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ClosetCon 2017 Recap

If you couldn’t attend ClosetCon this year – you missed a great show. Attendee and exhibitor numbers were the biggest since the recession.

Keynote speaker Chris Stevens – one of the founders of the Keurig energized the crowd and discussed how we could become great entrepreneurs.  No matter how big or small your company is – his message resonated with everyone.

The ribbon was cut and the show floor was packed for two days.

Here are a few pics from my booth –

The items that got the most attention was the drying rack, step stool, our new Vertiko wall system, our multifunctional bed that opens over the couch without removing any of the pillows and our new bi-folding door hardware that also slides giving full access to the cabinet.

Richelieu sponsored the red carpet Top Shelf Awards Party – attendees had a great time posing for the paparazzi.

One of the best parts of attending ClosetCon is laughing and partying with great friends.  Pics taken by the best selfie taker I know – Patrick Layne – follow him on Instagram @PatrickLayne

If you would like more info about any of the new products Richelieu had on display please send me an email or leave a comment below.

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ClosetCon 2017 is this week!

Do you have your ticket?

I’m flying to Chicago right now and can’t wait to see all my friends and the latest market trends.

This is the only conference and expo that is focused on the closet industry.

“Not Showing Up To ClosetCon You Are Asking Not To Be Taken Seriously”

 

There is still time to register.

Can’t make it Tuesday? There is plenty going on Wednesday and Thursday to make it worth your trip.

Start the day with SEO and Goggle specialist Lauren Mobyed and Todd Barstow. They will give us the latest in online trends for cabinet and closet companies.

Attend the software design round table – learn shortcuts, tips and design tricks.

An hour of peer to peer round tables – You pick the topic – What’s your problem?

End the night with the Top Shelf Awards Reception – Richelieu is sponsoring this year so you know it will be a good time. Network, eat and maybe have a drink or two.

All of this plus nearly 100 exhibitors that are focused on your industry.

Like Al Bundy said you don’t want to miss ClosetCon!!

Hope to see you there.

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The ACSP Is Hard At Work For YOU!

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Most of you know that I have am the current President of The Association of Closet & Storage Professionals and been on the board for the last 10 years.

If I’m being honest with you it’s not always rainbows and unicorns – there was a stretch when it was actually a little painful –

BUT – The ACSP is BACK!!

We are having fun again, people are getting involved, and new members are joining.

Our monthly webinar series is catching on –  The April webinar “Mistakes Your Designers Are Making That Are Costing You Money” had 63 people register.

The Closet Conference was busier than it’s been in years with almost two full days of educational content.  Expo attendance was up, there were over 25 first time exhibitors and more machines on display than ever before.

If that wasn’t enough good news – The ACSP is getting ready to roll out a brand new website – I know it’s been a long time coming…

I can’t wait for you to see it!

It will have a responsive design and be SEO friendly – (computer speak for work on your iPad and rank at the top on Google) 🙂

With this redesign we aren’t just targeting our members we are planning to speak to homeowners. There will be a blog and a member profile page so that you can upload photos and target potential customers. We want to drive traffic to YOUR site and promote YOU!

Other features include:

  • Lead sharing
  • Find a pro
  • Message board
  • Access to past webinars and the list goes on…

The new site is scheduled for the beginning of June and is going to make a HUGE impact for the ACSP, our members and our industry.

We also started discussions with Woodworking Network for next year’s Closet Conference on April 11th – 13th in Schaumburg, IL.

For the FIRST time ever we are planning to test and certify your designers at the conference. Your designers will be able to attend the Closet Conference, walk the show floor and take the ACSP Certification Test all in the same day!!

Can you think of a better way to standout in your market than having all of your designers being ACSP Certified??

I am very excited for the coming year and the future of the ACSP. I hope you will join us because it’s going to be some ride!!!

To become a member or get involved email me at RichDeMarco@optonline.net

Stay tuned for more to come…

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Closet Conference Eve – 10 things that I hope to learn at the conference…

Right now I am on the plane flying to Austin for the Closet Conference.  I am guessing that by now you have already decided whether or not to attend…

I have been attending these conferences every year since the beginning and I always come away with a few tips to pass along to my customers that couldn’t attend…

I don’t expect to meet a wizard with a crystal ball, but you never know… So here is my wish list –

  1. How to be more profitable
  2. How to build a great reputation
  3. The best way to manage inventory
  4. Managing advertising dollars and the leads that come from it
  5. What services should you be offering to increase profit and sales
  6. What makes you different
  7. Motivating your employees, from sales to the shop
  8. Eliminating service calls
  9. The latest trends in the market
  10. How to increase the chances of a seamless installation

If I come away with answers to half of these questions the trip was well worth it.

Have I missed any?  Is there anything that you are hoping to take out of the conference?

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