When you’ve got questions about running your self-storage facility, or about entering the business, where do you turn? The Internet offers a wealth of resources, and industry-specific publications provide abundant guidance. But sometimes you crave the opportunity for live, one-on-one interaction that will allow you to ask questions and get answers, from people who understand your challenges firsthand.

The Inside Self-Storage World Expo is just that place, offering a variety of events that allow you to learn and gather information in the way that works best for you, whether through a large classroom setting, intimate conversation or lively group interaction. Join us at the New Orleans Marriott, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and choose from a diverse agenda loaded with question-asking, answer-getting opportunities. How do you like your info?

I like to absorb information in a seminar setting, with detailed visuals and handouts.

Perfect. The ISS Expo in New Orleans offers approximately 30 seminars organized into three convenient, comprehensive education tracks. Our speakers are at the ready with solutions to your day-to-day obstacles, providing the information you need to manage, market, finance, sell, build, develop, maintain and research your existing or future self-storage facility. They’re happy to answer your questions and even schedule face time for needs that exceed the allotted segment. Most provide detailed PowerPoint slides and other handouts to facilitate your learning and help you apply new knowledge once you’re home.

The show also offers several workshops with intense focus in specialty areas such as sales, customer service, marketing, site development, collections, lien sales and much more. Legal issues are among the most troublesome for storage operators and evoke many questions. There’s no better venue for getting them answered than Jeffrey Greenberger’s Legal Learning Seminar, a four-hour tutorial on key matters that can make or break your business.

Other seminar-style events: Management Workshop, Developers Seminar, Marketing & Sales Boot Camp 

I like to interact with peers, gaining insight from each other’s experiences, sharing info, and helping each other figure things out.

You’re in luck, because the ISS Expo includes several opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction. The Self-Storage Q&A, an active open forum, is the ideal place to ask questions and have them answered by colleagues as well as experts. It’s a no-holds-barred arena for your queries. You might even win one of several great prizes during this session.

The Q&A is followed by the always-popular roundtable discussions, where you can sit in a personal setting and talk with the experts manning the tables as well fellow operators and managers. Choose from dozens of hot topics. Switch tables as often as you like.

Other interactive events: Buyers & Sellers Meeting, Technology Marketplace, Cocktail Reception, Exhibits

I like one-on-one time with experts in the biz who can make suggestions, share their expertise and point me in the right direction.

There’s no better place to command personal attention from experts than on the show floor. Aside from having a product or service to sell, self-storage suppliers are authorities in nearly every aspect of the business. They’ve seen, heard and done it all in relation to the facilities they’ve managed, built guided through consulting. If you think they’re just there to sell you something, guess again. Most are eager to help educate you, because smart managers, operators, developers and investors make for a better industry overall.

Other expert-access events: Concurrent Seminars, Workshops, Roundtable Discussions, Technology Marketplace 

The ISS Expo will take place at the freshly renovated New Orleans Marriott at 555 Canal St., positioned at the French Quarter’s western border. The hotel is within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants, lounges and shops, the convention center, the business district, and popular Big Easy attractions such as Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.

Join us in New Orleans to get your questions answered, learn solutions for your self-storage business challenges, and enjoy one of the nation’s most enthralling cities. For more information about the complete expo program, visit www.insideselfstorageworldexpo.com.

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More local start-up businesses are renting self-storage units as office space and workshops in the United Kingdom, according to one self-storage operator.  

The Store Room is experiencing an increase in the number of business renters. The company, which has several locations in the United Kingdom, now has more than 80 business tenants, up from 53 a year ago. The company reports business retention is about 83 percent.

“We aren’t just somewhere to store your boxes. We can offer the sort of flexible space that can make a real difference to early-stage businesses,” said Carl Horsfield, regional manager.

The Store Room has locations in Preston, Leeds, Bradford, Rotherham/Sheffield, Manchester and Leicester.

Source: The Business Desk,  Start-ups Find Smart Use for Storage Space

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Self-Storage Talk: Business Services

SMD Software Inc., provider of SiteLink self-storage management software, released a new inquiries and reservations module for its SiteLink Web Edition.

The feature allows self-storage managers and central-reservation offices to track leads, analyze the source of inquiries, and measure conversion rates. Available to all Web Edition users at no extra cost, the module monitors the performance of a self-storage facility’s managers, call center, website and kiosk. Its built-in CRM (customer-relationship management) functions facilitate customer follow-up and coordinate e-mail campaigns.
 
Established in 1996, SMD Software has more than 9,000 installations worldwide.

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A-1 Self Storage, an operator of self-storage facilities throughout California, is providing financial support for Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI), an organization that prepares bilingual/bicultural students for college through free academic enrichment, skill-building, tutoring, mentoring, and college-exploration and application services.
 
