Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The phrase -- "The grass is greener on the other side" -- has become a common expression used by people seeking a change in life or circumstance. Well, I know a man who can use this expression without any intention or desire for a change. His name is Patrick Ring, and for him, the grass really is greener on the other side, the other side of the world that is. You see, Patrick is from Ireland, the greenest land o' them all. Although Patrick loves his homeland, he also loves Utah, a place that has given him a bit o' luck.
Patrick owns and operates Salt Lake's European Expressions, a craftsmanship upholstery shop. European Expressions specializes in custom upholstery as well as re-upholstery of all types of furniture, including antiques. Patrick works with interior designers, personal homeowners and anyone who wants quality craftsmanship furniture. He tells me he did all the furniture for Karl Malone's house. He must have used a bundle of fabric on that job!
Patrick's experience alone tags him with a quality reputation. His family has been in the furniture business for many generations. As a young boy, Patrick began to learn the trade while he cleaned up, made buttons or stripped furniture in the back of his family's store. Patrick started a master craftsmanship at age 14 and later had a personal tutor while he worked. Ten years ago, Patrick was vacationing in Utah, and his friends and a pretty face persuaded him to stay. He ended up marrying the wee lassie, and together, they started European Expressions.
Patrick's family wants him to return to Ireland to carry on the family business, but he isn't sure he could move away from Utah. Patrick tells me he misses his family and the wonderful green landscape. He also says that even though Utah's grass is sometimes green, it still looks brown to him. But, he thinks he would miss Utah's mountains and four seasons just as much, if not more. Well, we'd be lucky if he stayed!
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
