Site in the Spotlight - 2005

Owner:	Al Consantino
Manager:	Jill Constantino
Location:	Smithfield, RI
Specs:	64,000 square feet, 523 rentable units
Color:	Evergreen and Tan

How long have you been in the self-storage industry?

We have been in the industry for almost three years now. After several years of research and planning, we began building in September of 2002.

What profession did you hold before entering self storage?

I have been in construction for 35 years. I do all of the site work for the self-storage building and boat/RV storage area myself. My daughter Jill is the full time manager. Before entering the self-storage industry she worked in sales, the service industry, and attended college in business.

What sparked your interest in self storage?

After much research, I found that a self-storage facility was the best economical business for my pre-owned land. Having twelve acres of land has enabled us to market boat/RV storage for ancillary income.

How did you choose Trachte as your building supplier?

After attending trade shows, Trachte seminars, and following up on references of Trachte customers, the decision was a "no brainer." Once you choose Trachte, you realize they are much more than just a manufacturer of buildings.

Who is your target market?

We are located in the northern part of the state where there is easy access to two major highways. Therefore, we market all of northern Rhode Island throughout Providence and southern Massachusetts. Within a five-mile radius are many condominium developments, apartments, hotels, and industrial parks. We have large industrial units uniquely designed for contractors, RVs, and boats. Also, in the area are colleges and universities, which lead to rentals for the summer months. At NRI, we are a Penske Truck leasing agent. We are fully permitted and engineered for over 100,000 square feet of buildings. We have completed three phases and as the market demand increases, we will have an additional three phases of construction.

How do you market your facility?

Advertising in the phone book is the first thing I did. I put an ad in long before we started building, which led to a waiting list for when we did open. Second, we utilized highway signage. A large sign with our phone number visible and well lit has brought us more than 50% of our tenants. We also installed the time and temperature for a repetitive visual for drive bys and keep a uniquely manicured landscape. We run ads periodically in local advertising to help boost rentals when new buildings have opened. We have been open for three years and our average occupancy rate is 83%.

How do you manage your facility?

Our main tools for management are Sitelink Management Software and Digitech Gate Control System. With digital access, digital surveillance, heat detectors, and individual door alarms, we are in constant control of our facility. We offer 24/7 access to our business/vehicle customers and 7am to 8pm/24 to resident ional tenants. This manages traffic on site. The owner, manager, assistant, and maintained staff are on site Monday through Saturday for rentals, sales, and customer service. Contact numbers are posted on site in case of emergency. Customer service is our top priority and we will not hesitate to make appointments for our customers after hours.

What would you say to someone considering a self-storage business?

The self-storage industry has had tremendous growth in the past five years. Today you must perform your due diligence and have an excellent location. However, be aware that land costs may affect your decision to build.

What is your opinion of the self-storage investment concept?

First, I am old-fashioned, if I can't touch it, I won't buy it! I do not invest in the stock market. I believe that a self-storage facility properly planned and implemented can produce a reasonable income with minimal amount of outside labor. The problems that may arise are nowhere what other businesses may encounter. Most importantly, it is a business that gives me great comfort to pass on to my children and you cannot put a value on that.