Having worked for industry-leading companies in custom closets and general manufacturing, Barbara Snook closely followed The Container Store and its blogs, and admired its former CEO Melissa Reiff’s efforts. After reaching out to her, “Things just clicked for us.”  Delayed by the pandemic, Snook was offered a position nine months later. 

She is now the vice president, Custom Spaces & Manufacturing at The Container Store, and under her leadership, the segment is flourishing. “Launching our beautiful, Custom Spaces Preston product line was the perfect complement to our Elfa and Avera products. We are now uniquely positioned to offer everything needed for any complete, organizational solution. Over the past year and a half, we’ve hired top industry SMEs to develop and deliver state-of-the-art design and sales training created to help us win in the competitive market.”

Snook added, “I’d like to see The Container Store Custom Spaces become a more dominant player in the custom storage and organization industry, and I believe we are positioned to do so. We are the only company in the industry who has everything under one roof to provide complete, organizational solutions — custom space solutions for every aesthetic and investment preference + custom design services + general merchandise/completion products + professional installation services, and even in-home organizing services.”

Another area Snook takes pride in is training and coaching others. “Over my career, I’ve led training classes and taught Continuing Education classes to hundreds of highly competent and inspiring people. Watching them grow and accelerate their own success, and maintaining those connections for decades is what I would cite as the achievement that brings me the most pride and joy.”

Community service is also important. As a military family member — Snook’s father was a WWII bomber pilot who flew 29 missions out of London — she especially takes pride in The Container Stores’ support of veterans. “I’m also very proud of our company’s I.D.E.A. Mentoring Program, started last year by our amazing LaTisha Brandon, VP of DE&I, Culture, and Charitable Giving,” she added. “It’s a wonderful experience and encouraging to see what great minds and talent make up what will be the next generation of our company leaders.”

Outside of work, Snook enjoys spending time with her husband of 33 years and family. She also loves to cook, entertain, bike, and write fiction. “And I admit I am a ‘learning junkie’ — MasterClass, Coursera, auditing classes of all topics, including foreign languages, is a passion for me.”

Quick Glimpse:

• Education: Florida State University. “I’m still learning every day.”
• Number of years at the company: 4
• Number of years in the home organization industry: 20-plus
• Words that best describe you: Versatile altruist
• Business mantra: “The one I quote most often is ‘Do it afraid!’ So many times in life, when faced with a challenge we haven’t encountered before, we can fall prey to fear of failing and we lose the opportunity to grow and win. If we just stop listening to our own self-doubts and adopt a winning mindset, we will succeed.” 
• Best advice: “From my Mom & Dad: They taught [us] we were smart, strong, capable and could do anything we wanted to do if we just set our minds to doing the work to attain our goals and dreams.” 
• Who have you tried to emulate:: “If there’s one person it would be my father. Kind, with a fantastic sense of humor, he always exhibited impeccable morals and ethics.”

About the Wood Industry Market Leaders: This marks the 16th year Woodworking Network has paid tribute to outstanding men and women who have made an impact, not only at their companies but within the various wood products industries. Since 2009, more than 100 industry professionals have shared their influencers, insights and strategies.  Read more about the 2024 Market Leaders and past honorees at WoodworkingNetwork.com/Market-Leaders.