As in other locations, Oregon self-storage operators are reporting high occupanies and high numbers of defaults in reaction to the recession, according to The World, a newspaper in Coos Bay, Ore.

Other changes in the local self-storage market include more tenants who have lost jobs or homes and need self-storage while in transition, as well as fewer California transplants. Additionally, contractors looking to store construction equipment have all but disappeared, no doubt a response to the slow construction and real estate market.

Local operators are employing interesting techniques to try to decrease the number of delinquent tenants. Some managers allow tenants to sync their auto-pay rent payments with paychecks instead of making rent due on a specific day. But when tenants default, attendance at auctions is through the roof, probably thanks to the popularity of A&E's "Storage Wars" and SPIKE TV's "Auction Hunters."

Lastly, Oregon operators report having to chase out tenants who are living in units, more so than before the recession.

Robert James Pentz, 87, a pioneer in the South California self-storage market, died from complications of Alzheimers disease on Feb. 25. Born Jan. 8, 1924, in Detroit, he was a resident of Sun City, Calif., at his death.

Bob was the owner of Alessandro Mini Storage, Moreno Valleys first self-storage facility. He was also the owner of B & D Mini Storage in Riverside, Calif., and a member of the national Self Storage Association. An avid reader and storyteller, he published a book titled, Do It Yourself Mini Storage.

After serving as a signalman in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Bob married Dorothy Snodgrass in Detroit on April 21, 1945. He completed high school at the age of 38 and graduated from California Baptist University in 1984.

Bob was involved in the initial renovations of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, Calif., during the early 1980s and developed the Norco Country Mall. Bobs projects over the years included building the monument signs at California Baptist College and Riverside Christian School, the stone on Valley of the Falls Community Church, many projects at the Jurupa Cultural Center and Mission Inn, and numerous fountains and fireplaces. In 1987, he received the Entrepreneur of the Year award given by The Press Enterprise.

Bob served as a volunteer chaplain at the California Youth Authority and Spadra Hospital, working with the mentally challenged. He served on various boards including Riverside Christian School, BRASS, Masonry Owners Association, Gideons and others. He also served on the board of trustees of California Baptist College and Friends of the Mission Inn. He was active in many churches, including Canyon Lake Community Church. He was instrumental in establishing the Harbor Chaplain Ministry in Newport Beach, the Stanley Collins Radio program of Forest Home Christian Conference Center, and Teen Challenge at Benedict Castle.

Bobs commitment to education resulted in the establishment of many student scholarships. Because of his love of tennis, he donated the Tennis Center at California Baptist University.

After his retirement, Bob started a widow ministry doing handyman work for the needy. His hobbies included collecting bolo ties and vinyl records, tennis, bowling, singing, square dancing and frequenting thrift stores.

A memorial service honored Bob on March 12. He was interred at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bob Pentz Scholarship Fund or the School of Business Building Fund at California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504.

BuildMyMove, an online provider of binding, instant moving quotes for full-service interstate moves, has been named the featured moving-services provider for Storage.com, an aggregator and booking engine for self-storage and mobile storage nationwide.

BuildMyMove uses a nationwide network of local, professional movers to provide relocation services at a lower cost than most national moving companies. As the featured moving-services provider for Storage.com, the company will provide immediate online moving quotes to all Storage.com users as they prepare to move household goods. The partnership will allow customers to book only the moving services they need.

In addition to generating leads for the moving and storage industry, Storage.com allows consumers to find a self-storage facility with the location, size and features they need. The site's functionality allows them to compare features, price and promotions across multiple locations to identify and reserve the unit that best fits their needs. Storage.com is owned by Self Storage Co. LLC, a Utah corporation.

BuildMyMove.com is a resource for consumers who are moving or relocating. Launched in 2010, the company is based in the Kansas City area.

The Maine Self Storage Association will hold its annual member workshop June 9-10 at the Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway in Bangor, Maine. The event will kick off on the evening of the 9th with a vendor-sponsored cocktail reception. Educational seminars will take place on the 10^th including a presentation by Paul Maglio, president of Storage Auction Solutions, who will speak about how the success of reality shows such as Storage Wars and Auction Hunters has affected industry lien sales. Information on additional speakers will be issued as the event approaches.

