I have to admit that each year, the January issue of Inside Self-Storage is one of my favorites. Why? Because it contains our annual "State of the Industry" article. It offers readers the chance to step back and take a look at the self-storage industry as a whole. And while it may not hold the weight of President Clinton's "State of the Union" address, or even your governor's "State of the State" speech, it serves the same purpose for the self-storage industry--namely: Where is the self-storage industry right now?
A business that 20 years ago was just budding as a viable real-estate product is now a respected operation that many communities have begun to embrace as a necessity. The growth in the past five to six years has been phenomenal, to say the least, which leads some to believe that the self-storage market is ripe for a fall. Others aren't so sure. We've talked to some of the industry's foremost experts, to get their forecast on the health of the self-storage industry for the upcoming year and beyond.
Wondering how the drop in interest rates is affecting the self-storage industry? A reprint of the Argus Self Storage Sales Network Market Monitor explains that things might not be so rosy.
Read the story behind how a single storage facility in Tumwater, Wash., built in the '60s, was the beginning of one of the industry's most respected corporations: Shurgard Storage Centers. Now a REIT, Shurgard recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. This month, we commemorate and applaud Shurgard's quarter of a century of success.
Plus, we invite you to check out a new column entitled "Hard-Nosed Marketing." The monthly column, by marketing veteran Harley Rolfe, will focus on applying traditional marketing principles to self-storage. Rolfe, now retired from executive-level positions at AT&T and GE, as well as an owner of lodging and office facilities, currently serves as a part-time office assistant for a self-storage facility in Nampa, Idaho. We hope you enjoy this addition to the magazine, along with our other monthly and bi-monthly columns in this issue, including "Records Management," "Managers' World," "Ask the Waldmans," and "Insurance Corner."
Last, but not least, don't forget to make your plans for the biggest storage trade show in the business, the Inside Self-Storage Expo, Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas. Not only will you be informed by some of the industry's brightest minds, a three-day hands-on expo will allow you to meet with vendors and see the latest products and services that self-storage has to offer. While you're there, don't forget to stop and say "hello" at the Inside Self-Storage booth. We love to hear from you and any suggestions you might have for the magazine.
Best Regards,
Tom Brecke
Editor
