In Memoriam: David Lee Jones, aka Diamond Dave, 1950-2009

Oct 26, 2009

David Lee Jones, aka “Diamond Dave,” a manager for Mesa, Ariz.-based Storage Solutions, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 9.

Dave was born Dec. 14, 1950, in Long Beach, Calif., to Boyd and Jean Jones, and spent his childhood in California. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he spent time in Korea and Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1972. He spent time living in South Florida, where he built a career in the moving and storage business, working for Public Storage Inc. and U-Haul International. Nine years ago, he moved to Arizona, where he became part of the Storage Solutions management team.

Dave is survived by his wife, Stephanie, sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Brad, and their children, Kate, Nathan and Kelsey. He also leaves a great nephew, Jackson.

People who knew Dave say that he loved people, accepted everyone for who they were and lived life to the fullest. His interests were sailing, the ocean, avionics, sports and thoroughbred horses. He will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues in the self-storage industry.

Real Storage to Build Multi-Story Self-Storage in Toronto

Oct 26, 2009

Real Storage Limited Partnership purchased land for a new multi-story self-storage development in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The project, currently in the design and permit phase, is the company’s initial entry to the Greater Toronto Area and Eastern Canada market. Construction will begin in spring 2010

The facility will have four stories and approximately 130,000 square feet of climate-controlled space, and incorporate several eco-friendly and energy-saving features. It will also offer a fully enclosed loading dock, video monitoring, security-access entrance and a retail office. The property increases the company’s overall operating portfolio to more than 450,000 square feet of net rentable area.

Based in Calgary, Real Storage is a Canadian-owned partnership focused on the acquisition, development and management of self-storage facilities across Canada.

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Legitimacy of Planet Self Storage iPod Advertising Called Into Question

Oct 26, 2009

The legitimacy of a massive Apple iPod billboard hanging on the side of Planet Self Storage in the South End of Boston has been drawn into question. The Outdoor Advertising Board has opposed the signage since it went up in 2007, calling it “illegal” and demanding that it be taken down, according to an article in The Boston Globe. But the advertising remains in place, even though its one-year temporary permit expired last fall.

There is debate about whether Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s administration endorsed the oversized display, even though it normally discourages new billboards. Last week David Passafaro, the mayor’s campaign treasurer, acknowledged that he contacted the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 2007 to ask about the process to place the ad on behalf of Greg John, who assembled the ad deal.

John is chairman of a Charleston, Mass.-based branding firm and a regular Menino contributor. In 2007, he created Box I LLC to oversee the Apple ad and other deals. He told the Globe that he followed the process of securing a sign permit according to the law and Passafaro did not intervene on his behalf.

In June, the state attorney general’s office negotiated with the companies behind the ad, requiring that they request a new permit from the city and pay the state $110,000.

The iPod advertising is obscuring a 13,750-square-foot wall mural of whales. The owners of Planet Self Storage claim their ad is exempt from needing approval from the OAB because it promotes sales on the premises. The facility offers iTunes gift cards for sale. Even still, the owners are renovating to include a larger Apple retail space and satisfy the OAB. If it does not satisfy the board, the sign will have to come down in February.

Source: The Boston Globe, Apple gets to fly banner, despite rules

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Self-Storage Operating Performance: Fort Wayne, Ind.

Oct 25, 2009

Northeast Indiana is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, with rapidly expanding business sectors such as manufacturing, technology, education, healthcare, hospitality and service industries. Fort Wayne’s geography makes it a natural Midwest manufacturing and transportation hub. A number of world-renowned businesses call Northeast Indiana their home.

A boom in economic development in the region and targeted programs related to workforce development has created a strong, fast-growing business climate in the area. Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities offer varied job opportunities. Northeast Indiana boasts an impressive collection of firms providing fiber-based network services that span most of the state. Wireless Internet services are now available in nearly every county. The area has a prime position as a national leader in broadband technology growth.

The accompanying charts demonstrate demographic, supply and operating statistics as of September 2009.

Pasadena, Calif.-based Self Storage Data Services Inc. publishes the ISS Flash Report, the Self-Storage Performance Index and other statistical data on self-storage operation. The company also reports on supply-and-demand factors affecting the industry. For more information, call 626.304.2920; visit www.ssdata.net.

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