Building People, Not Just Boxes: How Licensing Is Changing the Portable Storage Business

Get Simple Box is transforming the portable storage business through licensing, a people-first model that helps local owners build meaningful, lasting businesses with freedom, guidance, and community.

Table of Contents

The Journey That Started It All: How a Portable Storage Business Was Born

Every great portable storage business begins with a simple “why.” For Get Simple Box, that story started nearly three decades ago not in a boardroom, but in a high school shop yard.

Ross Black’s journey began long before the first shipping container ever rolled onto a customer’s property. As a teenager, Ross spent four years washing dishes to save enough money to buy his dream car, a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback. He and his dad, Dave, worked together to restore it, creating memories that would shape their work ethic and partnership for years to come.

Two years later, Ross learned he would need to complete a senior class project to graduate. With some encouragement from his dad to “do something that matters,” Ross made a bold decision: he sold that dream car and used the proceeds to build his first small mini-storage facility.

“I didn’t have a business plan or big dreams of expansion. I just wanted to do something useful, serve people well, and make my parents proud.”

That senior project became the foundation for what would one day evolve into Get Simple Box, a trusted portable storage business serving communities across Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona. Dave still jokes, “We’re just trying to help Ross finish his senior project!”

From that first small warehouse to a multi-state network of local storage operators, Get Simple Box has always stayed true to the same values: work hard, serve people well, and remain faithful in the same direction.

“I didn’t have a business plan or big dreams of expansion. I just wanted to do something useful, serve people well, and make my parents proud.”

Why Licensing (Not Franchising) Fits Our Values and the Portable Storage Business 

When Get Simple Box began exploring ways to grow, Ross faced a key decision: franchise the company or find a better path.

Franchising had become popular in the container industry, but it often left operators burdened by fees, inflexible rules, and limited control. Ross knew there had to be a better way, one that protected the heart of the business: trust, service, and small business ownership. That’s where licensing came in.

“For us, licensing isn’t just a business model, it’s a reflection of how we lead, how we serve, and how we help others grow.”

Unlike franchising, where the company dictates every move and collects royalties, the licensing business model gives operators freedom and ownership. They can choose the systems and support they need from a proven container business system while also running their own local business.

This franchise alternative keeps profits and decisions local while still offering national reach and credibility. It’s a structure built not for control, but for collaboration.

“For us, licensing isn’t just a business model, it’s a reflection of how we lead, how we serve, and how we help others grow.”

How the Get Simple Box Portable Storage Licensing Model Works

At its core, the Get Simple Box business licensing program is designed to help people succeed, not just sell boxes. Through portable storage licensing, entrepreneurs can build their own business with access to resources that have been refined for more than 27 years.

Here’s what it looks like to run a portable storage business through the Get Simple Box licensing model:

  • A proven container business system that simplifies operations, marketing, and logistics. Licensees gain access to tested workflows, trusted suppliers, and consistent branding, so they can focus on serving customers, not reinventing systems.
  • A supportive storage business network of peers who share advice, encouragement, and experience. Each licensee is connected with other local storage operators who have walked the same path, creating a circle of mentorship and accountability.
  • Guidance from experienced leaders who have weathered every challenge, from fuel price spikes to supply chain swings. The team’s real-world insight helps new operators avoid common mistakes and grow confidently.
  • Brand credibility backed by consistency and care. When customers see the Get Simple Box name, they know they’re working with a company that values honesty, quality, and service. Operators benefit from the strength of a recognized, trusted brand while maintaining full ownership of their business.

 

Rather than telling operators what to do, the licensing model acts like a toolkit. Each operator can choose what fits their market, their goals, and their way of serving customers.

This model offers a rare storage business opportunity: to become a licensed operator with both autonomy and support.

The Power of Local Ownership + National Support

Running a portable storage business independently can be tough. Competing with national brands means learning to balance local relationships with modern marketing and logistics. That’s where the Get Simple Box licensing network shines.

