25 Years in the Making
By Carrie McConkey, CarrieMcConkey.com
For Closets by McKenry, 2025 is a big year. The locally-owned and operated storage design company is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Owner Chris McKenry is excited and honored to have served his hometown for a decade. Prior to opening his business, the entrepreneur had been a standout in the organizing industry for 15 years.
Starting Out
In 2000, Chris moved to Los Angeles to enter the burgeoning industry of professional organizers. Soon, the Knoxville native noticed a trend among his clients. “Their closets didn’t contain enough space for their things,” he explained, “so I began custom designing them.”
Coming Home
After 15 successful years in L.A., to include features in Oprah Magazine and Women’s Day, Chris returned home to East Tennessee. “I started by using my own Knoxville home as a living example of professionally-designed storage spaces,” he said. “Then, in 2019, I transitioned to a 1,000-square-foot West Knoxville showroom.” Just one year later, Chris doubled his showroom space and opened a sister company, Designer Garages.
Growing the Team
Chris’s staff has more than tripled in the past 10 years and all share his commitment and passion toward storage design. “Our team members at Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages each have their own creative interests,” the head designer said. “This keeps them fueled and inspired as they work with clients.”
Serving East Tennessee
At Closets by McKenry, style combines with function in nearly every area of the home with the exception of the kitchen and bath. “With shelving, drawers, cabinets, lighting, countertops, and more, order can be created in your home that is both time saving and life-changing,” said Chris. “And no budget is too big or too small.”
Chris and his team enjoy working with homeowners, interior designers, and contractors throughout East Tennessee. “We serve all areas that touch Knox County,” he said.
Stop by Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages to experience just how stunning organized storage can be. “We’re grateful to our community for supporting us for the past decade,” said Chris. “We’ll be holding special events all year. It will be a Closetbration!”
Closets by McKenry
201 Center Park Drive, #1070
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.249.6382
ClosetsByMcKenry.com
Designer Garages
201 Center Park Drive, #1080
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.268.4868
DesignerGarages.com