
The Closet Institute of America
America’s #1 Resource for the
Independent Closet & Storage Business Community

Board Member
Lisa Carlquist
Years in Industry: 25
404-641-9898
Artisan Custom Closets
Marietta, GA
Position: President
Number of Employees: 72
"The Summit and CIA have given me the networking team I need to deal with any problem or issue. There is nothing more valuable than the people you will meet through this organization."
Board Member
Cheryl Meyer
Years in Industry: 33
502-439-3392
"As a former California Closets franchisee who turned Independent with NO regrets., I value the resources, the problem-solving and networking support we experience at the Summit and CIA."
Board Member
Diana Augspurger
Years in Industry: 37
719-912-1851
"I love the sharing of information that the CIA, the Closet Summit and our industry is so known for."
Board Member
Kathy Morgan
Years in Industry: 21
614-754-8234
Buckeye Custom Cabinets & Closets
Columbus, OH
Position: President
Number of Employees: 6
"The CIA and Summit is invaluable for anyone regardless if you are new, or have been doing it for years. At my first Summit I had no idea what to expect but 5 minutes into "happy hour" Lisa came up and welcomed us as if we were old friends. You will never find a place like the CIA that will share information that will help you with your business and keep you from making mistakes."
Vendor Board Member
Nelsy Leyba
Years in Industry: 20
407-610-2323
DIXIEPLY Orlando
Orlando, FL
Position: Specification Sales/Marketing Manager
Number of Employees: 300
”Opening up your closet should be like arriving at a really good party where everyone you see is someone you like. Welcome to our closet industry family.”
Board Member
Christian Russell
Years in Industry: 16
985-966-2366
"One of the things I love most about CIA is the interaction we have together. We are from all over the country, and every community you could think of, but when we are together it's like we are family. We support each other, cheer on each other, and are invested in each other's mutual success. It's what America ought to look like, and we have it.”
Board Member
Brent Griffin
Years in Industry: 15
904-662-5597
"Besides the obvious that the CIA helps your business and inspires you to do better, it's fun to meet with like minded people that you have so much in common with every year at the Face-to-face Summit."
Board Member
Brian Saddler
Years in Industry: 29
801-388-3043
"Being Part of the CIA and the closet Summitt has been one of the most influential part of our business growth. having the opportunities, to Learn from our peers.. PRICELESS."
Vendor Board Member
Paul Gallant
Years in Industry: 11
864-414-3465
Brushy Creek Custom Doors
Greenville, SC
Position: Regional Sales Manger
Number of Employees: 30
"We have been a part of the Closet Summit and CIA since it’s inception, and look forward to our get togethers. It’s like a family reunion that you want to attend! "
Board Member
Roger Deroiser
Years in Industry: 26
508-726-8223
"Our CIA closet family builds strength! Don't be left behind."
Board Member
Chris Newsome
Years in Industry: 9
423-390-8364
Everything Closets
Kingsport, TN
Position: Senior Management
Number of Employees: 39
"The Summit and the CIA are a must for independent closet companies. It's the BEST place to network, learn from other companies and make lifelong friends!"
Board Member
Mike Hoffer
Years in Industry: 30
919-614-1926
Carolina Closets Plus
Chapel Hill, NC
Position: President
Number of Employees: 8
"The CIA is the best thing to ever happen for independent closet companies. Every year, we get the privilege of attending our exclusive non franchise networking event that guarantees to be the best $$ I spend all year. The CIA Facebook page has already changed the way I do business every day because of the fantastic discussions."
Board Member
Paul Lindemann
Years in Industry: 32
513-631-7930
"As a small closet business owner (in charge of everything and answering to no one), I treat the Summit/CIA like an annual Board of Directors meeting. I get new ideas, find out things I might be doing wrong, gain valuable insight to the market as a whole, and meet great fellow members of the industry."
Board Member
Kurt Trombetti
Years in Industry: 2
702-234-3842
"The Summit/ CIA is a one stop shop for all things closets. Our company has benefited greatly from the Summit/ CIA in all areas: HR, operations, payroll, insurance , installation and designing just to name a few. The best business decision we have ever made is becoming a member."
Board Member
Adam Sherry
Years in Industry: 20
908-492-5945
"The Closet Summit and the CIA are MANDATORY if you are an independent and serious about succeeding in this business! There is truly no greater RESOURCE for independent closet businesses!""
Special Events Advisor
Jim Wulfekuhl
Years in Industry: 30
770-310-3854
"The CIA and it's annual conference, the Summit, is the Boutique trade group in closet & storage industry. Their members are like 'Closet Evangelists', spreading the good news throughout the closet community."