Up Closets Custom Closet Franchise executive team knows how to grow a successful closet business
Thomas Scott, CEO of Home Run Franchises and Up Closets
Thomas Scott is a visionary leader and franchise industry veteran, serving as the CEO Up Closets and its parent company Home Run Franchises. With decades of experience in building and scaling thriving franchise systems, Scott has a proven track record of fostering growth and innovation within the franchise sector.
As the CEO of Up Closets, a top-ranked closet organization franchise, Scott has driven the brand to new heights of recognition and growth. Up Closets is ranked in the 2025 Entrepreneur list of top 500 franchise systems and is a top 5 closet brand. Ranked #65 on Franchise Gator’s list of Top 100 Franchises in 2024, Up Closets stands out as the premier choice in the closet organization category, thanks to Scott’s focus on delivering unparalleled value to both franchisees and customers.
Scott used over two decades of experience in many national closet brands to create a modern, simplified custom closet franchise built to cater to younger buyers, leverage lower cost outsourced manufacturing and drive a lean labor model that was fun and potentially profitable.
Thomas Scott’s leadership is characterized by his ability to anticipate market trends, build strong franchisee-franchisor relationships, and champion innovative solutions that drive potential profitability and brand loyalty. He is a dynamic speaker, mentor, and advocate for the franchising industry, inspiring entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential through franchise ownership.
Kayla Ryan Tyrrell, Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Manager
Kayla Ryan Tyrrell serves as the Brand Manager and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Up Closets, bringing a dynamic and creative approach to franchise marketing, business coaching and brand development. With a wealth of experience in crafting innovative marketing strategies, Tyrrell has been instrumental in driving the growth and visibility of Up Closets.
Tyrrell has been a key architect in the brand’s ascent to industry prominence. Her strategic vision helped propel Up Closets to solidifying its position as a leading closet organization franchise. Through targeted marketing campaigns and a focus on customer engagement, Tyrrell has enhanced Up Closets’ brand appeal and franchisee satisfaction with a focus on helping owners grow and keeping them both happy and hitting their financial goals.
Tyrrell is known for her ability to blend analytical insights with creative storytelling, crafting marketing strategies that deliver measurable growth. Passionate about empowering franchise owners, she champions education, support, and innovation, ensuring every campaign aligns with the overarching goals of franchisees and the brand.
A thought leader in franchise marketing and franchisee coaching, Kayla Ryan Tyrrell is committed to fostering growth and elevating Up Closets to its full potential in competitive markets.
Brian Tyrrell, Director of Operations and Training
Brian Tyrrell serves as the Director of Operations and Training for Up Closets, bringing a wealth of expertise in operational excellence and franchisee support. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to ensuring smooth and efficient operations, Tyrrell is dedicated to the success of franchisees and the overall growth of the Up Closets brand.
In his role, Tyrrell oversees all aspects of franchise operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across the system. He is responsible for developing and implementing streamlined processes, from supply chain management, manufacturing, design software training, installation training and to help franchisees maximize their potential. His focus on operational improvements ensures that every franchise runs seamlessly, delivering exceptional value to customers.
As the head of training, Tyrrell plays a critical role in preparing franchisees for success. He designs and delivers comprehensive training programs that equip franchisees and their teams with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in their markets. His emphasis on hands-on learning and ongoing support fosters confidence and competence, empowering franchisees to build lucrative businesses. Training is a constant at Up Closets, starting when you sign your franchise agreement and continuing through your tenure as an owner.
Nina Ward – Director of Design and Sales
Nina Ward is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the closet franchise industry. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including owner, coach, sales designer, and sales manager, providing her with a unique understanding of the intricacies of building a successful closet business.
Nina’s expertise spans multiple facets of the industry, from designing and implementing customized closet solutions to leading high-performing sales teams. Her experience working with top closet concepts has honed her ability to create personalized, functional spaces that cater to diverse client needs.
As Director, Nina leverages her extensive knowledge and passion for innovative design to drive business growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences. She is dedicated to empowering clients to achieve their organizational goals and takes pride in sharing her expertise to make a lasting impact.
Alex Gilleland – Marketing Manager
Alex Gilleland serves as the Marketing Manager for Up Closets, bringing extensive expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, and franchisee support. With a creative mindset and a results-driven approach, Alex is committed to driving brand visibility, customer engagement, and overall growth of the Up Closets brand.
In this role, Alex oversees all aspects of marketing operations, ensuring cohesive messaging, impactful campaigns, and innovative strategies that resonate with customers and franchisees alike. From digital marketing, social media management, to local market outreach and promotional initiatives, Gilleland works to position Up Closets as a leader in the closet organization industry.
Alex plays a role in supporting franchisees by equipping them with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in their markets. This includes developing turnkey marketing programs, providing guidance on local advertising efforts, and delivering ongoing training to help franchisees maximize their reach and customer acquisition. Marketing support at Up Closets is continuous, starting from the franchise onboarding process and continuing throughout the franchisee’s journey.
With a passion for creative storytelling and a commitment to franchisee success, Alex Gilleland plays an integral role in driving Up Closets’ ongoing expansion and solidifying its position as a top-ranked franchise in the closet organization industry.
Gage Valdez – Franchise Onboarding and Admin
Gage Valdez serves as a Franchise Onboarding and Administrator at Home Run Franchises, bringing a dynamic blend of organizational expertise and customer-centric focus to ensure new franchisees have a seamless and efficient start. From managing the onboarding process to coordinating key resources, Gage works closely with franchise owners to guide them through each stage of integration. His role involves streamlining operations, ensuring compliance with company standards, and fostering a collaborative environment that empowers franchisees to achieve long-term success.
In addition to onboarding, Gage oversees administrative operations to maintain a high level of operational efficiency across the organization. Whether it’s coordinating training sessions, managing documentation, or providing day-to-day support, he is committed to creating an ecosystem where franchisees can thrive. His approach combines attention to detail with a passion for helping others succeed, making him a trusted resource for both new and established franchise partners.
Matt Gilleland – CFO
As the Chief Financial Officer, Matt Gilleland is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and strategy of the company, ensuring long-term financial health and operational efficiency. With a strong background in financial management, corporate finance, and strategic planning, Matt brings over 32 years of experience to the leadership team.
In his role, Matt leads all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and risk management. He also plays a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, including capital allocation, and cost management.
Before joining Home Run Franchises, Matt held recent leadership positions at V&W Supply Company, Inc. and Chordus, Inc. both based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Auburn University and an Accounting degree and MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Matt passed the CPA exam in 1992.
Want to learn more about Up Closets franchise team and our opportunity? Read more here!
With Up Closets, you can tap into a growing market and build a profitable franchise with a modern, low-overhead model. Our proven systems, ongoing training, and strong support network set you up for success from day one. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, Up Closets offers the tools and resources you need to thrive. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity—fill out the form or give us a call today to learn more about becoming an Up Closets franchise owner and start your journey to success!
