How to run a closets business? Just ask this expert
Bob Lewis, More Space Place
Good organization has been key to Bob Lewis’ success as president and CEO of Closet & Storage Concepts and More Space Place.
 
Lewis has guided the multi-million dollar operation to a leadership position in the home organization industry, opening a path to successful closet business operations for dozens of franchisees. Lewis will share his approach to running his closet company during a session, "How to Run a Closets Business," as part of the Closets Conference Track at Cabinets & Closets 2017.  
 
It was Lewis’ experience in consumer electronics, real estate and finally in remodeling that helped open the door to the closets and home storage markets. “It was an outgrowth of those. I also found I enjoyed renovating spaces as efficiently as possible.”
 
That resulted in the founding of Closet & Storage Concepts in 1987. In 2013, Lewis acquired More Space Place, a top franchiser of Murphy beds. Earlier this year, Lewis was named a 2016 Wood Industry Market Leader by Woodworking Network.
 
Closet & Storage Concepts and More Space Place, combined, have more than 400 employees and 37 locations nationwide, positioning Closet & Storage Concepts / More Space Place as one of the largest companies in the space-saving home furnishings and improvement industry. Recently launched is a newly developed concept of showroom-only franchises, eliminating the traditional model of opening franchises in light industrial areas, and including with a manufacturing facility. In this model a showroom measures 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, and is typically located in a traditional retail shopping center.
 
Hear Lewis by registering for the April 11 conference at the 2017 Cabinets & Closets Conference and Expo at the Renaissance Hotel and  Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Profile picture for user billesler
About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.