BLCI serves first-generation students of San Diego who will be the first in their families to attend college. The not-for-profit, community-based group experiences 100 percent college-enrollment among its students. 

A-1 Self Storage has 17 locations in the greater San Diego County area and more than 40 locations across California. It is the self-storage division of the Caster Cos., a third-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Southern California since 1959.

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EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for U.K. self-storage operator Lok’n Store Group increased 14.5% to £1.45 million for the six months ended Jan. 31, 2010. Revenue rose1.8 percent to £5.19 million, and operating profit surged 77 percent to £438,058.
 
"Lok'nStore has performed well in difficult economic conditions, and we are encouraged by current business," the company issued in a statement, saying it would continue to focus on growing cash flow from the existing portfolio by increasing occupancy and revenue and controlling costs.

An interim dividend of 33 pence per share has been recommended, compared to no dividend for the same period a year earlier.
 
Source: ShareCast, Lok'n Store H1 EBITDA rises 15%

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Storage Investment Management Inc. (SIMI) has formed a marketing alliance with Movex Inc. of Tampa, Fla., to better serve its customers and cross promote services to the “self-move” consumer. Now managers at SIMI-operated self-storage properties are able to provide real-time transportation quotes and reserve trucks on the Movex network. 
 
Established in 1988, SIMI is self-storage management company that operates throughout the Northeast.
 
Movex is a nationwide provider of door-to-door, self-move service via air-ride moving vans with professional drivers. Movex brings the truck to the customer, who loads it, and then delivers the goods to the destination, where the customer unloads his property. The company has introduced a Business Partner Program for self-storage and other industries.

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Self-storage customers renting at The Lock Up Storage Centers can be entered to win $1,000 in free rent at one of the Chicago-based company’s 32 facilities. The second place winner will receive three months rent, a $500 maximum value; the third place winner receives two months rent, a $240 maximum value.

To enter the contest, new and existing customers of The Lock Up must complete an online registration form. The drawing closes May 31, with the announcement of the winners to follow.

“We take a lot of pride in providing our valued customers with the most state-of-the-art storage units available," says Andrea Carnes, vice president of operations. "The opportunity to reward them with free rent is one way of showing our sincere appreciation their business."

Source:  Benzinga,Win $1,000 in Free Rent from The Lock Up Self Storage

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Financial analysts expect Sovran Self Storage Inc., a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, to report its quarterly earning of $0.29 on sales of $42 million on May 05, 2010.

It’s expected Sovran will post earning per share (EPS) of $1.25. In the same time period a year ago, the company reported EPS of $0.35 on sales of $50 million. In the previous quarter, the company reported EPS of $0.32, topping consensus estimates for a loss of $0.02.

Source:  SmartTrend,  Earnings Update: Sovran Self Storage Releases its Quarterly Earnings on May 05, 2010

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Self-Storage Talk: Self-Storage Operating Performance

The installation of a self-storage security system is no small job. Systems consist of a diverse number and type of sophisticated components. The combination of these elements accomplishes the overall site-security plan. Establishing a “security philosophy” for the site will help you determine which components need to be installed, and how each piece will be tied together.
 
Choosing a Security Installer

The first question you need to ask yourself is if you or your staff have the knowledge and expertise to correctly install and set up the system. Nowadays you can find how-to instructions for just about anything on the Internet. Security systems are certainly part of this information overload.

A security-system installer needs to be an expert at welding, pulling wire, reading site plans, traffic control, wiring schemes, site design, ditch digging, computers, system setup and programming, concrete, gate construction, fencing, safety regulations, photography, elevators, etc. Now do you still think you can tackle installation in house?

Choosing the right installer with a proven track record and experience in the self-storage industry can make or break your ability to provide a secure, marketable store. It can mean the difference between a smooth-running operation or an ongoing maintenance issue.

Licensing requirements for installers vary from state to state. Even though a person may be licensed, it doesn’t guarantee the quality of the work. Portioning out pieces of the work to several installers is not advisable. Just because you know someone who builds gates doesn’t mean the gate will be built to fit, mounted or tied in correctly to the gate operator and access system.

The security installer should be involved during the planning stage, prior to finalizing your site design. The location of buildings, driveways, gates, parking and office all have an effect on security. The installer you choose will have valuable input on the location of these items, based on his experience with placing gates, keypads and cameras as well as office design. Bringing him in early will also allow better working relationships to develop with other contractors, such as the electrician, concrete provider and general contractor.  
 
Your Security Gate

The location of the entry gate in relation to the office, storage buildings and street is the most important security consideration for the site. Unfortunately, in many cases, it’s one of the last things to be addressed. The gate location is influenced by three things: safety, the position of the office, and zoning. It needs to be far enough off the road to allow for the stacking of vehicles as they enter the property, particularly trucks or trailers.

