For 100 years, Modernfold has been a global leader in movable wall systems, transforming the way spaces are designed and used. Since its founding in 1925, the Modernfold brand has been at the forefront of innovation, shaping a century of progress. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re launching a series of blogs to reflect on our journey as a proud Modernfold distributor. Giving a nod to the moments, innovations, and most importantly, the people who have defined our history. None of this would be possible without the incredible people who have shaped Modernfold Chicago into the company you know and trust today. Among them is Danny Watson, whose dedication and expertise have been at the heart of it all.

A Simple Philosophy, A Foundation of Success

If you ask Danny about the most important lesson he’s learned in his lifetime, he’ll tell you it’s all about the power of genuine connections—building relationships that truly stand the test of time. And when you ask him how to make that happen, his advice is simple: trust, honesty, and always keeping your word. This straightforward yet impactful philosophy has guided Danny throughout his career and remains the foundation of Modernfold Chicago’s success. He credits this philosophy to the incredible people and mentors who have inspired him along the way.

The Early Days

Danny’s journey began in 1973 at Modernfold, Inc., the movable wall system manufacturer based in Indiana. Whether working in the tool crib, running errands, or assisting wherever needed, Danny was constantly soaking up knowledge and honing his skills. His hard work and curiosity quickly paid off as he rose through the ranks, starting as an inspector on the manufacturing floor and eventually becoming a regional sales manager for the Indiana, Michigan and Southern Wisconsin territory.

Danny’s first major milestone came in 1981 when he was asked to enter a new role dedicated exclusively to large-scale projects. It was the height of the convention center boom, and these massive venues demanded equally massive movable walls. The territory was uncharted, and the challenges were significant, but Danny’s solution-driven mindset and collaborative approach proved invaluable. Under his leadership, the company not only navigated this new frontier but thrived. Between 1981 and 1986, Danny and his team propelled the company’s sales from under $1 million to over $5 million—a remarkable achievement by any measure.

From Manufacturer to Distributor

Throughout his sales career at Modernfold Inc., Danny worked closely with many Modernfold distributors. He admired how seamlessly they collaborated with customers, architects, and general contractors to deliver the perfect movable wall solutions. Witnessing their dedication and problem-solving approach sparked Danny’s interest in working even more closely with the end-to-end process. This passion ultimately led him to join Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc. in 1988.

At Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc., Danny immersed himself in learning from the team and absorbing as much as he could from the mentors in his life. He focused on building strong relationships with the architects and contractors he worked with. Little did Danny know, the knowledge he gained and the relationships he built during those early years would one day pave the way for him to take the ultimate leap—becoming an owner of the very company he once worked for.

Click here to read the next blog in this series and learn more about the history of Modernfold Chicago.