it’s something you’re so grateful for.”
And then there’s the shop itself, with its eclectic mix of tools, sewing machines, and memorabilia that has become a part of its charm.
“It started with a few bird clocks a friend gave me because I was a birdwatcher as a kid, and now people bring things in all the time. It’s like a little museum,” Lee laughed. “But that’s just how it is here—people contribute to what we’ve built, and that’s something we’ll never forget.”
As Lee looks toward the future, with changes on the horizon for both the business and his family, he is filled with gratitude. “I’m getting to the end of the run now, and I just want to thank the community for everything they’ve done for us. We couldn’t have made it without the love and support we’ve received here. It’s been an incredible journey.”
For Sandy, the journey has been just as rewarding. “We’ve met so many wonderful people. It’s hard to imagine our lives without this business or this town. It’s not just about making a living—it’s about being part of something bigger.”
In a world where small businesses often face steep challenges, Ace Canvas is a testament to the power of community. Through decades of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of West Bend, Lee and Sandy Stehling have built more than a business—they’ve built a legacy. As they prepare to take the next step, their message to the community is simple: Thank you.
“I’ll always be grateful for what this town has done for me,” Lee said. “And I hope we’ve been able to give a little back along the way.”
To be clear ACE CANVAS IS NOT CLOSING… it is simply shifting to its next chapter as Samantha Bilda, 35, is Lee and Sandy’s protégé. She will be taking over the business in 2025 and Lee and Sandy will work for her. “It will be the same quality work people are used to… probably better,” said Lee. “I taught her myself.”
Dec. 14, 2018 – West Bend, WI – The simple sign for Ace Canvas on Highway 33 has been in place since the 1980s when that west side of town was considered “out of town.”
Inside the shop is a busy husband-and-wife business that not only creates boat canvasses but also reupholster furniture.
Lee and Sandy Stehling make quite the team.
Their large workspace can hold a pontoon boat or two. There’s room for a pair of electric bikes that rest along the back wall and then there’s the industrial equipment which includes a high-end sewing machine that can punch through leather and canvas.
The Stehlings are breathing new life into furniture at a very reasonable cost combined with an efficient turnaround time. They are meticulous about their work and have made a real niche for their business in West Bend.
Click HERE to see a variety of furniture repairs available.
