Chad and Theresa Nelson, owners of Garage Living, are redefining how homeowners think about their garages. What began as a personal project grew into a full-service business built on experience, quality craftsmanship and a hands-on approach that keeps clients working directly with the owners from start to finish.
Their path into the industry begins with a desire for something better in their own home. With established careers behind them, they were ready for a new challenge. After researching options for their own garage, Chad discovered Garage Living and was immediately drawn to the quality.
“He felt the cabinets, saw the quality and I remember him saying, ‘I don’t just want these in my garage. I want to be part of this,’” Theresa says.
That moment shaped what is now Garage Living, a business the couple runs together with a clear vision. Chad brings more than two decades of construction and home renovation experience, while Theresa transitioned from a 24-year career as an Omaha police officer into a full-time role handling operations, design and client communication. Together, they balance technical expertise with a strong focus on client experience.
More than a niche service
Today the business is a complete solution for homeowners looking to transform one of the most overlooked spaces in the home. From polyaspartic floor coatings and overhead storage to slatwall systems and custom steel cabinetry, projects range from simple upgrades to full garage makeovers designed for organization, function or lifestyle.
“The garage is the first thing people see when they come home and the last thing they see when they leave,” Theresa explains. “When it’s a mess, it drags your mood down right away. When it’s organized and clean, it changes how you feel about coming home.”
What sets Garage Living apart is not just the range of services, but the consistency behind them. Every product is designed specifically for the brand, eliminating the variability that often comes with third-party sourcing.
“Everything we sell is designed and developed by Garage Living, for Garage Living. We’re not reselling someone else’s cabinets. They’re our cabinets, our product line,” Theresa says.
That ownership extends into innovation. Chad and Theresa regularly bring client feedback into the design process, helping shape new solutions that reflect real needs. From integrating refrigerators into cabinetry to solving unique storage challenges, their work is guided by what homeowners ask for most.
“We kept seeing the same thing in Omaha: everybody has a refrigerator or a stand-up freezer in the garage, and everyone wanted it integrated into the cabinetry. That’s what pushed us to call corporate and say, ‘Let’s have a conversation,’” Chad says.
The result is a process that is both structured and personal. Clients typically connect through the website, phone or social platforms, with Theresa serving as the first point of contact. Early conversations focus on understanding the project and setting clear expectations, including transparent pricing from the start.
“We’re very open about our pricing from the start. We want people to know exactly what they’re investing in before we ever step into their garage,” Theresa says.
From there, in-home consultations allow Chad and Theresa to evaluate the space, identify frustrations and design solutions that align with how the garage is used. They can even create detailed 3D renderings so clients can fully visualize the transformation before work begins.
“We start with a full 3D rendering so clients can clearly see what the finished project will look like,” Theresa explains. “By the end, they’re amazed. Hearing clients say, ‘This looks just like the rendering,’ is a huge moment of recognition.”
That attention to detail continues through installation. Chad remains closely involved, often visiting every job site to ensure quality and maintain direct communication with homeowners. Most floor projects are completed in a day, while full renovations typically take only a few days.
For Chad, the most meaningful part of the process is the final reveal.
“I love seeing the look on the homeowner’s face when the job is done. Some can’t wait to put stuff in, they’ll even say ‘This looks so good, I don’t want to park my car in here now,’” Chad laughs.
That reaction reflects a broader shift in how garages are viewed. No longer just storage spaces, they are becoming extensions of the home that influence daily routines and overall quality of life.
For Chad and Theresa, Garage Living is built on that understanding. It’s about creating spaces that function better, feel better and reflect how people live. With direct access to the owners and a commitment to quality and transparency, the Nelsons offer a service that invites homeowners to rethink what their garage can be.
For those ready to transform their space, Chad and Theresa guide the process from start to finish. Reach out to Garage Living at https://www.garageliving.com/f/omaha for a consultation, or connect directly at (402) 506-6601.
“When the garage is a mess, it drags your mood down right away. When it’s organized and clean, it changes how you feel about coming home.”
“By the end of the process, they’re amazed. Hearing clients say, ‘This looks just like the rendering,’ is a huge moment of recognition.”