OpenTech Alliance Announces C-Suite Promotions

June 28, 2024 10:39 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

PRESS RELEASE

OpenTech Alliance Announces C-Suite Promotions

For Immediate Release

(June 28th, 2024) – Phoenix, AZ, OpenTech Alliance, the PropTech leader in self storage, has expanded its leadership team and today announced the promotion of four leaders responsible for finance, marketing and support operations. This announcement comes just one year after the company announced its official international business expansion, supporting the company’s rapid growth and vision to become a worldwide provider of innovative, high-quality self storage technology solutions.

“We have amazing leaders at OpenTech and we are happy to be promoting a few. I am eager to make some room in the C-Suite for Tania, Kristi and Dan Scaman, recently promoted to COO, and support them as they usher in a new era at OpenTech,” said Robert A. Chiti, Founder and CEO at OpenTech Alliance. “They are already setting higher bars for both the customer and employee experience and driving phenomenal outcomes for our organization. I am confident our customers and employees will enjoy the fresh ideas and positive vibes from all of these leaders.”

Today’s C-level promotions include:

Tania Miaoulis, Chief Financial Officer – Miaoulis, a licensed CPA in Arizona since 2009, brings a wealth of experience to OpenTech, having previously served as Controller for a $400M organization and Finance Director for a company that grew from $50M to $200M. She joined OpenTech as Vice President of Accounting & Finance in 2023 and led the implementation of new processes, systems, and internal controls to improve company efficiency and risk mitigation, and payment processing for its customers. As the Chief Financial Officer, Miaoulis will lead financial operations, drive strategic financial planning and analysis, develop strategies for capital allocation, optimize working capital to minimize costs and risks and provide insights for decision-making and growth strategies.
Kristi Adams, Chief Marketing Officer – Adams has led marketing efforts at CubeSmart, Fort Box and other self storage operations across the U.S. and in Europe, responsible for establishing and maintaining brand identity and spearheading innovative marketing efforts to drive demand from consumers. She joined OpenTech in 2019 as the Vice President of Marketing. Adams is responsible for delivering marketing support for 8 product lines, including the e-commerce brand StorageTreasures. Under her leadership, the OpenTech marketing team has significantly advanced brand recognition and helped grow company revenue to over $50M in five years. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Adams will leverage her 20 years of self storage experience to oversee global marketing initiatives, brand strategy and customer engagement to ensure OpenTech’s continued market leadership and expansion.

In addition, OpenTech has also promoted the following key performers:

Tina Berlingeri, VP of Call Center Operations – Berlingeri served as Director of Member Services at NASM and United Healthcare before joining OpenTech Alliance in 2016. As the Call Center Director, Berlingeri has been instrumental in supporting the growth and development of policies, procedures, and personnel to deliver exceptional service to storage operators and their customers. As Vice President of Call Center Operations, Berlingeri will oversee operational processes and implement strategies to improve efficiency, support customer satisfaction and enhance service delivery.
Kimberly Robinson, VP of Marketing – Prior to joining OpenTech, Robinson served in Director roles for statewide non-profit organizations, heading up marketing, fundraising, and event-management functions for nine years. Robinson joined OpenTech in 2019 as Creative Content Manager where she leveraged her content expertise to help market the company’s industry-leading technology solutions. She was promoted to Director of Marketing Communications in 2022, and now joins the leadership team as Vice President of Marketing to lead demand generation, product marketing and support and paid media strategy.

These strategic appointments reinforce the company’s commitment to leveraging internal talent and continued investment in opportunities for its people to develop their careers at OpenTech.

OpenTech Alliance, Inc.

2101 W. Peoria Ave, # 100

Phoenix, AZ 85029

602.749.9370

opentechalliance.com

Media Contact:

Kimberly Robinson

OpenTech Alliance, Inc.

