Inspiration Home, based in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a family-owned closet company that has become a powerhouse, setting new standards for efficient manufacturing, meaningful customer relationships, and strategic growth. Founded by Dave Tinker and his wife Sherri, Inspiration Home combines cutting-edge technology, customer service, and a future-forward approach to its customers and dealers across the country.

 After a recent visit to Inspiration Home’s facilities and an in-depth conversation with Dave Tinker, it’s not hard to see that the company’s influence goes beyond its products to creating a successful customer experience and a thriving dealer network.

It starts with manufacturing

Inspiration Home’s manufacturing philosophy centers on efficiency. Tinker and his team have built a facility designed for productivity by implementing high-tech machinery like CNC routers and specialized Lockdowel systems. This Lockdowel technology enables clean, cam-free assembly for closets that feel streamlined and upscale. “We’re all about clean, straight, flat aesthetics—no visible connectors,” Tinker explained. Also, by eliminating the cam connectors, Inspiration Home has been able to reduce its installation time by nearly 40 percent, he added.

Inspiration Home thrives on customization and the complexity that it involves in the manufacturing process. Each component part goes through testing for durability and consistency across its offerings. According to Tinker, “If it’s installed right, it won’t come down.” 

Also, by creating a system that tracks each component, Inspiration Home can ensure accuracy from the initial manufacturing stage to the final delivery, with every piece scanned and accounted for before it leaves the facility.

Attention to customer service

Customer service is integral to Inspiration Home’s operations. The company’s philosophy focuses on building solid and lasting relationships. 

One aspect of this approach is the training program the company offers to its network of designers and dealers, including design and installation education. Whether new to the business or an industry veteran, every dealer goes through Inspiration Home’s design and installation training.

Inspiration Home also regularly hosts dealer conferences, installer training, and product demos, making sure dealers understand the new technologies and trends available. This commitment to education is core to Tinker’s belief that the more informed his dealers are, the better they can serve their customers. 

“It’s all about giving our dealers the tools they need to succeed,” he said, adding that Inspiration Home’s goal is for its dealers to be the most knowledgeable in their markets.

As part of this commitment, Inspiration Home recently held a full-day education event where representatives from key suppliers introduced new products and innovations. “We want our dealers to be ahead of the curve, to have access to the best information,” Tinker emphasized.

Inspiration Home’s approach extends beyond training. The company has implemented a dealer portal that allows seamless, trackable communication, ensuring that questions are answered quickly and jobs are managed efficiently. “The portal ensures that everything is tracked and visible to everyone involved, so there’s no need for email chains or unnecessary follow-ups,” said Tinker. Through this system, clients, designers, and installers can access updates, submit questions, and see real-time progress on their projects.

Expansion and innovation

Inspiration Home’s growth strategy reflects Tinker’s desire to continuously improve and push his company to the forefront. The company is expanding from its 15,600-square-foot footprint housed in four separate buildings to a state-of-the-art 22,500-square-foot facility. Designed with future growth in mind, this space will have room for the addition of more advanced equipment, including robotic machinery, for even greater efficiency. Tinker explained, “We’re always thinking forward. We don’t want to just stay comfortable; we want to keep improving.”

Inspiration Home also plans to integrate additional technology to further streamline manufacturing, including an advanced system that automates production and reduces time spent on manual tasks. Although the company temporarily paused the purchase of one key piece of equipment while awaiting precise answers from suppliers, Tinker said he remained optimistic about the future. “We’re on the cutting edge, always thinking forward,” he said, confident that Inspiration Home will continue to innovate to benefit clients and keep them ahead of industry trends.

Expansion just isn’t limited to manufacturing capacity; Inspiration Home recently opened a new showroom in Knoxville, Tennessee, that is designed to attract not only retail customers but also interior designers, architects, and other industry professionals. Tinker views the showroom as a collaborative space where clients can experience Inspiration Home’s product offerings firsthand. 

“We’re opening it up to anyone who wants to use it,” Tinker said, a nod to his vision of Inspiration Home as a community resource.

Company culture

Underlying every decision and initiative at Inspiration Home is a commitment to its core values, rooted in Tinker’s faith and a strong sense of community. 

“Our people, our dealers, and our customers — all of them matter equally. We treat everyone with respect, whether they spend $1,000 or $50,000 with us,” Tinker said, emphasizing that he wants to make sure every client feels valued.

Tinker creates a work environment that enables his team to take ownership of their roles. He often involves employees in decision-making, recognizing that people work best when they feel connected to a mission. “People want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and we give them that opportunity,” Tinker noted. This empowerment extends to his design team, where individuals have the freedom to make design choices and set up showrooms in ways that feel authentic to them. 

Sherri was also instrumental in shaping Inspiration Home’s core values. She was the company’s first designer and played a role in its growth. “It was her idea from the beginning,” Tinker proudly said. Today, Sherri remains involved, often coming into the office and contributing to major decisions. 

Future plans

Tinker sees Inspiration Home continuing to lead the industry with innovative products and a customer-centered approach. He is optimistic about Inspiration Home’s impact in Tennessee and the broader custom closet market. “We’re not just building closets; we’re building relationships, setting standards, and striving to be the best version of ourselves every day,” he said.

For more information, visit inspirationhome.net.