At Work with Crazy Closets, Inc.
Feb. 29, 2008

Name: Crazy Closets, Inc.

Type of business: Design and construct custom closets, garages, laundry rooms

Address: 5 Orchard St., Muncie, N.Y.

Telephone: (877) 392-7299

Web site: www.crazyclosets.com

Number of employees: 3

Founded: 2004

Top officer: Yehuda Flohr, owner

How would you describe your business?

"We specialize in custom closets. We meet with customers and get a good understanding of what our customers need. We know what they need because we do this every day," said owner Yehuda Flohr.

"We try to be very creative and use the space in the most effective way. We are owner operated so we oversee every project."

What makes your business special?

"We don't just try to install a closet, we try to come up with a creative design to really impress our clients. We have a very quick installation time. We can put in the closet within the week -- most times it's even sooner.

"We have a lifetime guarantee for the closets we install as long as you live in the house.

"We restore what we do. If someone tells us that there is a shelf that cracked, we will install it at no cost.

"On new construction we will do the closets from A to Z. We have made all the closets in model homes for a developer in Pennsylvania. We cater to people who want the basic closet and to the very high end. It can be a $2,000 walk in closet and can be upgraded to $8,000. All of the shelving is adjustable comes in various colors and can be made to specifications of any size, any height, and can be moved."

What goals do you have for the business?

"To be recognized by the industry as the best in the tri-state area. That is our goal. Every single customer who has used us is happy with our work. We come in and give the customer what they want and sometimes extra to make them happy. So far the business is growing and that is our goal."

How has your business changed?

"When we started, it was a one man operation -- me with one part-timer. Now we have three full-time workers. We work with designers and builders. We do a lot of model homes in developments. In the last year our business really doubled and next year we hope to double it again.

"The business has changed as well. Ten years ago, customer closets were really for people who wanted luxury closets. Today every one is interested if having a specially built closet. It's like what cell phones were like 10 years ago -- not too many people had them. Now practically everyone has cell phones and we see the same for custom closets. What I see taking place is that the closet industry is taking over the furniture industry. People are building bigger homes with bigger closets -- usually a walk-in closet. The closet is taking the place of furniture in the bedrooms. For walk-in closets we install drawers, shelves, hampers and we are able to include tie racks and also closet safes and Shabbat keys."

What was your most important deal?

"In the beginning it was very hard. I didn't know how the business would take off. Once people see that you are established, and they will use you. That is why every customer is our most important deal. We find that satisfied customers send their friends to us. That's the basis of our strong customer base. They see the work in their friend's house and they want it too. I'm working with a designer and she liked the way we use space. When designing a closet, every designer has their own style and niche. We have our own creativity, and that's what makes us different and stand out. That's how I came up with the name Crazy Closets. People will remember the name and won't forget it. For instance if I called the business ABC or Affordable Closets those are easy names to forget. People may not use us but they have heard of Crazy Closets."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"Right now I meet with the customer and take the measurements for the closets. In the future, I'd like to have managers do this work and market our closets more.

"We want to be the McDonald's of the closets. I've never eaten in a McDonald's but I'd like to be known for my closets as well as they are."

What's the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"It's not always how big the job is, it's the customer. If the customers give you a tip -- food, drink, etc. -- it means that they care and appreciate the work you do.

"Another important thing I've learned is to be very picky about the people who work for us. We train them. Even if someone has worked with us for two years and is very skilled he has to see many different problems before I leave him with a new customer. The concept of putting in closets is simple but actually putting in one isn't so simple.

"I treat my workers work as if they are partners -- they don't waste time, they don't sit around, take two-hour lunch breaks, or slack off. They are given a project and they do it before I expect it to be done. I know the customers are happy. You should see the reaction they have when they see the end result. It's not always how big the job is it's the customer. If the customer gives you a tip it means that they care and appreciate it."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"No matter what you do, your business is to make people happy. Do the job you say you will do."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No -- except making more money. I also have a seasonal business building and putting up sukkahs, but it is more stressful compared to Crazy Closets because of the need to have the sukkah up before the holiday starts."