Richmond grad’s business empire is built on why

Allan Young, ’93, — who started 14 businesses before high school — is doing it again.

After scaling ShelfGenie to over 200 locations and an Inc. 500 ranking, he launched the Art of Drawers franchise in 2024 and has expanded to over 140 locations across 45 cities. His empire is built on one simple principle: Start with why.

“We turn frustration into joy,” Young says when describing the company’s core why. When Art of Drawers installs custom kitchen solutions, they’re doing more than renovating — they’re keeping customers safe from bending and reaching and creating a more comfortable space through careful reorganization. This mindset carries through the entire process. Rather than tracking “close rates,” his sales team focuses on “help rates.” His book Disruptable captures this philosophy, arguing that leaders who voluntarily disrupt themselves this way outperform those waiting to be disrupted.

Young’s approach earned Art of Drawers a net promoter score of 92 — higher than Chick-fil-A. His franchise partners include former Apple executives and Accenture consultants accustomed to traditional hierarchies who uncover something refreshing in Young’s leadership model. He uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System, prioritizing cohesion and clarity with him as visionary while his president handles execution. It mirrors his military experience as commander: Set the destination; empower the expert beside you.

“Being vulnerable is probably our No. 1 daily value,” Young says, echoing what he learned through YPO, formerly the Young Presidents’ Organization, that asking for help builds more trust than offering it. He pairs this with another counterintuitive company value: Celebrate failure, because that’s where learning and growth come from. It’s a radical notion for entrepreneurs, many terrified of appearing uncertain. Yet Young champions it relentlessly.

“If you’re scared of doing it,” he says, “that’s probably a good sign that you should do it.”