Perfection Custom Closets: Blending legacy and innovation

Photo By Perfection Custom Closets

Perfection Custom Closets, based in Niles, Illinois, has a rich history dating back to the late 1990s when Tim Hagen acquired a small countertop company called Perfection Countertops. Recognizing the potential in the closet business, Hagen expanded the company, growing it from a mere two- to three-person operation to a thriving enterprise with more than 30 employees. 

Aman Bajwa, president of Perfection Custom Closets, brought a new wave of innovation and growth when he acquired the company in 2022. With previous success at Kambium, Bajwa’s still-successful cabinet and closet business in Minnesota, he saw the potential in Perfection and seized the opportunity to expand its horizons. The strategic move marked a new chapter for the company, emphasizing commitment to Perfection’s legacy while driving innovation and growth.

Perfection Custom Closets has approximately 16,000 square feet with 6,000 to 8,000 square feet dedicated to the company's showroom and office space.

“In addition to doing a lot of commercial millwork, [Kambium] also does a lot of closets and home storage and supplies to other closet companies across the country,” Bajwa says. “We were looking to grow and found out about Tim looking to exit through a mutual connection, and connected with Tim. We hit it off and it was a really great fit both from a cultural level and product level for us.”

Focusing on providing top-notch service and quality products, Perfection Custom Closets caters to a diverse clientele, from individual homeowners to builders and large construction companies. Their expansive showroom and office space, spanning approximately 6,000 to 8,000 square feet at the Niles, Illinois, location, showcases various custom closet solutions, including pantry displays, home offices, mudrooms, garage cabinets, and wall beds.

The company prides itself on staying ahead of design trends, with a keen eye on incorporating lighting features and offering various color options beyond traditional white closets. Their team of eight designers, supported by a shared engineering team between Illinois and Minnesota, works diligently to bring clients’ visions to life, utilizing software like Closet Pro Design and Cabinet Vision for efficient design and manufacturing processes.

The company's manufacturing facility consists of traditional woodworking machinery, including edgebanders, CNC and drill and hinge insertion machines and a compound miter saw.

As for its manufacturing capacity, Perfection Custom Closets has an 8,000-square-foot  in Illinois and a 20,000-square-foot facility in Minnesota. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including CNC routers, beam saws, and edge banders, their production team ensures precision and quality in every project. They follow lean manufacturing principles and employ a Kanban system to manage inventory efficiently, minimizing errors and waste.

While they primarily handle in-house production for most components, such as drawer boxes and closet rods, they occasionally outsource thermofoil doors and wood drawer boxes. However, their commitment to quality remains unwavering, whether the product is manufactured in-house or sourced externally.

A unique aspect of Perfection Custom Closets is its extensive network of dealers, totaling around 50 across Illinois, Minnesota, and even extending to Florida. These dealers are serviced by the company’s dedicated install teams, ensuring prompt and professional installation services.

Bajwa says he is also open to further expansion into new markets if available. “There are a lot of independent, smaller companies where the owners have grown it to a good size, but they don’t have an exit plan. So, as they are retiring, they want to hand over the baton to someone else who can take their legacy and move forward. So, really just identifying and looking for those businesses and where we feel we can add value.”

Custom closet systems can be produced at the Niles, Illinois, location as well as at Perfection Custom Closets' parent company, Kambium, in Minnesota.

Bajwa says Perfection Custom Closets is a successful and growing company that values its employees and maintains a family-centric culture. They encourage continuous learning and development among their employees, creating an environment where they can build fulfilling careers.

The company has plans to expand its retail presence into Minnesota, using its existing infrastructure and expertise. While considering acquisitions, Perfection Custom Closets remains committed to its core values and providing exceptional service to its clients.

Their goal is to continue growing in the custom closet industry, combining quality craftsmanship with innovative design solutions to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. With a customer-driven approach and a dedication to continuous improvement, they continue to offer custom closet solutions to clients in the Midwest and other regions. 

Learn more at aperfectcloset.com. Perfection Custom Closets is a tour stop for Closets Conference & Expo.  
 

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.