Hello from SBS Construction!

We've got some exciting news to share! SBS Construction has been acquired by BCT Capital LLC, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our company.

This represents a significant step forward, combining SBS's strong operational expertise with BCT's impressive development background. It means even more growth and innovation for us, and for you, the same dedication to quality and client service you've come to expect. Our current executive team is still at the helm, now working hand-in-hand with BCT's founders.

We're thrilled about what this partnership holds and look forward to seeing what we'll build together.

Read the complete press release HERE.

Best regards,

The SBS Construction Team

sbsworld.net

Morning Meadow Mini Storage Flourishes In Northern Louisiana 

What began in 1998 as a modest storage facility and mobile home park on New Natchitoches Road has grown into one of the most impressive and thoughtfully managed properties in northern Louisiana. Morning Meadow Mini Storage & Manufactured Home Community, the brainchild of Ralph and Fern Owens, has not only grown in size—it has flourished in reputation.

The facility opened with just 20 manufactured home sites and 58 storage units. Over the years, the Owens family steadily expanded, purchasing additional land along Arthur Street, Bailey Street, and deeper along New Natchitoches Road. Today, Morning Meadow spans more than 30 acres and proudly offers 124 home sites and 700 self-storage units—many of which are climate and humidity controlled to meet the needs of modern renters.

The combination of self-storage and residential living is part of what makes Morning Meadow unique. The manufactured home community is beautifully maintained, with paved roads, curbs, underground utilities, and private driveways. The community guidelines foster a sense of pride among residents, ensuring homes are well-kept and the neighborhood remains welcoming and peaceful.

But the storage side of the business is just as impressive. Morning Meadow offers units in multiple sizes, both standard and climate-controlled. Tenants have daily access from 7 AM to 8 PM—including holidays—and benefit from a secure, gated facility equipped with cameras and well-lit surroundings. Renters can reserve units online and even take advantage of discounts offered to those living in the home community.

In 2024, Morning Meadow completed construction on its newest climate-controlled building—a sleek, state-of-the-art facility built in response to customer demand. It’s clear that the Owens family continues to evolve with the industry, keeping an eye on trends while maintaining their signature hands-on, customer-first approach.

Those values are reflected in the way the team runs the business. As one Google reviewer put it: “Very quick! Friendly family-owned business! Reasonably priced.” Another customer praised the property for being the “best maintained and cleanest facility of them all.” With an on-site office staffed six days a week and an approachable, responsive team, customer service remains a top priority.

Morning Meadow isn’t just a place to store your belongings—it’s a community-driven operation that offers long-term value and thoughtful amenities. Whether you’re seeking a secure place for your valuables or a safe, clean neighborhood to call home, this facility stands ready to deliver.

It’s easy to see why Morning Meadow Mini Storage & Manufactured Home Community has earned this month’s Facility Highlight.

Congratulations to Ralph and Fern Owens, and the entire Morning Meadow team, for your decades of excellence and dedication to the West Monroe community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A New Era for Self-Storage Construction: Trachte Building Systems Acquires MakoRabco

Sun Prairie, WI — March 24, 2025 — Trachte Building Systems, a 100% employee-owned company and national leader in self-storage manufacturing and building solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of MakoRabco, a national leader in self-storage design and construction services. This strategic combination unites two highly respected brands, creating new opportunities to better serve customers and strengthen industry leadership.

“This is a very exciting acquisition,” said Brad Relford, President & CEO of Trachte Building Systems. “Trachte and MakoRabco are leading brands that have a shared passion for self-storage, customer relationships and quality. The strategic and complementary nature of our combined organizations will strengthen our position in the industry and benefit our customers and employee owners.”

Individual Brands with a Shared Purpose

Trachte Building Systems, along with its Trac-Rite Door Division and MakoRabco, will continue to operate under their established brands, ensuring continuity in service and expertise. Each company remains dedicated to delivering exceptional value to its unique customer base and market segments.

“This partnership brings together MakoRabco’s renowned customer service and high-end design expertise with Trachte’s deep self-storage roots in design and manufacturing, creating a strong value proposition for contractors and developers nationwide,” says MakoRabco CEO, Jim Reinhart.

Industry-Leading Products and Services

The combined organization offers a comprehensive range of self-storage solutions, including:
• Single-story (climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled)
• Multi-story facilities
• Boat & RV storage
• Canopies
• Doors and hallway systems
• Micro-storage solutions

With end-to-end capabilities, the companies provide full-service support throughout the project lifecycle—from site layout and design to engineering, manufacturing, project management, and erection services.

About Trachte Building Systems

Founded in 1901, Trachte Building Systems, is an employee-owned company and a leading manufacturer of metal prefabricated buildings for self-storage, steel curtain doors, refurbishment services, and public safety training systems. The company creates high-quality, customized solutions by leveraging its extensive industry knowledge and vertically integrated capabilities: Design – Manufacture – Erect.

Trachte is headquartered in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and operates two manufacturing locations in Sun Prairie, WI, and Vernon, AL.

For more information, visit www.trachte.com.