Direct: 602.324.8698

krobinson@opentechalliance.com

About OpenTech Alliance, Inc.
OpenTech Alliance, Inc. is the leading PropTech provider in the self storage industry. The company's products and services include the INSOMNIAC^® line of full-service kiosks, INSOMNIAC Live! call center solutions, INSOMNIAC CIA access control systems, INSOMNIAC SmartLock electronic locks and the StorageTreasures.com online storage auctions website. OpenTech solutions are designed to improve the customer experience, reduce operating costs and increase revenues for self storage facilities. OpenTech Alliance, the OpenTech logo and INSOMNIAC are trademarks of OpenTech Alliance, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Storable Acquires StorageAuctions.com

June 12, 2024 9:30 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

Storable Acquires StorageAuctions.com Elevating Delinquency Management

Integration Delivers Truly Comprehensive End-to-End Solution for Self-Storage Operations

AUSTIN, TX – June 11, 2024 – Storable, the leader in integrated technology solutions for the self-storage industry, is proud to announce its acquisition of StorageAuctions.com, the premier online platform for self-storage auctions. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone, creating the only platform to offer an end-to-end corporate delinquency solution in-house.

“Bringing StorageAuctions.com into the Storable family solidifies us as a truly comprehensive technology platform that spans the entire self-storage lifecycle,” stated Chuck Gordon, CEO of Storable. “Most operators find auctions challenging and time-consuming. We can now simplify the auction process as part of our end-to-end offering, transforming it into a more efficient experience that removes friction and enhances operations..”

By integrating StorageAuctions.com’s robust online auction services, Storable will improve its existing offerings to include a dynamic auction module that addresses the often dreaded but necessary part of storage management—clearing delinquent units. This integration allows for smoother transitions and greater efficiency in vacating units, thereby optimizing the re-rental process and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.

“Becoming part of the Storable team is a huge step forward for us,” said Lonnie Bickford, Owner of StorageAuctions.com. “It allows us to expand our auction services and capabilities by tapping into Storable’s cutting-edge technology and their wide presence across the storage industry. This partnership is going to transform how storage auctions are run and will help self-storage operators get the highest possible returns while providing an improved experience for bidders and buyers”

The acquisition was finalized on June 4, 2024. StorageAuctions.com will operate as a division of Storable. Current customers of both companies can expect seamless continuation of all existing services and support.

About Storable

Storable is the leading provider of integrated technology solutions, powering the self-storage, marine and RV/Campground industries. Storable is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, offering a suite of products that includes management software, marketplace, websites, access control, insurance, payments, and more. Storable takes pride in supporting operators and managers along each step of their journey and enabling them to achieve their goals. For more information, visit www.storable.com.

About StorageAuctions.com

StorageAuctions.com is a leading online platform specializing in storage unit auctions. Established by a veteran in the self-storage sector, the platform caters to a broad audience by simplifying the auction process and expanding the reach of auction events, thereby increasing unit sales potential. For more details, visit StorageAuctions.com’s website.

https://www.storable.com/about-us/news/storable-acquires-storageauctions-com-elevating-deliquency-management/

Storagely Partners with Calcumate

June 07, 2024 9:30 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

Storagely Partners with Calcumate to End Unit Size Errors and Confusion for Self Storage Customers

Storagely becomes the first to integrate Calcumate as a standard feature.

Winston-Salem, USA and Melbourne, Australia - 6 June 2024 – Storagely has today become the first company in the world to choose to integrate Calcumate, the world’s leading 3D storage calculator (size guide), directly into its technology as a standard feature.

From today, all customers on Storagely’s Professional and Enterprise packages will have access to Calcumate as a standard inclusion. Not only will Calcumate be included as standard, but it will be integrated deeply within the Storagely booking flow. The Calcumate functionality will be rolled out progressively to Storagely’s existing customers over the next six weeks.

A staggering ~80% of self-storage tenants have never rented a unit before, often resulting in unnecessary stress and confusion during the rental process. The primary source of this anxiety and confusion is not knowing the right unit size to rent, and it is frequently a reason why website visitors choose to “abandon cart” and not rent straight away online.

Click to read read the full Press Release

Storage Structures is now Elevate Structures

January 09, 2024 11:43 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 8, 2024

Storage Structures is now Elevate Structures

New name and innovations create opportunities for customers in self-storage,

multifamily, hotel, and student housing construction markets.

VILLA RICA, GA – January 8, 2024 – Storage Structures, a division of Central States, announced today the rebranding of the business to Elevate Structures. Elevate will continue to provide the self-storage industry with premier products and services while expanding into multifamily, hotel, and student housing construction markets. The move responds to customer demand for Elevate’s primary structure expertise and innovation in markets adjacent to self-storage. The patented Alpha Framing System with new enhancements remains a cornerstone of Elevate's offering. Today, the product offering expands with the introduction of self-storage doors and hallway systems.

