Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Sarnella.
Hi Whitney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Shelf King wasn’t something we set out to build overnight. Like many entrepreneurs, my husband, Chez, and I simply saw a problem that needed a better solution.
More than a decade ago, we experienced firsthand how difficult everyday tasks can become when mobility is limited. We had family members living with Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis, and something as simple as reaching into the back of a kitchen cabinet became a daily struggle. We realized our work could be about much more than organizing cabinets—it could help people stay independent and enjoy their homes again.
We started our business in Austin in 2012 with a simple goal: provide an exceptional product while delivering the kind of customer service that had become hard to find. We focused on doing the little things right—showing up when we said we would, communicating clearly, and treating every home like it was our own. That philosophy helped us grow almost entirely through referrals and a strong local reputation.
As the business expanded, we realized we had built more than a successful local company—we had created a business model that other families could own and grow. That led us to launch The Shelf King Franchise, where we’re now helping entrepreneurs build profitable businesses while making a meaningful difference in their communities.
Today, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve stayed true to why we started. We don’t just install pull-out shelves. We solve everyday frustrations, improve accessibility, and give homeowners back the joy of using their kitchens. At the same time, we’re creating opportunities for other families to build businesses they can be proud of. It’s incredibly rewarding to see both sides of that impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Building the business itself came with its share of challenges, but launching a franchise has been an entirely different journey.
When you’re starting a franchise system, there isn’t a roadmap that tells you exactly what to do next. You have to learn everything—from legal compliance and operations to marketing, recruiting franchisees, training, and building systems that someone else can successfully replicate. Much of it has been learning through experience, making mistakes, adjusting, and continuing to move forward.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being successful at running a business doesn’t automatically mean you know how to franchise one. They’re two very different skill sets. We’ve had to become students of the industry, ask a lot of questions, invest in the right people when needed, and stay resilient through the inevitable setbacks.
Looking back, those challenges have made us stronger. They’ve forced us to build a franchise system with intention instead of simply growing for the sake of growth. Today, we have a much deeper appreciation for the work it takes to build something that lasts, and we’re proud of the foundation we’re creating for future franchise owners.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We like to joke that we’re in the business of saving backs, marriages, and Tupperware lids.
Yes, we build custom pull-out shelves, but what we really do is rescue people from crawling halfway into their cabinets just to find the crockpot they swear they own. If you’ve ever knelt on your kitchen floor digging through a dark cabinet while muttering a few choice words, you’re our kind of customer.
Our specialty is making homes easier to live in. We help busy families, aging homeowners, and anyone who’s tired of playing hide-and-seek with their kitchen gadgets. It’s one of those upgrades people don’t realize they need until they have it—and then they wonder how they ever lived without it.
What makes us different is that we’re not trying to be the biggest company; we’re trying to be the one people actually enjoy doing business with. We’re a family business, so we believe in treating customers like neighbors. No gimmicks. No pressure. Just good people, a great product, and a team that genuinely cares.
What I’m most proud of is that we’ve taken something as simple as a shelf and built a company with real purpose. Every installation makes someone’s day a little easier, and now, through franchising, we’re helping other families build businesses and create lives they’re proud of, too.
At the end of the day, we don’t take ourselves too seriously—but we take our customers and our work very seriously. And if we can make you laugh while giving you the best cabinets on the block, that’s a pretty good day’s work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I wish I had some sophisticated answer, but honestly, my best resource has been curiosity.
I’m a big believer that if I don’t know something, I can learn it. YouTube has probably saved me thousands of dollars, podcasts keep me company during long drives, and ChatGPT has become one of the most valuable tools in my business. Whether I’m brainstorming marketing ideas, working through a franchise challenge, writing content, or trying to understand something completely outside my comfort zone, it’s like having another person on the team.
I also love books that challenge the way I think about leadership and business, but some of my biggest lessons haven’t come from books at all. They’ve come from talking to other entrepreneurs, asking lots of questions, and not being afraid to admit when I don’t have all the answers.
And honestly? Raising three kids has probably taught me as much about leadership, patience, negotiation, and problem-solving as any business book ever could.
Pricing:
- $160 per drawer, no matter the width
- $400 above divider
- $350 sloped divider
- $400 install fee
- $200 trashcan pull
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theshelfking.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshelfking?igsh=c3ZzMWx6NXpwODdz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQiLr2z5y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
