Part 4, the final installment of the series, explores the next chapter of Modernfold Chicago as Brian takes the helm, honoring his father’s legacy while building upon the strong foundation that defines the company.

Brian Watson grew up watching his father, Danny, lead Modernfold Chicago. While it was always inspiring, it wasn’t something he imagined himself doing. Instead, Brian pursued an accounting degree at Loyola University, with an interesting twist – he minored in criminal justice. But as he was nearing his senior year, he started questioning whether accounting was truly what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. That summer, he decided to intern at Modernfold Chicago, a decision that would shape his future in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

Finding His Passion

During his internship, Brian quickly realized that no two days were the same. One day, he’d be in an architect’s office discussing space management solutions, and the next, he’d be on a job site in a hard hat, seeing projects come to life. The variety, the problem-solving, and the fast-paced nature of the business excited him. By the end of that summer, Brian knew where he belonged. After graduating from Loyola University, he officially joined Modernfold Chicago full-time. The timing couldn’t have been better as his father was starting to think about his exit strategy, and Brian was ready to learn the ropes of the family business.

Leading the Family Business

Nineteen years and countless lessons later, Brian now serves as President of Modernfold Chicago, continuing the legacy his father helped build—this time, alongside his brother, Tim, who plays a crucial role as Vice President of Finance. But the Watson family’s involvement doesn’t stop there. Take a walk through the office, and you’ll find multiple Watson family members contributing across different departments, a testament to the deeply rooted family values that drive the business.

Anyone who has worked in a family business will tell you it comes with unique challenges, but Brian firmly believes the benefits far outweigh them—especially when it comes to trust within the team. “When your team knows each other personally, there’s an inherent understanding that everyone is pulling on the same side of the rope, working toward a shared goal,” says Brian. That deep-seated trust extends beyond the Watson family; it’s a defining characteristic of the entire Modernfold Chicago team and a key reason for the company’s exceptionally low turnover rate—something Brian takes great pride in.

A Commitment to Relationships and Innovation

While much has changed over the years—advancing products, evolving technologies, and even new faces on the team—one thing has remained constant: Danny’s philosophy of building relationships rooted in honesty, trust, and delivering on promises. This principle continues to shape Modernfold Chicago’s approach today, ensuring that every client interaction isn’t just a transaction—it’s a partnership.

If you ask Brian what has fueled Modernfold Chicago’s success and the strong relationships they’ve built over the past 19 years, he’ll point to their unwavering commitment to exceptional service. Operable walls may not always be the top priority on an architect’s or contractor’s project list, but Modernfold Chicago’s team makes sure integrating them is as seamless and stress-free as possible. From providing upfront, transparent information to ensuring smooth installation, they work diligently to simplify the process and deliver the right solution—keeping projects on track and reducing headaches along the way. It may sound like common sense, but it’s a differentiator in the industry—one that sets them apart. Because no matter how much things change, trust and reliability never go out of style.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Change is inevitable, and since Brian stepped into his leadership role, Modernfold Chicago has embraced it head-on—expanding product offerings, forging new manufacturing partnerships, and even refreshing the brand. As Modernfold Chicago continues to grow, adapt, and evolve into the future, one thing is clear: the foundation Danny built is in good hands.

Click here to read the first blog in this series.