Media Contact: Robyn Ogden rogden@trachte.com

About MakoRabco

MakoRabco, a leading national provider of self-storage design and construction services, is known for delivering customized, high-quality building solutions across the United States. Formed through the merger of two well-established brands—Mako Steel, LLC (established in 1993) and Rabco Solutions (established in 1989)—MakoRabco has been serving the storage market as a merged brand since 2019. The company brings decades of industry experience and a strong reputation for excellence in construction management. MakoRabco specializes in the design, engineering, and installation of self-storage facilities and pre-engineered metal buildings, and has been recognized with multiple industry awards for its service and innovation. Now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Trachte Building Systems, MakoRabco continues to expand its capabilities and commitment to quality, safety, and client success.

MakoRabco operates from offices in California and Florida.

For more information, visit www.makorabco.com.

Media Contact: Sarah Swingler sswingler@makorabco.com

Mother Nature can be a cruel mistress. Making landfall as a category four hurricane in Florida, she tore through the Sunshine State with wind speeds of more than 100mph on September 26. But she didn’t stop there. Helene continued her destructive path, cutting across the southeast US and wreaking havoc on communities within Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.  

Analysts are saying that Helene may wind up being one of the country’s most devastating disasters on record, taking the lives of at least 121 people with hundreds more still missing. A preliminary estimate by Moody's Analytics says the storm could carry an economic cost in the tens of billions of dollars.

Self-storage facilities, which often play a role in recovery, have also taken a hit. U-Haul, which generously offers 30 days of free self-storage disaster relief to people impacted by natural disasters, is no exception. Although the company has 437 U-Haul stores providing disaster relief across multiple states, they’re not immune to the fury of Helene as seen in this photo from a U-Haul facility on Swannanoa River Road in Asheville, North Carolina. The before and after photos are both striking – and heartbreaking.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Stockwell Road Storage in Bossier City strikes big with technology in 2018

After success with two prior properties, Shield Storage realized a need for technology that many others in our industry had yet to embrace. In 2018, with the building of Stockwell Road Storage in Bossier City, they decided to introduce the next generation of self-storage technology to the market. 

One look inside the sleek, modern office and you know you have entered a different kind of storage facility. From their slick big screen monitors, to their fashionable waiting area, to the crisp clean feel throughout the property, you know this group has it together. Put the modern snazzy appeal to the side and you'll find still more sparkle underneath. The secret is in the security features. This group was most impressed and intrigued by the hotel industry's transition from room key cards to an app-based software using cell phone technology to unlock rooms.  

At a time, pre-Covid of course, when many of us were still mulling over how to get online rental signatures, smart locks were coming onto the scene in a very big way. Shield Storage liked the security and benefits that this new lock system offered to tenants. Not only is there an option for motion detection, but access logs give you a clear report of who has accessed the property and how long they were there. The customer even has the option of sharing a code with others, setting time parameters for that functionality, putting them more in control of the security of their belongings than ever before.  

Security isn't the only cool ammenity that Stockwell Road Storage boasts. This 86,000 square foot facility is a fully enclosed climate-controlled facility with just over 560 units. Renting here means you can unload your belongings under a covered unloading zone, store those belongings with the confidence of consistent temperature settings, while working with a company that provides security accessed through your very own cell phone. If you need it, you can even use their moving truck! Pulling the trigger on what is considered by many to be a pricey security option, Storage Shield has used smart  revenue collection measures, passing a nominal fee of $8-12 per month along to the tenant to help offset the expense. While many operators are charging their tenants for a new disc lock at the time of move-in, these guys are collecting residual income every month for their smart locks. Today, Storage Shield is busy expanding their South Highlands location in Shreveport and will be installing the Noke ION, bringing them to 5 locations using smart lock technology. Kevin Seiple, an operations manager for Shield Storage Centers, and the friendly face behind the counter at Stockwell Road Storage, has been with the company since 2012 and is dedicated to the growth and improvement of our industry. 

We are proud to congratulate Kevin and the team at Shield Storage in this SSALA Facility Highlight!

PRESS RELEASE

XPS Solutions Partners with KISS (Keep It Simple Storage) and LiveSwitch to Elevate Customer Engagement Through Live Video for Self-Storage Facilities XPS Solutions, the longest-tenured and leading contact center for the self-storage industry, is excited to announce a technology-enabled service integration with strategic providers to provide live video support services for self-storage.  Both technology partners have provided XPS with video gateways that enable live video support services for rentals, remote management, and tenant support services for participating client properties.  These two partners provide the technology that integrates with XPS Solutions self-storage teams.  These tech-enabled partnerships mark another new chapter in virtual solutions, providing cutting-edge live video customer engagement for self-storage facilities. For over 24 years, XPS Solutions has consistently prioritized product enhancement and seamless integration to meet the evolving needs of independent self-storage owners and operators. In alignment with this mission, XPS Solutions now integrates with both KISS and LiveSwitch, allowing facility owners to leverage live video technology supported by XPS Solutions' real-time, professional, self-storage-experienced staff members.

KISS (Keep It Simple Storage), known for its innovative remote-management technology solutions, provides services such as two-way smart video, a mobile app, NFC smart locks, and a self-storage auto-attendant.

