Vendor Spotlight

The problem with the tried-and-true dot-com domain is that most of the good names are taken. In addition, anybody can take a dot-com name that indicates they are in a business such as storage—even if they’re not. New or expanding companies have been forced to make up lengthy and unwieldy names,...

Stor-Guard, LLC has introduced a new wireless security and over-locking system that is so advanced it’s earned three patents. The new Smartlok Solutions give managers an easy way to monitor unit activity and control over-locking using PC or smartphone technology. The Smartlok Smart-Latch Series has a unique design that’s a security...

SkyView Advisors (formerly BayView Advisors) may appear to be the new kid on the block in the self-storage arena, however, further inspection reveals a depth of industry experience and expertise that rivals other top brokerage firms. The SkyView team has extensive self-storage expertise and deep industry relationships with a broad track...

The SAFE Co, a Canadian company, has introduced a line of revolutionary portable storage units offering four different delivery systems on their containers. The Quick-Build units offer the maximum in flexibility to accommodate virtually any delivery system the operator or end user employs. In addition, SAFE Co (Store Anything Fast &...

Since its founding in 1974, MiniCo Insurance Agency has focused on providing specialty insurance solutions for the self-storage industry. But the company’s mission has always been far greater than simply underwriting policies and handling claims. MiniCo is dedicated to continually seeking out and developing new and innovative insurance solutions to meet...

During the economic downturn in 2008-09, the self-storage industry appeared to be in a “race to the bottom” in offering big discounts and concessions to stabilize degrading occupancies. Street rates fell dramatically as “one month free” promotions grew to “three months free”–and beyond. As vacant space filled, facility managers continued to...

As the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, CBRE Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, has what it takes to deliver exceptional results to any type of buyer or seller. CBRE’s Self Storage Advisory Group, which is led by senior vice...

Lawton, Okla.-based Canon Storage Systems, Inc., is a second-generation family-owned business with humble beginnings. The turn-key building supplier and construction service company, which was formed in 1979 by Vern Cannon, began as a one-man operation from a home office. Prior to constructing his first self-storage facility that year, Vern was working...

Following the stoppage of virtually all construction during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous projects came off the drawing boards and back to fruition simultaneously. This resulted in unleashing a pent-up demand for building materials—particularly steel—that led to astronomical increases in prices. Some projects witnessed more than 60 percent...

When they initially invested in self-storage facilities in 2014, Stein Investment Group found it easy and manageable to monitor and update rates for the few stores they owned. But as the company continued to acquire more facilities, the finance team was more focused on analyzing acquisition targets. As a result, they...

By David Lucas As a self-storage owner or member of an independent group that owns and operates storage, you know it’s getting harder to compete. In a field dominated by large REITs with deep pockets and a hotline to Google, you lack the time, financial, and technical resources to compete. You’re...

By David Lucas The competition from name-brand storage facilities is a major obstacle to any storage business, but especially for smaller operators. Branded facilities have a team of specialists managing every aspect of the business, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to long-term marketing to lead generation and even legal matters. That’s...