Remember to allow enough room for the gate to operate. Different types of gates require corresponding clearances. Place the gate so the office and parking spaces are accessible without having to go through it. Local zoning requirements may dictate. If the gate is not properly located, even a perfect installation will not resolve traffic issues.
 
Installing Conduit

Installation of your security system begins from the ground up—literally. In fact, it begins below ground with conduit runs.
All underground electrical wiring, including the low-voltage security system, needs to be installed in PVC conduit. Electrical conduit is gray and available at most building-supply and hardware stores. Electrical fittings ensure wire is not nicked or damaged during installation. All joints should be connected using PVC glue. Conduit should be buried a minimum of 12 inches below grade.

Conduit needs are usually communicated between the security installer and electrician or general contractor. In general, electrical-conduit runs are going to the same place as the security system. Usually the electrician will lay the conduit for security because it’s more cost-effective and helps avoid the security installer cutting through the electrician’s conduit, and vice versa.

The two conduits may be laid in the same trench, but there needs to be at least 12 inches of separation. This eliminates the “noise” that can bleed through between high and low voltage. If this is not adhered to, the problems you may have later on would only be correctable by separating the lines, which is an expensive solution.

Once the PVC conduit comes out of the ground, it should connect to metal conduit; but it should be 6 to 12 inches above ground before converting. Installing PVC to a metal fitting below ground will allow water to seep into the conduit and cause problems later.

There are two types of metal conduit fittings: indoor and outdoor. Outdoor fittings may be used inside, but indoor fittings should never be used outdoors. The risk of water entering the conduit can cause shorts, wire deterioration and damage.

With long wire runs, junction boxes should be placed periodically. This allows for easier wire pulls and prevents the overstressing of wires. Metal conduit should be fastened or supported. When connecting to a moving or vibrating object such as a gate operator, flex conduit or fittings are required. Using a bender instead of 90-degree fittings makes for a smoother installation and lowers wire stress.

When it comes to conduit runs, more is better. The diameter is also important. Even if you’re not planning on having security throughout the buildings, it’s best to use a two-inch minimum. Undersized conduit and junction boxes will make the job difficult or impossible.

Keep in mind that cameras will require a “home run” back to the office from each location. Unused conduit should be capped during construction until needed. Leaving it exposed risks dirt, water, rocks and concrete, rendering it useless.
 
Wiring Your System

Wire is the lifeline of your security system. Manufacturers of security components and systems specify the wire size and type to be used for their products. Not following these specifications risks voiding the warranty, compromising the integrity of the system and costly re-wires later. Separate wire is needed for different security devices including keypads or readers, intercoms, cameras, and power and gate triggers.

When installing the intercom system, be sure to use the wire specified by the manufacturer. Also consider placement in general. Intercoms are more susceptible to noise or interference than other devices. Factors such as high-line wires in the area can cause static in the intercom. This holds true for lights in hallways as well. Be sure to ask and follow supplier recommendations. In some cases, it may be impossible to eliminate all static.
 
Installing Cameras

Cameras should be installed strategically throughout the property. The amount of coverage desired will dictate the number of cameras. Outdoor cameras should be mounted in an environmental enclosure with blower and heater.

Hallways should have cameras for security and safety reasons. If this is not possible, at least put cameras at each access point to hallways. Cameras in the office need not be mounted in enclosures. Keep in mind that each camera will have its own wire running back to the digital video recorder (DVR).

Use proper connectors to join and terminate wires. A good supplier will not only specify the type to use, but will provide them as part of an outfit.
 
Setting Up the System

Your security-installation professional should be the one who ties in the system devices and brings them operational. Cameras will connect to a DVR and should be programmed to record when there is motion in the field of view. Monitoring camera activity from another location is possible through this device. Your installer should be able to demonstrate how to review what has been previously recorded.

In the case of access and alarm systems, the manufacturer may do some of the programming. The operation may be customized based on how you run your site. Items to consider include: 

• Access-hour time zones
• Access levels to different sections of the property
• Control of access doors
• Number of keypads
• Elevator and lighting control
• Individual unit numbers for door alarms

Once this information is provided to the supplier, it can be preset in the system. Of course, any changes or additions may be made later at the site. The gate and motor should be fully operational, with keypad or card-reader access system connected and working. The security installer also should supply a quality owner’s manual upon completion of the work.

Following these guidelines and manufacturers’ recommendations should result in a smooth running self-storage operation. Once completed, you may use your overall security strategy to market your development. Studies show that a fully functional security system attracts self-storage clients.
 
John Fogg has been involved in the self-storage industry since 1986. He has worked for Sentinel Systems Corp., a manufacturer of self-storage security systems, since 1993. He previously worked in upper management and operations for several self-storage companies. To reach him, call 800.456.9955, ext. 405; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.sentinelsystems.com.

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