Every operator is locally owned and deeply rooted in their community, yet they benefit from a team that shares insights, strategies, and systems.

The result of this portable storage business model is powerful: it combines the independence of local ownership with the support and credibility of a trusted national network:

  • Local strength: Operators run their businesses within their own communities, serving homeowners, contractors, and local organizations. Because they’re local, they can respond quickly, offer flexible solutions, and build relationships that last.
  • National reach: Shared marketing, logistics, and systems give every operator the power of a recognizable brand. Whether in Oregon or Arizona, customers experience consistent quality and service, hallmarks of the Get Simple Box storage business model.
  • Collective knowledge: Each operator contributes to a growing pool of insights. Through an active forum and regular collaboration, this storage business network ensures everyone continues learning and improving together.

“The real win isn’t getting bigger, it’s helping others get better.”

By combining the power of local ownership with national-level resources, Get Simple Box gives portable storage business owners the tools to succeed without losing freedom.

“The real win isn’t getting bigger, it’s helping others get better.”

What Makes the Get Simple Box Portable Storage Business Different

Where other brands focus only on renting or selling containers, Get Simple Box empowers its licensed operators to build full-service portable storage businesses that meet the needs of real people in real communities. Instead of limiting options, the company’s flexible storage business model gives each operator the freedom to serve customers in the way that fits their market best, whether that’s short-term storage, long-term ownership, or creative modifications for business use.

Here’s what sets this approach apart:

  • Rent, buy, or modify containers to meet customer needs. Operators can provide short-term rentals for remodels or moves, sell containers outright for long-term projects, or offer custom modifications such as offices, workshops, or mobile storage units.
  • Serve both residential and commercial clients with tailored solutions. From homeowners needing extra space during renovations to contractors requiring secure on-site storage, each licensed operator can adapt services to fit their community.
  • Provide safe, convenient storage across multiple states with consistent quality and service. Through the portable storage licensing network, customers receive the same dependable experience whether they’re in Washington, Oregon, California, or Arizona.

This flexible, people-centered model allows Get Simple Box licensees to grow their own storage business opportunity while maintaining the personal touch that only local ownership can provide.

Building Community, Not Just Shipping Containers

At the center of every storage business opportunity with Get Simple Box is community. Licensed operators aren’t just business owners; they’re part of a family that supports one another, shares resources, and celebrates success together.

Ross describes the Operator Forum as “iron sharpening iron.” It’s a space where entrepreneurs can ask questions, trade ideas, and problem-solve in real time. Each licensed operator acts as part of a larger storage business network, challenging, encouraging, and holding each other accountable.

That sense of camaraderie is rare in business, and it’s exactly what helps operators grow stronger together.

“When someone joins our Operator Network, they’re not alone, they have a team cheering them on.”

This environment of shared success makes Get Simple Box more than a portable storage startup support system, it’s a community built on trust, collaboration, and purpose.

“When someone joins our Operator Network, they’re not alone, they have a team cheering them on.”

Building a Business That Lasts

Eugene Peterson once wrote about “a long obedience in the same direction”, a phrase that has deeply influenced Ross Black’s leadership philosophy.

It’s the idea that lasting success doesn’t come from chasing quick wins, but from showing up, serving well, and staying consistent year after year.

For Get Simple Box, that’s meant nearly 30 years of hard work, integrity, and slow, steady improvement. From the first containers built by hand to a growing business licensing program spanning multiple states, the goal has stayed the same: get better before getting bigger.

“Consistency doesn’t always make headlines, but it builds trust, inside your team and with your customers.”

That mindset fuels every new partnership and expansion opportunity, ensuring that licensing opportunities in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada are pursued carefully and with the same heart that built the first location.

“Consistency doesn’t always make headlines, but it builds trust, inside your team and with your customers.”

