Editor Asking The Right Questions Erica Shatzer What do you see as the biggest challenge for the mobile storage industry in 2010? The biggest challenge for the mobile storage industry in 2010 will be finding and attracting new customers. The vast majority of mobile storage operators have relied on a vibrant real estate market as the source of its customers. The days of selling a home in seven days, then storing your belongings for nine months while a new home is under construction, appear to be over. Therefore, finding other sources of business is key to a successful 2010. Moving the only life changing event that triggers a need for storage. Marriage, divorce, fire, downsizing, etc., also create the need for storage. Many of us have been successful in developing referral relationships with realtors. That same relationship selling can be applied to nursing homes, apartment complexes, fire restoration companies, and divorce lawyers. They all touch our potential customers at the time a storage need arises. The businesses experiencing problems or who fear they are headed for trouble in this current economic storm should act quickly; there is a lot of outside advice available from your co-members of the MS-SA. While the recession appears to be nearing the end, the recovery likely will be slow in coming, at least here in Florida where we are so heavily dependent on the housing market. I believe we are at the bottom, but it will be a very long climb out; despite the recession, I believe this is a time of great opportunity. One thing I would like to see the MS-SA do is create an informal board of volunteer advisers to bounce around ideas. Even though we sometimes operate in the same market, there is a lot of business for all of us if we choose to work together. Here at AccuMobile Storage, I have found that our employees often have the those on the front lines who deal directly with customers. Once an employee understands the mission and direction of the company, the problems being experienced are greatly diminished. My hope is that the biggest challenge in 2010 will be finding enough warehouse space for all the full containers. L. Weissman Storage Banc Tobin AccuMobile Storage 2010 Mobile Self-Storage Survey Survey open Jan. 19 Feb. 15 Click here to start survey Click here to preview survey questions Co-sponsored by Results will be compiled into the 2010 Mobile Self-Storage Survey Report 800-352-4636 www.minico.com Mobile Self-Storage Magazine First Quarter 2010