Welcome to our e-Spotlight Fall 2023 Issue, featuring:

  • Industry News: A focus on USC at the SSAA, SSA and FEDESSA trade shows.
  • Customer Spotlight: Arco’s Self Storage: From Car Repairs to Storage Rentals – Read his story.
  • What Customers Say: Andy Erickson & Scott McLaughlin
  • Before You Go: Topics of interest for you.

The Self-Storage Association Asia Expo was held in Bangkok September 26-28. It was an action-packed schedule featuring industry leaders sharing their expertise, interactive panel discussions on emerging trends, and hands-on workshops exploring the latest innovations. Attendees gained invaluable insights into operational efficiency, customer engagement, and sustainable practices. From keynote presentations to networking sessions, the agenda offered something for everyone in the self-storage business.

Above: Shay McQuade-Sales Executive, Universal Storage Containers

Below: Shay takes questions from the audience

Shay’s panel was “A New Line of Revenue.” He stressed that from markets in the US to the UK to Japan, containers are a flexible line of business that can enable operators to make use of idle property, bring storage to customers and do so much more. He believes you’re leaving money on the table if you haven’t explored this special category of storage.
The USC booth at SSAA was a revolving door or guests ready to elevate their knowledge, expand their network, and seize new opportunities in this thriving industry.
If you’re in the self-storage industry, you already know about the SSA (Self Storage Association). This non-profit membership association is dedicated to representing the best interests of the self-storage industry. Members of SSA are business owners, operators, and decision makers. Overall, SSA is a resource for information, networking, marketing, advocacy, and storage needs. The association is a resource for legal information, education, training, networking, publications, online directories, research data, scholarships, and more. And their annual conference and trade show is the perfect place to check it all out!

Above: Our booth at SSA featuring 3 of our innovative containers. The bottom left is a 16′ Z-box with full insulation. The bottom right is an 8′ x 12′ GreenLite which features our instant self storage multi door units. The container on top is an 8′ x 8′ smaller Z-box primarily used by moving companies.

Below: Our newest sales associate, Clay Cooley, answering questions

FEDESSA, welcomes European, UK and international attendees including store owners, store managers, investors, industry suppliers, developers and those looking to get involved in this rapidly growing, resilient and profitable industry.

Customer Spotlight: Arcos Self Storage

We spoke with Emilio Arco, owner of Arco’s Self Storage.

What prompted you to join the storage business?

“I started an auto repair business at age 18 and ran it up until 10 years ago. Storage was the best thing I could find within the auto repair business. I got paid to store them and repair them.

I started storage 19 years ago and once I built up the storage business, I let the auto go to one of my employees.

Storage is a business where you can control the future.”

Why We Chose Universal Storage Containers

I found USC at the Las Vegas trade show and I’ve used your containers from the beginning.

When I choose a vendor, I have 3 criteria.

  1. I make sure you have a quality product.
  2. If I have a problem, I need you to be there.
  3. I need you to stay competitive.

USC has checked all these boxes and more.

“When you believe in a product, you never have a problem recommending it to others.” – Emilio Arco 

What makes your operation desirable?

Our customers appreciate the cleanliness and security we offer. Between our locations we have over 100 security cameras. We keep the floors waxed and clean, always. We go the extra mile. When someone rents with us, we gift them a basket with snacks and water. Customer service is top priority and we’ve had 40 years of experience in customer service. The last few years have been tough for everyone. Anyone can do good when times are good, but it’s being able to do good when times are tough. We view these tough times as an opportunity.

What are your goals in the coming years?

We want to continue expanding. We have 8 locations and the demand has always been there. We provide on site storage and we have our own in-house construction crew allowing us a much faster return on investment. When we build everything ourselves, we can control the timeline and the savings are insane.

We wish you continued success, Emilio!

What Customers Say

“I have had a great experience with Universal Storage Containers. The sales team has been extremely helpful thru the whole process from ordering to shipping. I am extremely pleased with my experience so far and look forward to doing more business in the future!” – Andy Erickson, Cougar Storage
“My company purchased twenty two 8’x15′ containers. From initial site layout, to shipping, to installation, USC did a great job with communication. The containers went in smoothly and are already closing in on 50% occupancy!” – Scott McLaughlin, Sentry Self Storage

Before You Go

Registration opens soon for the SSA 2024 Spring Conference & Trade Show

  • March 12 – 14, 2024
  • Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
  • National Harbor, MD