Grow Your Storage Business: 4 Timeless Principles for Long-Term Success in Any Economy
Our CEO, Ross Black, was recently invited to share insights on timeless business principles with the National Portable Storage Association. Regardless of the work you do, we thought our readers would appreciate these reminders about what stays true — even in a fast-changing economy. These lessons apply not just to storage businesses, but to anyone focused on building a meaningful, service-driven career.
In the fast-moving world of portable storage, we see change all around us—new customer demands, economic shifts, and evolving technologies. But while change is inevitable, certain foundational principles remain true no matter how much the industry evolves. As business leaders, our success depends on recognizing what is constant and applying it to the changes we face. Here are four core principles that remain timeless in our industry.
Table of Contents
Control What You Can
One of the biggest lessons in business (and life) is understanding what is within our control and what isn’t. As legendary coach John Wooden put it, “The only thing you have 100% control over is your attitude and effort.” Let’s face it, many of us who own our company would be considered “control-freaks.” However, while we can’t control interest rates, competitors, or the economy, we can always control how we show up each day. The tone we set with our attitude and effort will translate to our team members and encourage our customers.
In the portable storage industry, this means consistently focusing on delivering excellent service, treating every customer interaction as an opportunity, and bringing a positive mindset to problem-solving. Companies that embrace this principle—no matter the market conditions—will always have a competitive edge.
The Only Thing That Really Matters is the Customer
At its core, the only thing absolutely necessary in storage business or any business is customers. Without customers, no business can survive. That’s why every improvement or change in our operations must begin by asking: How does this serve the customer?
Lean business principles teach us to remove anything that doesn’t add value to the customer. A simple rule of thumb: If the customer wouldn’t pay for it, it’s waste. By identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps, businesses can improve efficiency and create a better experience for their customers.
Here are a few questions every business owner should ask regularly:
- Who are your best customers and why?
- How could you find more customers like them?
- What do they value most?
- What do they not value at all?
The businesses that remain faithful to customer service, integrity, and safety—while also being willing to adjust their processes to better serve the customer—will always thrive, no matter how much the market changes. By the way, the key with these questions – ASSUME NOTHING! Pick up the phone and ask them.
Storage is an Event-Driven Business
One thing that hasn’t changed is why people need storage. Storage needs are usually triggered by a major life or business event—moving, remodeling, downsizing, expanding a business, or responding to an unexpected challenge. In our company, that usually means providing a 20 ft Container Rental or a Shipping Container for Sale.
Ray Kroc, the visionary behind McDonald’s, once said, “The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.” This is especially true in the portable storage industry.
If we want to grow our storage businesses, we need to position ourselves where customers are experiencing storage-related events and be ready to provide solutions when they need them most. That means understanding local market trends, building relationships with realtors, contractors, and business owners, and ensuring that our services are visible and accessible when storage needs arise.
It’s time to get reconnected with your local Chamber of Commerce or Business Networking Group. Don’t just pay the dues, show up ready to learn and to serve.
Consistency is King
In an ever-changing world, customers crave reliability and authenticity. Whether they’re renting a storage unit or ordering a meal at a fast-food restaurant, they aren’t necessarily expecting to be amazed—they’re expecting consistency.
As Jim Collins famously said, “Great brands are built on consistency.” And on the flip side, “The signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.” Customers return to businesses they can count on again and again.
For companies in the portable storage business, consistency means:
- Answering calls and emails promptly.
- Being upfront about pricing and services.
- Providing a reliable delivery experience every time.
Consistency doesn’t happen by accident—it requires taking Extreme Ownership of our attitude and actions. It means knowing what our customers value, positioning ourselves to serve those who need us most, and committing to delivering excellence every single time.
Leaders Are Made for Times Like This
The world will continue to change, and the storage industry will evolve along with it. But no matter what shifts in the market, these principles remain true: Control what you can, put the customer first, position yourself to serve key events, and be consistent.
As members of the National Portable Storage Association, we have the unique opportunity to lean into the relationships within our industry, share best practices, and elevate the standard of service we provide.
Moving Forward with Confidence
As the saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” No matter the shifts in our economy or technology, certain principles — like serving well, staying adaptable, and focusing on what matters most — will always stand the test of time. At Get Simple Box, we’ve built our storage business on these values, and they continue to guide us every step of the way.
If you’re someone who shares these values and wants to build a meaningful, service-driven storage business, we’d love to connect. Learn more about our franchise opportunities and see how you can be part of a growing team that’s keeping things simple and making a difference.
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