DECEMBER BUSINESS: Garage Innovations

Business owners will tell you there are a few benefits to being a ‘mom and pop’ shop, but there’s one advantage in particular that Jennifer and Jason Johnson of Garage Innovations like to talk about.

Their variety in products, the husband and wife duo said, is something that just wouldn’t be possible as a franchise. The owners of the 13-year-old garage remodeling business are proud to be locally owned and offer dozens of options to turn anyone’s cluttered mess into an organized and functional space.

“Since we’re not a franchise, we have a broad offering of items to help you furnish and organize your garage,” Jennifer said. “Our products range from cabinets to floor coatings and tiles to slat-walls, attic lifts and shelving.”

Not only that, but the two Oklahoma City natives put an emphasis on Oklahoma-made retailers and products to help keep customers’ money within the state.

“A lot of our products are actually made right here in Oklahoma,” Jennifer said, adding the epoxy floor coating and attic lifts are made in-state, and the Simply Storage wood cabinets (the company’s most popular item) are made by Garage Innovations employees themselves.

The business started to take shape when the two needed cabinets for their garage and couldn’t find exactly what they needed. They thought if they had a need for this type of garage organization, others must too. Armed with Jason’s finance degree and woodworking skills, and Jennifer’s MBA, the two launched their business with custom cabinets and soon enough, companies were knocking on their door to add their products to the mix.

Since starting, the business has grown to 11 employees and offers customers two furnished show rooms, one in Tulsa and one in Edmond at 14000 N. Santa Fe Ave. Word-of-mouth referrals and return customers have kept these folks busy, and Jennifer chalks that up to Garage Innovations’ work culture of courteousness, expertise and attention to detail.

And, because the company doesn’t have to pay franchise fees, it can offer products comparable to its competitors but at a lower price.

“I think this is all probably ‘Business 101,’” Jennifer said of what keeps her customers coming back. “Treat your customers well. Give them what they expect, or exceed it. Deliver what you say you’re going to deliver, and do a great job.”

Learn more about Garage Innovations, view before-and-after photos and book a free garage design consultation at mycustomgarage.com.