Michael Carson

Michael Carson is a pioneering entrepreneur and respected industry leader whose vision helped shape the modern custom closet and storage profession. He is the founder of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP) and a long-time advocate for collaboration, education, and standards within the industry.

Carson began his career in the late 1980s in Chicago, launching a custom closet business at a time when the category was still emerging. Through determination, creativity, and a strong focus on customer and employee satisfaction, his early venture evolved into a successful multi-location operation and ultimately into Inspired Closets Chicago, which he now operates alongside his wife, Bobbi. Known for his willingness to adapt and innovate, Carson has successfully navigated multiple business models—from manufacturing to sales and installation—while building scalable, resilient organizations.

Beyond his own business success, Carson is widely recognized for his role as a connector and catalyst within the industry. In the late 1990s, he founded the National Closet Group, bringing together independent closet companies to openly share best practices, financial insights, and operational strategies. This collaborative effort laid the groundwork for the formation of ACSP, which he helped establish to serve the broader industry through education, certification programs, and professional standards.

Carson’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing product standardization, supplier innovation, and the overall sophistication of closet design. His efforts have contributed to the evolution of the industry from basic storage solutions to high-end, design-driven spaces that blend functionality with aesthetics.

Today, Carson remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of professionals and strengthening the industry he helped build. He is especially proud of his role in fostering a community where business owners can learn from one another, grow with confidence, and elevate the profession as a whole.