Watonya, who joined the company after years in retail management, brought a strong sales and coaching background to the team. She explains that self storage is ultimately a sales-driven business. Understanding a tenant’s situation, explaining the benefits of different unit sizes, and bundling value-added services like insurance and secure locks can significantly increase both customer satisfaction and revenue. By focusing on how each feature benefits the tenant, managers can deliver a better experience while strengthening the bottom line.
Beyond operations, Elizabeth highlights the importance of building a strong team culture. Alaska Mini Storage intentionally involves staff members in key decisions—from operational improvements to charitable initiatives—creating a sense of ownership across the organization. This collaborative approach keeps employees engaged and helps the company maintain a people-first culture even as technology and processes evolve.
Another key lesson from the conversation is understanding your market. Watonya explains that even facilities located just a few miles apart can serve completely different demographics—from military families to college students to local businesses. Tailoring the sales approach, services, and messaging to those specific audiences can make a significant difference in occupancy and long-term success.
Ultimately, the conversation reinforces a simple but powerful takeaway: self storage isn’t just an investment asset—it’s a customer-focused business. Operators who focus on their teams, modernize their operations, and truly understand their tenants are the ones most likely to build facilities that thrive for decades.
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