Michael Carson and Linda Papadopoulos

Photography by Jim Prisching

Closet Works wrote the rules of closet design,” says Michael Carson, President and founder of Closet Works, explaining that his company was one of the first to establish itself in the trade of spatial organization when it began in 1987. Carson originally built furniture as a hobby until his dad’s organized closets inspired him to use his skills in another avenue. He found his niche in the wood industry when he realized building for closet and other organization was up-and-coming.

Since the business concept was vague when he began making his plans for Closet Works, Carson had the opportunity to educate the public by making them aware of the benefits of his product.

“Everyone’s lives are disheveled, and many people don’t know the benefits of organization,” says Closet Works Showroom Manager Linda Papadopoulos, who believes that an organized lifestyle can help improve the quality of a person’s life, saving both time and money. Many people fail to realize that getting organized is affordable; Closet Works will fix all types of problems, whether basic or elaborate. Additionally, customers can reap the benefits of an increased resale value of their home, thanks to an improved interior design.

Carson is passionate about helping his customers realize their needs and then providing a beautiful and functional solution to those needs. Nothing brings a smile to his face more than satisfied costumers who rave about their experience with Closet Works. “I understand what it means to be organized, and how to help people organize,” Carson says. “We offer products to help and sustain the organization.”

According to Carson, the three most common organizational priorities customers have are expanding, optimizing, and beautifying the space. No matter what the priority, Carson says his company can bring order to chaos in virtually any area of the house, from bedrooms to offices, kitchens to garages, and, of course, closets.

With more than 25,000 clients, including Trump Tower and The Elysian Hotel in downtown Chicago, Carson attributes his success to the quality of people he works with. “Make sure you hire the right people who understand the values,” says Carson. “Happy employees help make happy customers.”

The difference between Closet Works and other similar businesses, says Carson, is that Closet Works sells more than just shelving. They offer skilled designers who understand how to put pieces together to meet the clients’ specific needs. Closet Works trains professional designers who then go into clients’ homes to evaluate their needs in order to create a solution for their space dilemma.

Carson says his management style was inspired by Nordstrom, a company that allows its employees to make decisions right on the spot, without needing to consult with anyone else first. They follow the UYBJIAS (Use Your Best Judgment In All Situations) principle. “We don’t over-manage,” says Carson. By training his employees well, he allows them to take ownership of their job.

In addition to well-trained and high-quality designers, Closet Works also has its own factory in Chicago, where all the parts are engineered and produced. Having his own production facility allows Carson to ensure quality control—a luxury not all closet design businesses have. From the design concept to the engineering of the parts, and the installation of the closet system followed by the guarantee that it will work, Closet Works has its hand in virtually every aspect of the process. And that is organization that works.

For more information about Closet Works, visit closetworks.com.