Kip Tindell, Garrett Boone, and John Mullen opened The Container Store in 1978 with the sole purpose of helping people simplify their lives. The Container Store was the first in the now booming retail category of storage and organization. Tindell, Boone, and Mullen took their start up investment of $35,000.00 and purchased some unlikely inventory. In 1978, most of the products The Container Store sold came from commercial or industrial manufacturers, and had never been sold in a retail environment. Their venture was so successful that within the first year, their store outgrew its space. Today the average Container Store is around 25,000 square feet, and includes thousands of products and ideas geared towards making your life easier. The Container Store splits departments into "lifestyle sections" such as Closet, Kitchen, Office, and Laundry in an effort to keep customers from getting frustrated. And no matter where you are in the store, there's always a Container Store employee (look for a blue apron) waiting to help.

Tindell and Boone see growth and success as being the "natural and inevitable result" of good (and by good we mean thoughtful, kind, and smart) business. It's important to them that they stay actively involved with their stores, and can often be found in the aisles visiting with customers and employees alike. Their commitment to Container Store employees has placed them on FORTUNE magazine's annual list of "100 Best Companies To Work For" seven years in a row. Employees are heralded as being the Container Store's most valued asset, and they get lots of extra benefits like above the norm wages, flexible "mom and dad" shifts, and great benefits.

The Container Store is one of those great companies that loves what they do. Their dedication to their original mission is one that has ensured success for almost 30 years. The Container Store is a great example of a business that does the right thing, and is rewarded because of it. Their pledge to their employees creates the atmosphere that they're so well known for, without this they might just be another storage/organization retailer.