By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com

Jill Flores said she has always liked trying new things. Born in Albany, NY, she decided to go to Florida for college and decided on the University of North Florida. Despite only spending a short time there, she became enamored of the weather and economy in Florida … and remembered that when she and her husband relocated to Northeast Florida a decade later. She earned her accounting degree at Siena College in Loudonville, NY near her hometown of Albany and then worked in a number of industries, including insurance, teaching, property management, and real estate, before becoming the local franchisee for the Closet Factory, which designs and installs closet and other custom organization systems. The franchise is a true family business, with husband Marty serving as vice president and chief operations officer and daughter Sierra serving as senior designer. Son Logan, a student at the University of Central Florida, works in the business on school breaks. Jill and Marty Flores live in NW St. Johns County with their calico cat, Cali.

Q: How did you meet your husband, Marty?
A: We met when we were 17 years old and both worked at KMart. Talk about a Blue Light Special! We were married at 23 years old and had children in our 30s.

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Q: What did you learn from the various industries you worked in that prepared you to own your own business?
A: I’ve always liked trying new things and jumping into new industries. Being in the insurance industry gave me a great overall business background. I became a teacher because I was passionate about kids and it provided me with a bit of a hiatus while I was raising my own children. I taught second and fifth grades at Bartram Springs, Hyde Grove, and Mandarin Oaks elementaries in Duval County. Property management taught me a lot about developing business. I worked in new communities in St. Johns County and helped do things like set up amenity centers. When I was in real estate, I had a hand in selling new construction and learning about what homeowners need and want. I’ve also been active as a volunteer locally, helping with the opening of Liberty Pines Academy and Timberlin Creek. I was part of a team that did a lot of the fundraising for the schools and media centers.

Q: Why did you decide on Closet Factory as a franchise?
A: Since the age of 25, my husband and I had in mind to buy a franchise. We looked at several, but it was never the right time. We were looking for the right business that we felt passionate about and we would be proud of the finished product. A big reason we chose Closet Factory was because it allowed succession to our children. We also felt we had a unique opportunity to bring Closet Factory to our area. We became franchisees and opened our business in May 2022.

Q: What is your favorite part of owning a business and what is the most challenging part?
A: My favorite part is hearing from our clients that we changed their world with a closet system and usage of space. We love the opportunity to maximize people’s space and make it beautiful at the same time. Definitely the most challenging part, and I know this is not unique to us, is staffing. We are always looking for good employees.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to go to the beach, read, spend time with my family and friends and cruise whenever I can!

Photo courtesy Jill Flores

Jill Flores with husband Marty.

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