Meet the Team

The Start Of It All

Howard Tocker

After serving in the US Navy during WWII, Howard and Rose left St Paul, Minnesota and moved to Phoenix. In 1965, Howard started H&R Sales (what was to become H&R Fabrics) with his sons as a family owned and operated business. He instilled his “Customer Service First” approach as our core principle and we strive to honor that in everything we do.

Verne Tocker

Howard’s youngest son Verne grew up in Phoenix and graduated from ASU as a business major. He joined his father and older brother in starting H&R Sales in 1965
and worked there until he retired in Prescott, AZ. Although he is no longer present for the day-to-day operations, he remains an esteemed member of the industry and Valley
community. Verne is an avid world traveler and full-time doggy dad in his retirement, but he still joins us at the store on special occasions!

Kenneth Tocker

Howard’s son Ken (or Kenny as most affectionately knew him), grew up in Phoenix and graduated from ASU where he met his wife, Rochelle. He joined his father and brother in starting H&R Sales in 1965 and remained working until he passed away in 2023. We have Ken to thank for our automotive fabrics, paints & extensive selection of auto clips! He was an avid hot air balloon pilot who flew all over the world. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle, friend and as a beloved member of the hot air ballooning community.

Paula Tocker

Although she grew up in the business, Verne’s daughter Paula officially joined H&R Fabrics in 1998 and accepted the position of CEO in 2012. Paula quickly became an admired and respected part of the design community by fostering lifelong collaborations and friendships with customers and vendors alike. Her focus on Howard’s “Customer Service First” approach extended to customers, vendors and employees and she is a fierce champion for all aspects of the design trade. After retiring in 2024, she travels the globe but also continues her obsession with fabrics and trims with many charity sewing endeavors.

Harold Tocker

Vern’s son began working at H&R Fabrics in 1990 according to the “official” records, but he has always been a part of the family business. Although he has handled many facets of the operations, he is renowned for his love of helping customers problem-solve their tough projects or source specialty products. Harold is indispensable as H&R Fabric’s resident expert in tools, supplies, foam, vinyls and all aspects of the upholstery fabrication and restoration industry. He is a know-it-all in the best possible way! His free time is spent indulging his love of music and sports as well as enjoying quality time with his grandkids.

Ruth Uber

With her friendly face and outgoing personality, Ken’s daughter Ruth has been the unofficial Greeter of H&R Fabrics for many, many years. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, do special projects or spend a little time chatting with long-time customers. She makes everyone feel welcome and is truly a people person. To know her is to love her!

Angela Collins

Angie, Paula’s daughter, returned to her Phoenix roots in 2023 after raising her family in San Diego and brought her 20+ years of experience in business finance to H&R Fabrics as CFO. With a background in startups and growing small businesses, she is responsible for the smooth operation of the accounting and administration functions and loves spreadsheets! She is also currently learning Spanish in order to continue the H&R Fabrics legacy of “Customer Service First.” Like the rest of the family, Angie enjoys traveling and trying new local cuisines.

Brian Collins

Paula’s son Brian came onboard in 2019 as the COO of H&R Fabrics after spending 10 years in Australia with his family. The extensive experience in warehouse logistics and inventory management he gained while there has been pivotal to the sustainable growth of H&R Fabrics. He has a wide array of product knowledge and is an indispensable resource when collaborating with designers and fabricators to ensure their projects run smoothly. Brian has a culinary arts degree and he and his family enjoy traveling the world to experience new cultures and enjoy their food!

Our Team

Mike

All of our H&R Fabrics customers know Mike for his big laugh, positive attitude and sunny disposition. He has created lifetime friendships with customers who have become like family over the years, even being invited to family celebrations and funerals! He enjoys many athletic pursuits like BMX riding, swimming & hiking. But he’s always game for a good steak and fries at his favorite local spots.

Victor

Victor, known to our long-time customers as El Patron, runs our auto fabrics program and makes sure we are always fully stocked and up to date with our products. All three of his children have followed in his footsteps working alongside him at H&R Fabrics at some point. He is a lifetime Pauchuca soccer fan and is our all around Mister Fix-It!

Coral

In her many years with H&R Fabrics, Coral has served in every aspect of the business. She has been our Accounting Manager, Marketing & Sales Assistant, Purchasing Assistant, and currently handles Floor Design and runs our Fabric Source Gallery sample program. There’s nothing she can’t do! Coral is an avid reader, but her personal passion is Korean culture including K-dramas, anime and Korean food.

Selvana

Selvana’s many years of experience in the furniture world allows her to offer an
exceptional level of service to all of our H&R Fabrics design and retail customers. She regularly works one-on-one with designers and fabricators to source specialty fabrics and solve production issues. She is the proud mother of two amazing sons, and loves being “Tata” (Grandmother) of her beautiful granddaughter.

Junior

Spending his early teen years apprenticing in an upholstery shop, Junior comes to H&R Fabrics with a professional background in logistics and delivery. His easy going, friendly, customer centric attitude makes him well liked by everyone on his delivery route as well as in the store. An avid gamer in his free time, he has cultivated friendships with fellow players from all over the world!