Business Spotlight: California Closets specializes in space solutions

Have you ever lived in a house that was built during the 1950s or earlier? If you have, you've undoubtedly found yourself complaining about the lack of closet space.

These days, many homeowners are seeking out the services of companies like California Closets, a franchise that aims to simplify the lives of its customers by keeping them organized.

Founded in 1978, California Closets Inc. builds customized storage solutions for bedroom and linen closets, and the garage, pantry, laundry room, mud room and home office.

"When I first opened the California Closets franchise in 1988, there wasn't a lot of demand for custom closet and storage solutions in Springfield," said Jamie Staudenmyer. "People just didn't know that there was a company out there that specialized in building customized closet and storage solutions."

Staudenmyer quickly realized demand hinged on consumer awareness, so she began running informative ads on TV and in several local newspapers. She also appeared on local radio shows, which allowed her to describe the products provided by California Closets.

As part of her service, Staudenmyer provides a free in-home design consultation to each client.

During this consultation, she assesses the client's lifestyle and belongings and then develops a system that matches their needs and wishes.

To help each client visualize the final product, Staudenmyer uses a series of mix-and-match closet sectionals.

These sectionals show how shelves and partitions will be used, as well as maxi-bins, mini-bins and drawers. Clients also can choose the furniture finish they prefer.

"Some of our products are pretty neat," Staudenmyer said. "We have rollaway dressers and dressers with built-in jewelry cabinets that lock magnetically. All of our closets, especially the children's closets, can be adapted easily if your needs should change."

All of the materials used to manufacture the storage solutions are made out of melamine. The high-quality, manmade material never needs painting and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Because California Closets stocks nearly all of the materials needed during an installation, customers usually can get a new closet or storage solution in their home within a week's time. Prior to installation, each melamine component is cut to fit.

This allows the company's installation crew to complete each job within a matter of hours and eliminates the need to create a dirty "workshop environment" in a client's home.

To help clients get a feel for the products offered by California Closets, Staudenmyer opened a showroom last March at 311 S. Union.

The showroom contains pole-and-shelf closet solutions, pantry storage systems and modular wall storage systems for the garage. Customers also can view California Closets' new home office systems.

"The franchise works hard to keep pace with what people want and need, which makes things easier for me," Staudenmyer said. "Since I've owned this business, I've gone from offering traditional pole-and-shelf closet solutions to offering a variety of different storage solutions for every area of the house. The franchise really has done an excellent job of keeping up with the latest furniture styles and finishes."

Although Staudenmyer works with many residential customers who are remodeling older homes or just need more space, she also has managed to capture a considerable amount of business by working with area home builders. During construction, Staud-enmyer meets with a new homeowner and develops customized storage solutions for rooms and closets throughout the house.

"When it comes time to sell your home, having California Closets definitely is a plus," she said.

"Buyers always look at the kitchen, the bathroom and the amount of closet space they'll get when buying a house."