OFM adds custom storage systems

Focus is on residential uses

By Jim Obert

Business Today

SIKESTON -- For the past several years Lee DeKriek, owner of Office Furniture Manufacturing, has been calling on businesses throughout Missouri and several neighboring states and helping with their office needs.

After the visit, OFM creates an office layout that displays various types of furniture and dimensions that are most efficient for the customer's available space.

About 70 percent of OFM's office business is custom work. OFM uses the same state-of-the-art equipment utilized in the manufacturing of their office furniture to produce custom closets.

David Goins, former owner of Sikeston-based David's Closet Classics, recently joined OFM to aid in the manufacturing and installation process of custom closets and storage systems

With a background in public sales and installation of closet organization products beginning in Austin, Texas, Goins visits area customers to determine their storage needs.

"Our custom products are so efficient that we can double the storage space in almost any situation," said Goins. "The storage systems can also be used in laundry rooms, pantries, garages, recreation rooms and home offices."

Goins said the rods and shelves in the storage systems are adjustable, whereas competitive retail storage systems are usually permanent fixtures with a limited weight capacity.

He has established a customer base in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Ste. Genevieve, Dexter, Sikeston, New Madrid and Poplar Bluff. He intends to expand his customer base into Kentucky and Tennessee.

Goins said the storage systems he designs for closets bring together utility and function, and add an aesthetic touch.

"Shelves and hanging areas can be adjusted and changed to meet each individual's needs. Children's closets can be reconfigured as the children grow," said Goins, adding that every square inch of space is put to use, which maximizes capacity and assures that the system does not become obsolete.

The material used is durable and is a scratch-resistant laminate that comes in several finishes. Wardrobe rods come in chrome and brass. Drawer and cabinet pulls can be special ordered to accent the customer's existing decor.

The storage systems used in places such as garages and utility rooms come with sports racks, hose and ladder holders, magnetic tool holders, stackable bins for hardware and small parts, and drawer storage cabinets.

Goins says everyone could use a little organization.