The Next Chapter: Licensing Opportunities and Growth

Get Simple Box is expanding its portable storage licensing network in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada, not to grow for growth’s sake, but to multiply what’s already working. Each new location empowers local entrepreneurs to build meaningful, lasting businesses that serve their communities well.

The mission is simple: help people build strong, thriving businesses in their own communities. Through this next chapter, Get Simple Box is equipping a new generation of entrepreneurs to lead with integrity, serve their customers well, and create lasting local impact.

“This next season isn’t just about expansion; it’s about multiplication, helping others succeed so we can serve more communities, together.”

When someone joins the network, they gain more than systems and support, they gain a community committed to faithfulness, service, and success.

“This next season isn’t just about expansion; it’s about multiplication, helping others succeed so we can serve more communities, together.”

FAQs About the Get Simple Box Licensing Business

When entrepreneurs start exploring the Get Simple Box licensing opportunity, questions naturally come fast — and that’s a great sign. We’ve gathered the most common ones here, with answers designed to address local market considerations, business operations, and the support you’ll receive as a licensed operator.

What’s the difference between licensing and franchising?

Franchises require strict rules and fees. The licensing business gives you freedom and ownership — you build your own business  under the Get Simple Box brand  with full support.

Who can become a licensed operator?

Anyone with a strong work ethic, community focus, and drive to serve others can become a licensed operator through our program.

How does portable storage licensing work?

You own your business and choose the systems that best fit your market. It’s a business licensing program designed to give you flexibility and proven support.

Where are licensing opportunities available?

We’re currently growing in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada, with additional storage business opportunities coming soon.

What makes Get Simple Box a good franchise alternative?

You get the freedom of small business ownership with the backing of a trusted brand, all without the restrictions of a traditional franchise.

Faithfulness, Freedom, and the Future

For nearly three decades, Get Simple Box has built more than containers, it’s built trust, consistency, and community.

The move to portable storage licensing is the next step in that legacy: a way to share opportunity while staying true to the company’s heart for service and people.

This is more than a portable storage business; it’s a purpose-driven movement that helps others succeed while keeping freedom, integrity, and community at the core.

If you believe in hard work, humility, and helping others win, you belong in this story.

Join a network built on faithfulness, freedom, and friendship.

Become part of the Get Simple Box family, where every operator is supported, every success is shared, and every story matters.

Start your journey toward owning a thriving portable storage business that serves people well and stands the test of time.

Learn more about becoming a Licensed Operator and discover how you can grow your own portable storage business with the support and guidance of Get Simple Box.

“The real win isn’t getting bigger, it’s helping others get better.”

Share this Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Read More

Related Posts

CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT CONTAINER

OFFICE HOURS | Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm | Saturday: By appointment | Sunday: Closed

ARIZONA

Get Simple Box of Phoenix
10201 N 121st. Ave.,
El Mirage AZ 85335

(602) 926-2987

CALIFORNIA

OREGON

Get Simple Box of Salem 5191 Portland Rd. NE, Salem OR 97305 (503) 765-5421

WASHINGTON

Get Simple Box of Burlington

10941 Chuckanut Drive, Burlington, WA 98233

(360) 200-6609

Get Simple Box of Ellensburg
2402 W. Dolarway Rd.,
Ellensburg, WA 98926

(509) 289-2095

Get Simple Box of Marysville
15310 Smokey Point Boulevard, Marysville, WA 98271

(425) 420-2320

Get Simple Box Modification Shop
12998 Farm to Market Rd,
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 961-7600

PRICING & SERVICE AREA DISCLAIMER:

Our goal is to offer a good container at a fair price, with expert local delivery and excellent customer service throughout. We aim to have transparent process so that you can feel confident in the condition of the shipping container and the price quoted for delivery. Because shipping containers are heavily influenced by the price of steel, wood, fuel, and labor, all prices, including delivery rates, are subject to change without notice.

Terms & Conditions  Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Simple Box Storage Containers. All rights reserved.