The Jepson family has made it their business to get into the Puget Sound’s closets.

They have also made their way into pantries, home offices, garages and living rooms.

The family-owned and operated Closets Etc. has been transforming and organizing some of the Puget Sound’s most cluttered and confused spaces since 1992, and the local business is still going strong.

It started when founder Ken Jepson lost his job at another closet company, California Closets. He took his expertise in design, construction and installation and with his business-minded father, Truman, they forged their own road in the closet business.

Starting small, the two-man company made custom closet and organizational systems by hand, literally drilling each hole one by one.

As the company has grown, technology has become one of Closets Etc.‘s greatest assets, allowing for streamlined productivity and ultimate control over the pieces, keeping all their products completely custom.

“We find out exactly what the customer wants, and create exactly what the customer needs for the area,” said Truman, who is now owner of the business and partner with his other son, Kevin Jepson. Ken Jepson still works with the family business as a consultant. Jana Jepson, another one of Truman’s 10 children, manages the company’s office, and son Michael handles all information technology work.

Closets Etc. has been in its current location on Pacific Highway East, in Fife since 2006.

They work throughout the Puget Sound region, covering about a 50-mile radius from the shop.

When the team first started up in the early 1990s, they were able to double their business each year. With the current economic downturn, Closets Etc. has taken a hit along with many other businesses, but being able to cater to a high-end market means business is still up and running.

Currently, Truman and Kevin work with a staff of one other installer and three closet designers.

During a better economy, the staff has been as high as 18.

“We’re down 25 to 35 percent from last year, but we’ve been fortunate to stay afloat,” Truman said.

The Jepsons work with a wide range of clientele, with some closets priced at more than $50,000, others under $1,000.

The business designs, builds and installs custom storage solutions for closets, garages, entertainment systems, wall beds, pantries and home offices.

“We’re able to utilize whatever space a customer has,” Truman said.

Call Closets Etc. to set up a free in-home design consultation, or visit them online at www.closetsetc.com

Closets Etc. is located at 2523 Pacific Hwy. E., suite C in Fife. Call (253) 896-4800.