Knowledge is power and a key to success. That’s why it’s so important for professionals to invest in education and certifications that help them improve and build their skills. 

Several industry organizations and companies offer opportunities through consulting, networking, and certification. Here’s a look at some of them.

Closet industry associations

The Association of Closet & Storage Professionals (ACSP) offers multiple certification pathways for both designers and installers. Certification is available year-round, with discounted certification pricing offered during the Closets Conference & Expo, making it an ideal time for members to take the next step in professional development.

ACSP membership is a prerequisite for all certification programs.

Learn more about certification options and requirements at closets.org/get-certified.

To support certification candidates and industry professionals alike, ACSP has launched new online study courses now available in their members-only online community, called Circle, including: Registered Storage Designer (RSD) Study Guide, Certified Storage Designer (CSD) Study Guide, and Registered Installer (RI) Study Guide.

For individuals just entering the industry, ACSP also offers Closet Fundamentals, an introductory training course available in Circle.

The Closet Institute of America (CIA) provides networking and education opportunities for independent closet and storage companies. The association provides industry-specific training and industry data, networking events and opportunities, and access to over 80 established vendor members, outsource component manufacturers, consultants, and support professionals. closetinstitute.org

CIA’s annual Closet Summit Conference features several educational events exclusively for members, including Storage Experts Achieving Limitless Solutions (SEALS) Teams, where members participate in restricted non-compete affinity groups based on company size, experience, and gross sales. They spend three hours comparing confidential data pricing, design and sales techniques, labor relations, and general business plans. closetinstitute.org/closet-summit

Closet industry consultants

Tim Coleman, founder of Coleman Collaborations Consulting Group, with 35 years of experience owning and operating several companies, launched his company to help small business owners and managers. Coleman is a regular columnist for Closets & Organized Storage magazine’s Front Office column and has been a featured speaker at Closets Conference & Expo. [email protected]

Eric Marshall was the first employee hired by California Closets founder Neil Balter, a pioneer in the closets industry. For over 20 years, he has owned and operated a closet company in Arizona. He previously served as president of ACSP and more recently, he co-founded The Closet Training Institute. closettraininginstitute.com

Andrew Wadhams, founder of the Wadhams Group, previously worked as the Chief Operating Officer of California Closets corporate before starting a consulting practice, working with small to medium-sized closet companies and mid-sized manufacturers.  thewadhamsgroup.com

Heather Fedewa, owner of The Business of Closets, is an award-winning custom closet designer and former owner of a custom closet company who built her business from the ground up and sold it for a profit. She is also a published author and business coach. thebusinessofclosets.com