Hollywood Slots is extending a special rate to MeSSA members for this event. In addition, any member who returns to the hotel at later date and mentions the association will receive the promotional rate.

The MeSSA was established in 2001 to enhance the quality of the self-storage industry in Maine. The association currently has 52 facility and vendor members.

Uncle Bob's Self Storage has partnered with the Syracuse Crunch, a minor league hockey team, to sponsor the 'Uncle of the Year' contest.

During the month of March, fans will have the opportunity to nominate their favorite uncle for the award. To submit a nomination, fans must write an essay of up to 250 words giving reasons why they think their uncles should be selected as the Uncle Bob's Self Storage 'Uncle of the Year'.

A panel of judges consisting of Uncle Bob's Self Storage staff members, as well as Crunch players, will review the entries and select a winner. The winner will be announced in an on-ice presentation at the Crunch's home game on Sunday, April 3, against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The winning uncle will receive a 10-pack of ticket vouchers for the 2011-12 season, a team-autographed stick and a prize pack, compliments of Uncle Bob's Self Storage.

Fans can submit their essays in person at all remaining Crunch home games through the end of March at the Guest Services table or by e-mailing [email protected].

Uncle Bob's has four locations in Central New York-Cicero, East Syracuse, Liverpool, and Spencer Street in Syracuse-and 377 facilities in 24 states. The company is part of Sovran Self Storage, a real estate investment trust in the business of acquiring and managing self-storage facilities. The company operates under the name Uncle Bobs Self Storage.

The Manatee County Planning Board will recommend to county commissioners to approve an Xpress Storage self-storage facility as part of a plan to build 1,600 new homes in a subdivision.

Five local residents appeared during public comment at a board meeting in Bradenton, Fla., last week and opposed the proposed 43,284-square-foot, 24-hour self-storage facility. They posed concerns about noise and increased flooding risk.

However, Bradenton builder Mike Carter spoke on behalf of Xpress Storage and defended the noise concern, saying the complexs 11 buildings will block noise from passing traffic. He also said the project will actualy create better drainage in the area and that storage facilities get little after-hours traffic.

The boards recommendations will go before county commissioners next month.

Xpress Storage is affiliated with Hideaway Storage, an operator with 13 locations across Florida.

To assist its clients in formulating investment strategies for the months ahead, Marcus & Millichap Research Services has released its First Half 2011 National Self-Storage Report, which provides insight into key regional self-storage trends. The report addresses changes in occupancy rates, rents and inventory levels, and provides an assessment of sales dynamics. Observances and predictions outlined in the report include:

• As employment growth gains momentum in the coming year, the recovery of self-storage operations will begin to gather steam, generating new acquisition opportunities.
• Migrating jobseekers will fuel demand for self-storage units in high-employment-growth markets and the few Sun Belt metros that do not face significant housing and self-storage supply overhangs.
• Bank selloffs of REO assets, along with improved financing availability for smaller, stabilized properties, will also fuel investment prospects as the market regains its footing.

Marcus & Millichap Research Services is a division of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, a commercial real estate investment services firm. As a service to its clients, Marcus & Millichap provides research reports through the Research Services page of MarcusMillichap.com. Additional information on a particular self-storage market can be had by contacting a local office and speaking with one of the companys investment specialists.

A fire at a San Diego-area apartment-and-self-storage complex caused damage to at least one unit, possibly to adjacent units, and to a vehicle parked outstide the unit on March 9.

Firefighters responded to Mountain View Apartments and Mini Storage at 8810 Winter Gardens Blvd. in Lakeside, Calif. Upon arrival, Lakeside firefighters found smoke showing from the street. They then found heavy fire coming from on open roll-up self-storage unit door. The unit on fire threatened exposures on each side and to the second floor above it. A vehicle parked in front of the involved unit has also caught on fire.

The complex, which does not appear to be part of a chain, is located next to a small auto dealer. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

By Marti MacGibbon

Heather, a manager at a publishing company, prides herself on her extremely high standards, even jokingly referring to herself as a perfectionist, but she has difficulty meeting deadlines. During brainstorming sessions with her staff, Heather yearns to unearth new discoveries and innovations, but dreads making even the smallest mistakes. This puts a damper on creativity. She tends to take on only familiar challenges to guarantee shell excel.