"We are thrilled to serve the storage market with game-changing innovations and to bring our metal framing expertise to other construction segments where our customers build,” said Richard Allen, President of Elevate Structures. “The new brand reflects our employee-owners’ commitment to forward-looking solutions and project excellence."

Over the decades, Elevate has been trusted to provide metal framing for over 77 million square feet of structures across the country. Recognized in 2020 as the Most Innovative Product (Inside Self Storage), the company’s Alpha Framing System has been designed in over 240 self-storage buildings nationwide.

Customers of Elevate Structures benefit from the following:

Employee-owned commitment: Elevate is a 100% employee-owned business. Every employee-owner is personally invested in ensuring customer satisfaction and sustained long-term success.

New comprehensive offerings to meet customers’ needs: In the spring of 2024, production of a new proprietary door and hallway system begins. As part of the metal building package, it is supported by the elevated service that self-storage customers require. Further, the patented Alpha Framing System will be offered with integrated lateral framing enhancements which further reduces in-field installation time for seismically sensitive multi-story buildings.

Serving self-storage, hotel, multifamily, and student housing markets: Elevate has been invited to participate in expanding markets, because of the partnerships cultivated with current customers diversified into those areas. The repetitive layout of a mid-rise hotel, multifamily residence, or student housing structure lends itself to the proven benefits of the Alpha Framing System. Alpha’s unique columns and beams, factory-assembled in Central States’ facilities, install up to 3x faster than traditional framing methods in the self-storage industry, resulting in significant construction time and money savings for each project.

About Elevate Structures

Elevate Structures (elevatecs.com), formally known as Storage Structures, was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Villa Rica, Georgia. Elevate is a national leader in innovation and design for the self-storage industry with a dedicated nationwide team of experts who design, procure, and install metal building components for single-story, boat and RV storage, and multi-story self-storage buildings. Elevate is the exclusive provider of the patented Alpha Framing System, which is engineered to significantly shorten construction time for multi-story construction and eliminate concrete staining on partition panels.

About Central States

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. (centralstatesco.com) is 100% employee-owned and was founded in 1988. With over 1,300 employee-owners and 11 regional manufacturing facilities and others under construction, the company serves over 6,000 commercial, architectural, post frame, and residential contractors and customers across the United States. Central States is a leading manufacturer of a diverse range of metal roofing and wall panel profiles, along with a comprehensive line of trim, accessories, and structural purlins.

Visit our Website

XPS Announces Remote Management Suite

October 17, 2023 9:59 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

PRESS RELEASE

XPS Solutions, is excited to announce the release of the full service Remote Management Suite™ for independent self storage owners and operators.

For over 20 years, XPS Solutions has been the leader in virtual contact center solutions for the self storage industry. In this 20+ years we have continuously innovated and offered remote management solutions such as 24/7 Pay by Phone, over the phone rentals, a tenant facing mobile app and more to help self storage owners enhance the customer experience, reduce labor costs and drive profitability.

After months of consultation and collaboration with our valued clients, we are excited to announce the public launch of our Remote Management Suite™. This suite is designed to greatly expand from call center services and offer owners comprehensive management solutions to help owners with facilities that are challenging to staff or would like to reduce the overhead and expense at their facilities. The XPS Remote Management Suite™ offers two distinct advantages to owners and operators.

First, it is led by a team of experienced self storage leaders. We have hired regional, district, and store managers to oversee the program, ensuring top-notch, industry experienced service.

Second, our suite offers a range of services designed to ease the workload and labor for owners seeking remote solutions. From expanded management staffing to comprehensive move-in and move-out services, we have you covered.

The XPS Solutions Remote Management Suite™ includes seven core solutions in addition to our standard call center services:

Expanded staffing coverage: Enjoy 50 hours of management staffing per week.
Outbound sales lead follow-up: We'll help you turn leads into customers.
Comprehensive move-in services: We handle all paperwork, verification, and insurance.
Comprehensive move-out services: Units are thoroughly verified and prepared for re-entry into inventory.
Expanded tenant support: We assist with auto-pay, address changes, billing updates and more.
Delinquent payment support: Our automated procedures help manage delinquent accounts.
XPS Mail integration: Connect with your website and capture sales opportunities, with remote managers available to answer inquiries.

