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My successes.

Jeff Klein’s business was experiencing “growing pains” so he came to SCORE seeking guidance in specific areas.  Jeff worked with a team of SCORE counselors and jointly developed a plan to expand his business into the rapidly growing market in Bluffton, South Carolina.  Jeff subsequently leased a 12,000 sq. ft. plant in Bluffton and relocated his manufacturing facilities to Bluffton.  In addition to his Savannah showroom, he later opened a retail showroom at this Bluffton location.

How SCORE helped.

SCORE counselors worked with Jeff on many aspects of his expansion into Bluffton including marketing and the leasing of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.  Even after the successful expansion into Bluffton, Jeff continued to meet with one of the SCORE counselors several times a year to “bounce off ideas” regarding ongoing business operations.

In July 1996, Closet Specialist was named the “Small Business of the Year’ by the Small Business Chamber of Savannah.  In addition, for each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, Closet Specialist has been recognized by the Savannah Magazine’s Best of Homes issue as the “Best Closet Company”.  This recognition is based on the votes of the magazine’s readers.

Jeff has also served as President of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (www.closets.org) from 2010 – 2012 and presently sits on their Board of Directors.  Closet Specialist has been featured in many local and national magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and CLOSETS Magazine

How Did Your Business Get Started?

Creative Space Specialist, LLC, locally known as Closet Specialist, is a family-owned small business operating in Savannah, Georgia since 1984.  They specialize in designing, fabricating & installing custom closets and storage systems. In the late 1990s, owner Jeff Klein wanted to expand his business so he contacted SCORE to seek guidance in several areas including marketing, accounting, and leasing vs. owning equipment.  See the website below for more information about Creative Space Specialist, LLC.