Thread: Who were you before self-storage?

Just for fun, I'm wondering what you all did in your 'former lives' before you became involved in self-storage.

We all know that a job title does not define who a person truly is inside; however I think it might be interesting to share our backgrounds prior to becoming involved in self storage.

Maybe even share comparisons of how your life is now compared to your life before self storage got into your bloodstream.

My profile gives you a hint about my former life. My work related stress level is down 10-fold and I no longer need to spend 1/2 my paychecks on Tums or wear dressy business attire!

To answer your question,we come from a 12/7 on call 12 work..To even getting to slept at night,and maybe dinner out.. We managed retirement units,where we had to feed three times aday,and answer calls at 3 in the morning..This that we are doing now,is a piece of cake with double frosting..Have a great day!

I have had so many "previous" lives - where to start...

In one life I was a Jet Engine mechanic in the US NAVY. Traveled to may exotic ports of call - even climbed to the top of Mt. Fuji on the forth of July!

In another life I was a Master Certified Automotive Technician - If it had wheels and and engine I probably worked on it at one time or another - everything from Fiats to Drag cars.

I was also an Instructor for a time - taught Automatic Transmissions.

I also worked in a Call Center for a major Auto Parts supplier - I started up and ran the technical assistance help line. (the first in the industry!)

And in my last life (before being re-born into the Storage Industry) I was a Project manager (for the same Auto Parts supplier) overseeing setup and installation of POS systems in new and re-modeled stores.

It's been a long colorful trip to get here with a LOT of sorted stories (some are even true!)

Hmm, let's see if I had to list my former 'titles' they would include;

1. Mom of three kids
2. Single Mom of three kids, self employed, making custom clocks, wedding cakes and high end fancy chocolates. I actually learned from a Swiss Chocolatier.
3. Tupperware sales manager (Yup, I had the car and everything)
4. Girlfriend (of my life partner)
5. International computer components sales rep
6. Self-employed working for partner's business (Computer related of course)
7. Quality Assurance Lead for an international educational software company
8. Hardware Support Engineer for a computer company with platforms worldwide. Supporting field technicians who didn't have a clue, high stress levels. Lots of Tums everywhere during this phase. Big Silicon Valley layoff time period, landed in a temporary job as a ...
9. Self storage assistant manager - coasting along, enjoying.
10. Still a mom of three kids in high school then college. Ouch the tuition costs!
11. General Manager of my own facility. Eek!
12. Agreed to be the wife of the man who raised three great adults.
13. Official Member of the sandwich generation
14. Currently, a retroactive teenager with a fantastic job!

Oops I forgot my two year stint at Pizza Hut & Jack in the Box simultaneously as a teenager. Been working since age 15. Amazing what I've done in twelve years huh Autodoc?!

My first job, I was 8 years old, and I don't even remember what I was paid but, all I had to do was look in the camera, push my cowboy hat back so my face would show, smile and say "Come on down to Kessners today, Pardner". It was a local commercial that aired during the Fair & Rodeo.

I acted in local commercials until a few years after I graduated high school.

I danced for a year or two and was an extra in television and a few movies.

I was an actuary for a few years while living in Dallas.

Then, I met Rod and I worked with him at his construction company and we started buying and selling stuff from Yard and Estate sales.

Then, we opened an Antique shop in Dallas.

Then, we opened another in Waco and traveled around doing Antique shows and flea markets.

Then, we started making stuff to sell based on our own designs.

Then, we got into storage.

and we haven't had much feedback yet. Centrexguyz I have to admit at first I thought you were male. But then I read your blog. Cute demin purse by the way! I made a similar one when I was a teenager, in my hippie years according to our youngest son. No, I'm not THAT old, I was born way to late to be one, but I did love tie dye & hip hugger jeans!

uh Gina....you didn't read very far into his blog....he is male.

Centexguyz, I am a doofus. Or maybe I could use fatigue as an excuse?! Or will the dumb blond routine work?

No disrespect intended, I just flubbed up. Centex Guyz is self-explanatory, Guyz = 2, I get it! My sincerest heartfelt apologies for my fatigued, blond brain gas bubble.

Storman is right, I didn't read all of the blog, I skimmed it late one night. But I do enjoy the writing style, down home & honest, made me homesick for the deep south where I'm from. Simple, honest folks, good intentioned types. I meant no harm or disrespect to either of you.

Please accept my apologies for the mea culpa.