After building (and continuing to run) a successful one-man PC repair business, I'm thinking of switching to something different, or adding a different enterprise altogether.
I think the longterm outlook for self-storage is good - Americans aren't about to abandon their overconsuming, item-accumulating lifestyle anytime soon.
I also think that despite a souring economy, people, goods and capital will continue to move freely around the US and the world. I suspect there are particular "movement corridors" along which new storage needs to be built.
It's also possible there is an emerging class of "hypermobile" business, recreational and family travelers, who may even need several sets of storage in places that are strategic to their lifestyle.
In addition, I have some pet ideas about how self-storage places can be run more efficiently... perhaps some of these ideas are impractical for security/physical and legal reasons, but I want to explore as much as I can.

Where are you located? What you have said is true about emerging social and economic trends, but certain markets are more lucrative than others.

I am located in Canada's capital where we have government, diplomats, and a booming high tech so my market is absolutely amazing.

As for your ideas, I have extensive field experience, let me know if I can help you. I can bounce a couple your way also.

Matz

Thanks for input on the new web site. Im looking forward to hearing about your new ideas for the industry. How did you find out about us?