"From day one in December 2000 at XPS, we were in the remote management business, said John Traver, Owner and CEO of XPS Solutions. Back then, we took calls with a centralized call center. Now, 24 years later, one can see how that call center evolved into a contact center. Next, it provided a payment processing hub, then a rental team, and today, it supports collections, move-ins/move-outs, and virtually anything an on-site property team will need to be prepared to do. We do this with technology, integrations, and the proper training and people. And we aim to do it for a fraction of the direct cost the properties will incur on their own. It's a model the REITs have been using to conquest market share from the independents for decades in the self-storage space."

"Because the tenant experience is essential to a property, you want to be proactive at expanding your hours of coverage and providing these services. Our mission is to continually invest in remotely managed solutions with the right people and technology, furthering this evolution of the Remote Management Suite."

Jennifer Downer, Chief Operating Officer of XPS Solutions states, “We are excited to be able to offer Remote Management services to owners who are looking for alternative solutions to increase their bottom line. I'm confident that our team of leaders and remote managers will call on their years of self-storage experience to provide the utmost service to our customers.”

Experience the convenience and expertise of XPS Solutions Remote Management Suite™. Contact us today to learn more.

For more information regarding XPS Solutions services, include the Remote Management Suite™, contact Sherry Miller at (972) 865-4237 or smiller2@xpsusa.com.

Learn More About XPS Remote Management Suite

XPS Solutions is the original centralized sales and support center focused on providing solutions for remote management practices for self-storage properties. We began our journey in the industry in 2000, pioneering the first call center solely for self storage operators. We catch your calls, create SEO solutions, provide tenant support, and deliver a best-in-class mobile application for exceptional tenant experiences. Our innovative tools and strategies impact your occupancy and your average stay.

SB101 - Legislative Success!

May 20, 2021 7:52 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

SB101 passed the House yesterday evening with a favorable vote of 74 to 24!

All the hard work... hours spent making phone calls, sending emails, visiting properties, updating talking points, putting together contact lists, creating e-blasts... it was all worth it!

SB101 has passed and is on its way to the Governor's desk for signature.

This new legislature will be effective on January 1, 2022.

Make plans to attend the Fall Conference on November 9-10th to learn the details of the bill from Scott Zucker!

Thanks again guys!

We couldn't have done it without you!

~Melissa Huff

SB101 Has passed the Senate!

April 30, 2021 3:25 PM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

SB101 is halfway there... Next step is the House of Representatives.

We still have a fight ahead. Your support and participation in this Association has never been more valuable than it is right now!

Stay tuned for details on how YOU can help make this bill a reality.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@ssala.org

Thanks so much!
~Melissa Huff

Association Director

MustGo Storage Tablets Press Release

February 01, 2021 9:31 AM | Melissa Huff (Administrator)

PRESS RELEASE

IDEAZ, LLC.
Cliff Zlotnik
412-771-2300
info@ideazbrands.com

January 2021

REVOLUTIONARY NEW PRODUCT TO PROTECT VALUABLES IN STORAGE.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - MustGo Storage Tablets offer an effective alternative to desiccant packets for protecting personal property from musty odors and mold staining during storage.

Items in storage are vulnerable to moisture related musty odors and staining. For years, people have relied on desiccant packets, which remove humidity by absorbing water. But desiccant packets have very limited capacity and short lifespans. Containers of calcium chloride granules can be messy.

Musty odors and mold staining not only cause financial loss through irreparable damage to valuable personal property, but also emotional loss when heirlooms with sentimental value are damaged. MustGo Storage Tablets are the effective solution. A method so new, unique and functional; the inventors have applied for patents.

How do MustGo Storage Tablets work? MustGo Storage Tablets are designed to be used in boxes, totes and bags where there is little or no air exchange. Upon exposure to air, they slowly start to emit a dry, invisible protective vapor. This dry vapor slowly fills the airspace, including hard-to-reach areas. The vapor is absorbed into materials through exposure during storage and does not stain, bleach, fade, or corrode property. When items are removed from protective storage, the vapor absorbed by materials quickly dissipates upon exposure to fresh air.

