In Part 2, we uncover how Danny’s journey led him to the ultimate milestone: owning the company he once worked so hard to support.

By 1992, after years of dedication, Danny Watson and his business partner, Dennis Pajerski, purchased Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc. The two shared a clear vision for the company: to become the leading provider of movable wall solutions in the Chicago market and to do it using the simple but powerful philosophy of building lasting relationships with honesty, trust, and always staying true to their word.

It Wasn’t Without Challenges

Owning a company is never without challenges, especially in a niche industry like space division. While competitors were always a consideration, Danny and his team chose to focus on what they did best: building relationships. They recognized the need to shift the mindset of the people they worked with. Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc. wasn’t just a company to call for a single project; they were a trusted partner dedicated to finding the right solution every time. Through consistent reliability and collaboration, they made that vision a reality.

One of Danny’s most memorable projects came in 1993 at the McCormick Center. The massive convention center required an unprecedented solution: a two-hour fire-rated temperature rise wall measuring 840 feet long and 40 feet high. It was a groundbreaking project – no one had ever built a wall of its kind anywhere. The project was a true collaboration between Modernfold Inc. – the manufacturer and the company where Danny’s journey began – and Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc., the distributor he now owned. The Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc. team embraced the challenge with determination and pride, working closely with Modernfold Inc. to transform a complex project into a resounding success.

Years later, that monumental two-hour fire-rated temperature rise wall still symbolizes innovation and trust. The enduring partnership between Modernfold Inc. and Modernfold Doors of Chicago, Inc. with the McCormick Center has resulted in two additional expansions, further highlighting the strength and success of their collaboration over the years.