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Inside Self-Storage Magazine Article
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Green Valley Self-Storage, nestled in the gently rolling green hills of central Ohio simply began
as a dream in 1993, then turned into reality in 1995. After attending an Inside Self-Storage Expo in
Las Vegas, Nevada, owner Gary Weaver of Arcadia, California obtained enough technical information
and contacts to put the dream on paper. Once the numbers were on paper, finding the right location
became the challenge. With the list of "do's and don'ts" obtained at the Las Vegas Expo on
site selection, a commercial realtor was selected to find the perfect site.
After looking at many properties offered for sale none seemed to be quite right for self-storage. Eventually
a residential/commercial listing was reviewed, and appeared to fit the criteria. The owner was contacted. In
addition to their home, the property also had a Put Put Golf Course which he and his wife operated for several
years. Anticipating building a new home for retirement, the timing was right for them to sell. The home was
sitting on 3-1/2 acres already zoned commercial. It was level, had good drainage, and best of all it was conveniently
located on a major highway leading into town. It was in a mixed neighborhood of single family homes, light manufacturing,
and a major college, it could not have been better located in the community.
Ground breaking began in March of 1995 on a site capable of more than 300 self-storage units with the managers home already
in place. A large detached covered patio would eventually become two offices as well as an additional four storage units.
The doors of phase one were opened in May 1995 consisting of 134 units with customers waiting to move in. Currently there are
over 250 units constructed and available to rent.
Management can make or break a business. Finding the right manager is as important as finding the right piece of property.
The manager must take charge of the business just as an owner would if he or she were managing it themselves. It takes a
person who has the ability to not only inform the customer of the assets and benefits the facility offers but also the
security provided for the protection of their personal belongings. We place a high emphasis on customer service, assisting
them with helpful information to make their storage process as smooth as possible and being available when they need us. We
have a small "store" in the corner of the office to help customers with their moving needs such as a lock,
box, or tape that they may need when moving. We give everyone a free key ring with our phone number on it when they move in.
With the manager doing what it takes to rent units, keeping customers happy, and filling additional storage units as they are
constructed, the customer will soon realize that we have assets that the competition does not have.
Green Valley Self-Storage is currently the largest and most secure self-storage facility in Knox County. Unit sizes
range from 5 X 10 feet for small personal items, to 12 X 35 feet for very large items such as boats, cars, etc. Our customers are
mostly local individuals and businesses, although some are from other states as well as other countries. We have a rental truck
available along with related equipment such as a dolly and blankets. We also accept Master Card and Visa. Our original
goal was to be a one-stop center for the do it yourself mover. Today we have achieved that goal.
Customer service and security are at the top of our priority list and the benefits of that philosophy have paid off in many customer
referrals and repeat business. We constantly remind ourselves each day that we are here to meet the storage needs of our customers.
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