Independent closet companies share business tips
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The 2016 Closet Summit was held Oct. 13-14 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. Approximately 100 independent closet companies met to network and discuss best practices.

Now in its third year, the Closet Summit is exclusive to independent firms: closet franchises are not able to participate. The annual event, hosted by Jeff Klein of Closet & Cabinet Experts located in Savannah, Georgia, is expected to take place in Austin, Texas, in 2017.

The two-day conference featured presentations and panel discussions by industry professionals and vendors as well as roundtable groups allowing non-competing companies to have in-depth conversations on key issues impacting their businesses.

A questionnaire was sent out to attendees in advance of the summit and those answers were used to help facilitate a more focused conversation among the roundtable participants in each group.

The opening day featured presentations from Joe Bergamo, Closet Pro Software, “Closing the Deal in One Visit;” David Buchsbaum, Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions, “Pricing for Profitability;” and Chris Rice, Improveit360 “Using your Existing Database to Increase Sales”.

Several vendors from hardware, machinery and panel companies took part in a question-and-answer panel allowing attendees to get answers on particular products and to address concerns on a host of issues including product lead-time and inventory availability.

Approximately 30 tabletop exhibitors participated in the 2016 Closet Summit. Attendees were able to mingle and pick up brochures during break and lunch periods. Participating vendors included: Fastenlink, The Stow Co., Richelieu America, Microvellum, Hettich America, Roomy Design Organizers, Colonial Saw, Vero Software, Stiles Machinery, JB Cutting, Northern Contours, Arauco-NA, Hafele, Brushy Creek Doors, October Co., Closet Pro Software, Titus Plus, Cope Closet Concepts, Uniboard, DixiePly, Improveit360, TAG Hardware and Storage Motion .

On the final day of the summit, attendees were able to choose between the design and manufacturing tracks featuring in-depth sessions and presentations specific to each topic.

The event culminated with a trip to the showroom and manufacturing facilities of host company Capitol Closet Design. Owner Larry Nordseth showed attendees around his 2,500-square-foot showroom with numerous organizing systems and storage solutions on display.
 

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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.