Recently, Heather noticed she has difficulty relating to and encouraging her subordinates. She longs to be able to inspire them, but finds she can see only flaws in their work. Since Heather is also self-critical, shes tense and rigid when embarking on new projects, putting a clamp on productivity.

Heathers noticed how a co-worker and his staff consistently come up with innovative new concepts and complete projects before the deadline. Whenever a groundbreaking new endeavor is discussed, Tyler volunteers to take it on. His confidence is truly remarkable. In meetings, Tylers subordinates demonstrate self-assurance and an easy rapport with him.

When Tylers staff turns in reports, the mood is upbeat, almost celebratory, even when theyre only halfway to their projects completion. Heather sees people leave Tylers office looking focused, empowered and energized. She wonders how Tyler can appear to be so relaxed and happy and still be so productive.

Tylers advantage is that he focuses on progress, not perfection. Striving for perfection and rejecting anything less can become an obstacle to innovation, creativity and satisfaction in the accomplishment of everyday tasks and goals. Focusing on progress will highlight the fact that everyday tasks and goals are actually baby steps on the way to achievement of the highest standards and accomplishments. While focusing on progress we learn to enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

Here are six progress-oriented strategies that will free you from excessive self-criticism and increase your creativity, satisfaction and confidence.

1. Theres no such thing as perfection in life. Know that perfection is not an oasisits a mirage! Youll never arrive, because it simply isnt there. Once you realize that everything in this universe is flawed, you can relax and focus on improvement or progress. Youll find that as your confidence builds, your freedom of thought increases. You now have plenty of elbow room to take on new and exciting challenges.

2. Practice intelligent goal-setting. Determine your ultimate goal. Then set doable, measurable goals at definite intervals on the journey that you know you can reach. At each of these intervals you can measure progress, adjust your sights and make changes if necessary. Its easy to slip into a self-defeating pattern by setting inappropriate goals and standards. If you tell yourself you can only accept the utmost perfection in everything you do, you rob yourself of the joy that comes from celebrating each and every small accomplishment regardless of the result.

3. Take an inventory of anything and everything youve accomplished and celebrate it. Progress is not exclusively linear. Be sure to include upbeat attitude, positive thought process, kind words, and generous actions on your list. You most likely have gained character strengths, leadership skills, personal insights and communication skills during any given day, week or month at work. Its a good idea to begin recognizing all your accomplishments and gaining greater resolve from them.

4. Theres real reward in enjoying the journey and accepting your work without judging it. Perfectionism often creates a cycle of procrastination. The standard is set so high that you find yourself overwhelmed and paralyzed at the outset. Exercise your non-judgmental attitude toward others as well, regarding everything around you as a work in progress.

5. Give yourself permission to grow and embrace missteps. Some of the greatest discoveries were a result of blunders or were learned by trial and error. If you stop making mistakes, you stop progressing and learning. Loosen up. Value the process. Youll find your creativity, productivity and happiness will increase exponentially.

 6. Never underplay your accomplishments. Banish self-talk such as, Well, it was OK, but anybody couldve done that. That sort of thinking, discounting the positive, can lead to anhedonia, the technical term for diminished ability to find joy and satisfaction in life. Instead, encourage yourself and others around you by recognizing the significance of smaller tasks as part of the ultimate goal. Muster your enthusiasm by visualizing the final result.

Try consistently putting these strategies into play, and youll be surprised as you exceed your own expectations. Constantly focus on progress and learn to have fun along the way. Celebrate each baby step. Pat yourself on the back. Turn on the self-approval faucet and let the feeling of accomplishment wash over you. This isnt complacency, this is stamina-building.

Success in any endeavor takes time. Its like a long-distance run. If you want to zoom across the finish line at the end of the course, then say goodbye to perfectionisms unreachable expectations, fear of mistakes and excessive criticism. Say hello to progress and begin embracing and celebrating it daily. Perfectionism is a deal breaker. Progress is a star maker.

Marti MacGibbon is a certified mental-health professional, inspirational motivational speaker, veteran standup comic, member of the National Speakers Association and author of Never Give in to Fear. For more information, call 310.210.4674; visit www.nevergiveintofear.com.