In unconditioned and conditioned spaces MustGo Storage Tablets will protect: personal property, cars, RVs, boats, sports equipment, etc. MustGo Storage Tablets cause no damage, produce no waste and may be reused. They protect everything from linens and documents to electronics against humidity-related damage for 12+ months.

MustGo Storage Tablets are easy to use. Users simply box their items, add MustGo Storage Tablets, then seal and store.

Ideaz, LLC. is a veteran owned product-development business providing creative and unique solutions to common problems.

MustGo Storage Tablets is a unique approach, called “thinking inside the box.”

NOTES:
1. To learn more about sales & distribution opportunities, call 412-771-2300 (dial “0” when voice message begins).

2. Find product reviews at Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/MustGo-Vapor-Tablets-Protect-Valuables/dp/B07NP7DF3F/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)

Storage gone wrong: Who is at fault after Tooele mom loses a lifetime of possessions?

November 30, 2020 1:17 PM | Deleted user

https://www.ksl.com/article/50044272/storage-gone-wrong-who-is-at-fault-after-tooele-mom-loses-a-lifetime-of-possessions

CallPotential Announces New Integration

October 19, 2020 11:52 AM | Deleted user

Powerful Technology Unlocked with Property Management and Communication Software Integration

Self-Storage operators will benefit from the seamless integration of a leading provider of management software and a best-in-class communication system

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Blue Bell, PA/Naperville, IL October 15, 2020, CallPotential, an omni-channel communication platform and best-in-class CRM, and E-SoftSys LLC, a leading provider of property management software for the self-storage industry announced today the integration of CallPotential’s communication platform with Self Storage Manager (SSM), an enterprise-class management software from E-SoftSys.

SSM customers can now leverage the new CallPotential integration to achieve end-to-end performance connecting a holistic ecosystem of marketing, sales, collections, and internal call center software.

"This has been a highly anticipated integration for some of our existing and potential new customers. With SSM's capabilities and CallPotential's technology, users can experience a seamless transition of customer information while gaining more insight behind-the-scenes.” shared CallPotential Founder and President, Phil Murphy. “This is a significant step for us as we continue to grow our presence in the industry and create technology that drives results".

The bi-directional API integration provides operators with an arsenal of tools complete with automation, call routing and recording, operational controls, and robust actionable data on leads, including where they come from and how quickly and effectively their store teams are following up.

"The importance of automating and facilitating timely, relevant communication for operators is rising at a rapid pace. We are pleased to announce an API integration with CallPotential which will meet the challenges of the increasing complexity of software and communications integration.", remarked Kat Shenoy, President and CEO of E-SoftSys.

About CallPotential

CallPotential’s award-winning CRM and communication platform integrates seamlessly with self-storage operators’ property management software allowing systemization and automation of lead management and collection management processes using omni-channel communication tools like text messaging, email, live and recorded calls, and live chat. CallPotential also empowers owners to run their own internal contact centers without investing in expensive hardware or hiring additional labor. These products combine powerful insight, transparency, and control into operations. To learn more about CallPotential schedule a demo or call 877-552-2557.

About E-SoftSys

E-SoftSys offers a complete suite of products and services that include Self Storage Manager - Comprehensive management software for single and multi-facility operators; Online Reservations and Rentals with Electronic Signature & Digital Storage of leases; e-CRM - Fully Integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module; Customer Portal - A self-help interactive portal for customers to view their account history and balance, make payments, enable or disable autopay, schedule move-outs, update their contact information and more; Android Tablet/Mobile Phone based Site Walk Through & Work Order Management Module for site managers to perform lock checks, enter unit maintenance notes, mark units for move outs, create work orders for maintenance activities and much more; Other Interfaces - QlikViewTM Business Intelligence and Analytics, API integration to leading website providers, call center service providers, revenue management service providers, tenant insurance companies, cloud based gate systems and Lead Aggregators; 24/7 Customer Support - with Dedicated Team and Project Manager assigned for large operator implementations, as well as periodic upgrades to the software programs.

Self Storage Manager has been implemented by many single and multi-facility companies in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. For more information, please contact E-SoftSys at 800-469-1740 Ext. 1, or by visiting www.selfstoragemanager.com or Click here to email SSM.

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