LiveSwitch, a leader in live video solutions, provides software that enables real-time, face-to-face communication between self-storage facilities and their customers. Initiate a live video connection through a text or QR code on the facility’s existing hardware and customer's phone without downloading new software or apps.

Through these partnerships, XPS Solutions enhances these technology offerings by providing live video staffing to ensure high-level engagement with tenants and prospects. This allows self-storage owners to manage their facilities remotely while reducing operating expenses (OPEX). XPS Solutions' Remote Managers, based in our Richardson, Texas office, are self-storage experts with facility management backgrounds, delivering professional and knowledgeable service. By integrating our partners' technology with XPS Solutions' Remote Management services, we empower self-storage facilities with 54 hours of live video support weekly, covering tenant assistance, inquiries, and virtual leasing. Clients also benefit from a comprehensive range of contact center services, including 104 hours of phone agent support, the RentUp leasing platform, MyStorPal mobile app, 24/7 IVR payment solutions, and more. This seamless integration enables XPS agents to efficiently manage tenant details, inventory, pricing, and promotions, ensuring a streamlined and effective rental process. “Our mission at XPS is “Xperience Matters”.  At the property level, some tenants prefer a live face and voice.  Hiring and staffing isn’t the easiest task for many properties, so this is our answer to that problem.  Live video allows for this exchange, providing a virtual on-site experience through deploying this technology via our self-storage experienced teams.  Our task is to help properties bring down the cost of support while improving the overall tenant experience.  This combined initiative with KISS and LiveSwitch allows XPS to enable this option for any property,” said John Traver, CEO at XPS Solutions. “By partnering with KISS and LiveSwitch, we can combine live video engagement with our robust remote management services, giving facility owners the tools they need to enhance operations, improve customer experience, and ultimately increase occupancy.” We invite all attendees of the SSA 2024 Fall Conference & Tradeshow to visit Booth 360 to see a live demo and learn more about this exciting new offering. Come see how XPS Solutions, KISS, and LiveSwitch can transform your self-storage operations. For additional insights into XPS Solutions, please contact Andrew Stavros at (972) 865-4256 or astavros@xpsusa.com. For additional insights into KISS, please contact Michael Starkman, COO at (412) 639-5752 or michael@keepitsimplestorage.com For additional insights into LiveSwitch, please visit https://www.liveswitch.com/get-in-touch or contact sales@liveswitch.com. About XPS Solutions Established in 2000 as the self-storage industry’s original dedicated call center, XPS Solutions has continuously provided cutting-edge remote management solutions for self-storage property operators. Over the years, XPS has evolved to offer a full suite of services, including inbound call handling, live video staffing, Remote Management coverage, live tenant support, rental services, and more. Today, XPS Solutions handles thousands of tenant support calls, processes millions in payments, and rents thousands of units per month for thousands of facilities across North America. Xperience Matters. Yours. Theirs. Ours.TM Learn More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

StorSuite Announces the Development of a Full API Integration with StorEdge for FineView Marketing Websites Transforming the Rental Process with a Seamless Checkout Experience

Austin, Texas – August 21, 2024 – StorSuite, a leader in innovative solutions for the self-storage industry, is thrilled to announce the release of its latest product, the StorEdge Full API Integration for FineView marketing websites. This integration transforms the rental process by eliminating the need to redirect customers to the StorEdge rental center upon checkout, offering a more seamless and fluid customer experience. The StorEdge Full API Integration allows customers to complete their rental and checkout process directly on your website, providing a cohesive and uninterrupted experience. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also allows for more accurate tracking of Google Ads rental conversion activity, giving businesses better insights into their marketing effectiveness. “We are excited to bring the StorEdge Full API Integration to market,” said Christina Alvino, CEO & Cofounder at StorSuite. “This integration allows our clients to maintain their branding and user experience throughout the rental process, which in turn improves customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.” Key features of the StorEdge Full API Integration include: Seamless Customer Experience: Keep the entire rental process on your website without redirecting to the StorEdge rental center. One Fluid Rental and Checkout Process: Customers enjoy a streamlined, uninterrupted rental journey. Enhanced Tracking: More accurately track Google Ads rental conversion activity, improving marketing analytics and strategy. Early adopters of the StorEdge Full API Integration have praised its ability to provide a consistent user experience and its positive impact on customer retention and satisfaction. StorSuite, based in Austin, Texas, has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the needs of the self-storage industry. With the introduction of the StorEdge Full API Integration, StorSuite continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence

For more information about the StorEdge Full API Integration or to schedule a demo, visit our website at www.storsuite.com or contact Scott Worden at 520-652-0851 or scottw@storsuite.com. About StorSuite StorSuite is a premier service provider in the self-storage industry, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including tenant protection, marketing and website solutions, tenant communication, and third-party management. StorSuite is committed to elevating the self-storage experience through exceptional service, technological innovation, and a strong focus on customer relationships. For more information, please visit www.fineviewmarketing.com or www.storsuite.com or contact: Scott Worden Director of Business Development Email: scottw@storsuite.com Phone: 520-652-0851

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 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 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