Jessica and Nathan Coffey on Leaving Corporate Careers to Build Something of Their Own With Closets by Design

Jessica and Nathan Coffey are first-time entrepreneurs with Closets by Design, bringing extensive experience in client services, sales, account management, and healthcare, along with a strong foundation in customer-focused work, to their new business venture.

They are now operating their new franchise in the Baltimore area, offering locally based custom home organization solutions to homeowners throughout Baltimore and surrounding communities, including Towson, Annapolis, and Ellicott City.

Franchise Chatter: Nathan and Jessica, thank you for joining us. What ultimately led you both to take the leap into franchising with Closets by Design after years in your previous careers?

Nathan: The idea of ownership and building something of our own has always been appealing to both of us. Jessica grew up in a family where her parents made a similar transition from corporate roles into entrepreneurship, so she had a close-up view of what that path can look like. When we discovered Closets by Design, it really felt like the right intersection of factors for us: a product and service we genuinely believe in and would use ourselves, a clear opportunity for meaningful financial growth, and a franchise system with a proven track record of success. For first-time business owners, that combination of demand, structure, and support was incredibly compelling.

Franchise Chatter: When you first began exploring business ownership, what stood out to you about the franchising model compared to starting a business from scratch?

Jessica: As we explored entrepreneurship, we looked closely at acquiring an existing independent business and investing in a franchise. In franchising, the underlying appeal was there: stepping into something with existing infrastructure, operational history, and proven market demand. That foundation reduces a lot of the uncertainty that comes with starting entirely from scratch.

Ultimately, the franchise model was the better fit for us at this stage because it allows us to leverage not only a tested business model but also the collective experience of other franchise owners and the support team at Closets by Design headquarters.

Franchise Chatter: How did your backgrounds in client services, sales, account management, and healthcare prepare you for this transition into entrepreneurship?

Nathan: Our combined backgrounds gave us a strong foundation in understanding what great customer experience looks like and how to consistently deliver it. Working in client-facing roles quickly teaches you that success comes down to listening well, responding thoughtfully, and building trust over time. It also gave us insight into what makes teams perform at a high level, how to hire, how to support people, and how to create accountability without losing the human element.

From my experience working in healthcare reform, I also gained a deep appreciation for how complex systems can evolve when there’s a clear goal and committed execution behind them. That mindset has carried directly into how we’re approaching this business.

Franchise Chatter: The home organization industry is experiencing strong growth — how do you see your business fitting into that larger trend?

Nathan: There’s definitely strong momentum in this space, and we see ourselves fitting naturally into that trend. We work with customers across all walks of life and home types, from compact urban condos to larger suburban homes. Regardless of size or lifestyle, people consistently value having a more organized, functional living space.

What we offer is highly adaptable to our consumers. Every home presents different challenges, but the desire for efficiency and improved usability is universal. That’s what makes this industry so exciting.

Franchise Chatter: Can you walk us through what the decision-making process looked like as you evaluated Closets by Design as a potential franchise partner?

Jessica: Our approach was very analytical from the beginning. We reviewed the Franchise Disclosure Document in detail before even engaging directly with the franchisor. From there, I used the financial data available to build out different performance scenarios to better understand potential ROI under various conditions.

Beyond the numbers, we spent a lot of time researching the brand from every angle. We read everything we could find publicly, listened to available interviews, and studied how the system operates in different markets. Once we met with the franchisor, we shifted our focus to speaking directly with existing franchise owners. We intentionally cast a wide net so we could hear a balanced range of perspectives, the positives, the challenges, and everything in between.

Franchise Chatter: What aspects of the Closets by Design system, training, or support structure gave you the most confidence as first-time business owners?

Jessica: The training program stood out the most to me. Coming from backgrounds that were heavily focused on sales, service, and operations, I felt comfortable with the customer-facing and business development side of the business. Manufacturing and installation, however, were completely new to me.

What gave us confidence was knowing that Closets by Design provides comprehensive, hands-on training across every aspect of the business — not just production and installation. From sales and operations to manufacturing, installation, and day-to-day business management, the training is designed to help franchise owners build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Just as importantly, that support doesn’t end after onboarding. The training and guidance are continuous, giving franchisees access to ongoing education and resources as they grow their business.

One of the biggest benefits of franchising is that you don’t need to be an expert in every aspect of the business before getting started. The franchisor provides proven systems, hands-on training, and ongoing support that equip franchise owners with the tools and confidence to succeed, regardless of their previous experience.

Franchise Chatter: Why did you feel the Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities were the right place to launch your franchise? How are you approaching the process of building your team and establishing your presence in the local market?

Nathan: We saw strong performance in nearby markets both to the north and south of us, which gave us confidence in the regional demand. We also heard consistently from friends, neighbors, and local homeowners about the need for better home organization solutions. That combination of data and real-world feedback was very encouraging.

We also spoke with other Closets by Design franchise owners in comparable markets and learned a lot from their experiences. Baltimore is also home for us. It’s where we chose to build our lives. We know firsthand how vibrant, diverse, and community-oriented it is.

What excites us most is the idea that our work has a direct, tangible impact on people’s daily lives. Every project we complete improves how someone lives in their home. Over time, those individual improvements add up and contribute to stronger neighborhoods and a greater sense of pride in the community.

In terms of team building, we’re taking a very intentional approach. We focus on recruiting people who understand that we’re building something meaningful, not just filling jobs. We prioritize training, development, and long-term growth.

Franchise Chatter: Looking ahead, what does success look like for you in your first year operating Closets by Design in the Baltimore market?

Nathan: At the end of our first year, we’ll label it as a success if two key elements are working in tandem. First, having customers who are genuinely excited about their experience, so much so that they’re actively recommending us to friends, family, and neighbors. Second, building a strong, motivated local team that feels invested in what we’re creating and sees a clear path for growth within the organization.

If we can deliver consistently excellent work for our customers while also developing a team that’s proud to be part of the business, we’ll consider that a very successful foundation for long-term growth.

💼Corporate Executives: Your Management Experience Is Your Greatest Franchise Asset

Whether navigating a career transition or planning your next chapter, franchise ownership gives you a proven system to put decades of management experience to work for yourself. Severance packages, 401k rollovers, and SBA loans make funding more accessible than most executives realize. Enter your ZIP code to explore franchise opportunities still available in your area and find out which brands are actively seeking experienced business leaders like you.

The Best of Franchise Chatter

🥇The Most Profitable Franchises of 2026

🥈Franchises Ranked by Average Revenues

🥉Franchises Ranked by Average Profits

🏆Franchise Winners, Survivors & Losers

Subscribe Now or Log In

🎖️Military Veterans: Your Service Prepared You for Franchise Ownership Better Than You Think

Franchisors actively seek out veterans because the discipline, leadership, and ability to follow a proven system that the military instills are exactly the qualities that make franchise owners successful. Through the VetFran program, many leading brands offer significant incentives including reduced franchise fees and special financing. Enter your ZIP code to explore franchise opportunities still available in your area and find out which brands are actively looking for veterans like you.







Franchise Chatter is reader-supported. We may receive a commission for leads generated from affiliate links and banners on our site.