Industry experience key for closet expert
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Eric Marshall has been in the closet industry for nearly 40 years. The industry vet was the first employee of Neil Balter (founder of California Closet and Organizers Direct). In 1997 Marshall ventured out on his own, moved to Phoenix and founded Modern Closets & Garage.

Modern Closets provides closet storage and organizing needs for the master bedroom, kids playroom, pantry, garage, laundry and other areas the home with a line of laminate storage systems that offer premium options and luxurious look. Apart from custom closets, the company also designs and can also installs a Murphy bed systems adding more flexibility and functionality for multi-use spaces.
 
In 2015 Marshall opened DEA Kitchen Remodeling offering kitchen and bath design services. He also brought his sons David and Aaron into the business. Today Marshall sells for his two companies and also serves on the board at the ACSP as the treasurer. 
 
Learn more about Marshall and his vast industry experience at the first-ever AWFS Closets Symposium, sponsored by Closets & Organized Storage magazine and AWFS. The event will take place July 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., one day before the show begins. 

PRESENTATIONS:

9:00-10:15 a.m. Brandon Olson of Closet Creations
ClosetMaid Pro Case Study – ClosetMaid has been venturing into upscale laminate and wood closets, working with home builders to provide full-service design and installation. ClosetMaid dealer Brandon Olson of Closet Creations Inc., Maryville, Wash., will present projects done with MN Custom Homes, including a 14-closet home recently completed on Lake Washington.
 
10:15-11 a.m. Sarah Reep, Director of Designer Relationships & Education at Masco Cabinetry and Denise Butchko, Butchko & Co.
Strategic Showrooms –   Sarah Reep, Director of Designer Relationships & Education at Masco Cabinetry teams with Denise Butchko, Closet Designer and Content Marketing Strategist, Butchko & Co., to share insights and action items for creating a showroom that sells and supports your brand. The showroom is now the second stop when consumers begin their "Buyer’s Journey;” the Internet is the first.  You’ll gain insights on how to reset your showroom for today's buyer and manage your digital image so your "website showroom" reinforces what buyers find when they enter your "brick and mortar showroom."
 
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Jonathan Zublena, Sauder Woodworking’s ClosetTrac  
Sauder Woodworking’s ClosetTrac – Director of sales and marketing, Jonathan Zublena will detail the develop process that lead to the launch of ClosetTrac, providing diversification for a venerable ready-to-assemble wood products manufacturer. 
 
1:15-2 p.m. Sheri Mercadante, Marketing Director at German Design Center
European Design Trends in Closets - Sheri Mercadante, Marketing Director at German Design Center, will present trends in European closet, including Germany’s Hulsta, whose Multi-Forma is adaptable to lofts, rehabs, and new construction, and offered in wood and lacquered finishes.
 
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
2-2:45 p.m. Mike Carson, Carson Closets and Eric Marshall, Modern Closets & Garage and DEA Kitchen Remodeling 
Outsource or insource? – Since closet components use uniform dimensions, which is best? Mike Carson, Carson Closets and Eric Marshall, Modern Closets & Garage and in DEA Kitchen Remodeling will share their vast industry experience on the ins and outs of manufacturing versus outsourcing.
 
3-3:45 p.m. Troy Greenberg, RedLine Garage Gear and Eric Marshall, Modern Closets & Garage and DEA Kitchen Remodeling
Garage Renovation – What’s driving the fastest growing segment in the home org business? Troy Greenberg, RedLine Garage Gear and Eric Marshall, Modern Closets & Garage and DEA Kitchen Remodeling will share best practices and tips on how to capture the fast-growing garage market.
 
3:45-4:30 p.m. Trends in Panel & Components – Lisa Adams, Michele Weitzel, Northern Contours and Jesse Collins, Rehau
Trends in Panel & Components –A panel of AWFS Fair home organization exhibitors will look at trends in textures, colors, and components, moderated by industry rock star Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design, launched in 2007 to revolutionize the concept of closets. Since then, a roster of celebrities, designers, architects and homeowners of all stripes have engaged Lisa’s services to create customized, often high tech and environmentally friendly wardrobe spaces that their living experience and add style and flair to one of the most important spaces in a house.
 
4:30-5 p.m. General Q & A session
 
The event runs Tuesday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pricing: $295.
 

 

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.