Jeff Klein and his son Josh, owners of Closet Specialist, are proud to announce their company is celebrating its 23rd anniversary

Since the company first opened its doors in the mid 80’s, Klein has pioneered an industry that, at one point, was virtually non-existent.

“I knew I was on to something when I started this company, but no one could have told me we’d eventually be a multi million dollar enterprise,” Klein says.

“And it doesn’t come easy. We don’t wait for the business to come to us. We go get the business. So it’s great to see our hard work has paid off.”

Their latest adventures include creating the Commercial Specialist division for small businesses and commercial cabinetry, the beginning process of opening a satellite office in Jacksonville, Florida and developing a wholesale division to supply engineering and products to young closet companies outside their immediate territory.

Klien is a founding member of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP is a nationwide trade association). Plus, he is also one of the founding members of the National Closet Group (NCG is an exclusive high end association of 50 independently owned closet & storage manufacturers). With ACSP aiming at 1,000 members, these connections to closet and storage professionals have allowed Closet Specialist to become nationally recognized. As a result of bringing the 2003 NCG convention to Savannah, Closet Specialist appeared on the cover and 7 page feature article in CLOSETS Magazine.

More recently, Klein has taken his talents to print. As Standards Committee Chairman for ACSP’s Board of Directors, he created a 16-page color booklet titled “Design and Construction Techniques.” Geared toward builders, architects and interior designers, it is a step by step guide on how to create more potential closet and storage space in new construction and remodeling projects at no additional cost to the builder or the homeowner. Since it’s unveiling in late March, more than 10,000 copies have gone to print. This October, the booklet will be introduced in Spanish and French at the Toronto Woodworking Expo where Klein is a featured speaker.

Plus, he’s almost made another business of giving back. Klein is currently in the process of making his company 100% ‘green’. That should happen by the end of 2008. In addition, he’s donated custom made closets (and the labor to install them) to several worthy causes, including a local shelter for battered women, the Hilton Head Symphony’s silent auction, and the upcoming silent auction for the Smart Women’s Luncheon and Expo.

“My business wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for the local community, so giving back is the least I can do,” says Klein.

Apparently what goes around comes around. In 2002, the company’s gross sales revenue was just below $600,000. Last year, that amount nearly quadrupled to more than $2 million. Now, still on the fast track, Closet Specialist is looking for a 20% increase in sales from 2006.

“What a great way to welcome in our 23rd year,” says Klein.

“I can’t wait to get to 25 years… who knew getting older would be so sweet!”

Closet Specialist LLC is located at 1204-A Highway 278 in Bluffton. There is also a Savannah showroom at 7701 Waters Ave and a Jacksonville store and St. Simons store will be opening in the near future. For more information, call (843) 837-9944 or log onto www.closetspecialist.com.