As we turn the corner into a new school year, many of us are navigating the familiar rhythm of shopping for supplies, packing backpacks, and preparing our kids—and ourselves—for what’s ahead. It’s a season of structure, hope, and fresh starts. But this year, for so many Texans, it’s also a season of recovery.
The recent floods that devastated parts of Central Texas hit close to home, literally. Entire communities we know and love were turned upside down. And in the face of it all, we saw incredible strength. The weather and unprecedented storms throughout the country have reminded us that mother nature can be cruel.
After many years as CEO, I finally sat down and wrote out our core values. I wrote an article to share what they are and how we live them. Make sure to check it out and let us know how you live these values.
And we’re proud to work with customers who live our values out every day—customers like Kevin Grampp.. Kevin is a true community champion. Whether he’s sponsoring youth teams, supporting local families, or stepping up in a crisis, he shows what it means to lead with purpose. Partners like Kevin remind us that trucks, and services are just tools, it’s the people behind them that truly make a difference.
As we prepare for the new school year and look forward to cooler weather and new opportunities, I want to thank you. Thank you for being part of our extended family. Thank you for trusting us with your business. And thank you for being the kind of people who rise when it matters most.
With gratitude and momentum,
CJ Stratte President & CEO, On The Move
MEET THE TEAM
NAME TITLE
Executive Team
CJ Stratte President/CEO
Sales Team
Sherry Miller Director of Sales
E-MAIL
cj@onthemovetrucks.com
sherry@onthemovetrucks.com
Daniel Garza Sales Operations daniel@onthemovetrucks.com
Jim Ferguson Marketing Director jim@onthemovetrucks.com
Tim Moranz
Mandy Ayon
Nicholas Fanuzzi
Sarah Ficenec
Chelsea Moehle
Senior Business Development Manager tim@onthemovetrucks.com
Business Development Manager mandy@onthemovetrucks.com
Business Development Manager nicholas@onthemovetrucks.com
Business Development Manager sarah@onthemovetrucks.com
WE’RE GROWING! Please welcome our newest team members—Sarah, Mandy, and Hayden—to the On The Move family. Sarah and Mandy join the sales team, while Hayden steps in as our new in-house claims adjuster. We’re excited to have them on board!
HILL COUNTRY STRONG: Supporting Kerrville Flood Relief
Following the recent floods in Kerrville, the Hill Country community came together to support those affected. On The Move was honored to assist by donating the use of our trucks and warehouse to help transport and store relief supplies. From bottled water and food to clothing and cleaning materials, the outpouring of support was incredible. We are proud to be part of a community that shows up when it matters most. Hill Country Strong.
BACK ON TOP: ISS AWARD WINNER 2025!
We’re proud to announce that On The Move has once again been named Best Truck Rental & Leasing by Inside Self-Storage for 2025! This marks 15 years running—from 2011 to 2025—that our trucks and service have earned the top spot. Thank you to our customers and partners for continuing to trust us to drive your brand forward.
Sarah Ficenec
Mandy Ayon
Hayden Ward
TSSA EXECUTIVE RETREAT
SHERRY AND CJ REPRESENTED ON THE MOVE AT BOTH THE TSSA EXECUTIVE RETREAT IN VAIL AND THE OWNERS SUMMIT IN BALBOA BAY, CALIFORNIA. FROM STRATEGY SESSIONS TO SHORELINE MEETINGS, THE DUO MADE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY—INCLUDING CONNECTING WITH LONGTIME CUSTOMERS ON THE WEST COAST.
CSSA OWNERS SUMMIT
FRANSERVE CONVENTION
SHERRY AND DANIEL BROUGHT THE ON THE MOVE SPIRIT TO THE FRANSERVE CONVENTION IN ORLANDO, BUILDING NEW RELATIONSHIPS AND INTRODUCING OUR TRUCK LEASING PROGRAM TO THE FRANCHISE WORLD.
SSA MID-ATLANTIC
STACIE TOOK THE STAGE ALONGSIDE INDUSTRY VETERAN JIM MOONEY AT THE SSA MID-ATLANTIC CONFERENCE TO PRESENT ACTIONABLE STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMIZING SELF-STORAGE PROFITS AND IMPROVING OPERATIONS.
CORE VALUES IN MOTION:
Introducing What Drives Us
At On The Move, we know that how we do business matters just as much as what we do. We build trucks, insurance programs, and rental tools, but at the heart of everything is a commitment to people—our team, our customers, and the communities we serve.
As our company continues to grow and evolve, we felt it was time to put into words what has always guided us behind the scenes. These five core values define who we are, how we work, and the kind of relationships we want to build. They are now part of every department, every decision, and every truck that goes out on the road.
These values are more than a checklist. They are expectations for how we treat one another, how we approach challenges, and how we create solutions that last.
BECAUSE CORE VALUES AREN’T JUST SOMETHING TO SAY. THEY’RE SOMETHING TO LIVE.
OUR CORE VALUES
BUILD TRUST
Every strong partnership starts with trust. We work hard to earn it, and even harder to keep it. That means clear communication, transparency, and consistency in how we show up for our customers and each other.
DRIVEN TO DELIVER
We take pride in getting things done. Whether it’s preparing a custom truck for delivery or handling an urgent support request, we move quickly and with purpose. Our team understands that when you’re counting on us, there’s no time for shortcuts.
SOLUTIONS > EXCUSES
We believe that problems are opportunities to show what we’re made of. Instead of placing blame or pointing fingers, we focus on what we can do to make it right. A solution-first mindset helps us stay accountable and agile.
INNOVATE WITH PURPOSE
Our goal is not to be trendy. Our goal is to be useful. Whether it’s developing new rental tools, improving our insurance program, or enhancing truck wraps, we pursue ideas that simplify operations, save time, and strengthen our partners' businesses.
WIN AS A TEAM
No one does it alone. We succeed by collaborating—within our own departments, across roles, and with our customers. When one of us wins, we all win. That sense of unity and shared mission drives our momentum.
Watch for Core Values in Action
You’ll start seeing these values woven into everything we do, from the way our sales team guides new customers, to how our operations crew handles deliveries, to how our leadership makes decisions. These values are not meant to stay in a slide deck or on a poster—they’re meant to be lived.
In future issues of this magazine, we’ll highlight employees, customers, and stories that bring these values to life. We’ll also recognize team members who go above and beyond in reflecting them. Whether it’s a customer support rep going the extra mile or a sales rep helping a new business launch their truck rental program, these moments matter.
What Are Your Core Values?
We’d love to hear from you. Every successful business is built on something deeper than transactions. So what are the principles your team stands for? What values drive your service, your decisions, and your culture?
Let’s start a conversation. Tag us on Instagram or LinkedIn with your team’s core values or a story that shows them in action. We’ll be featuring a few in upcoming issues.
Because core values aren’t just something to say. They’re something to live.
INDUSTRY HEADLINES AND LEGISLATIVE
UPDATES SHAPING
STORAGE, REAL ESTATE, AND THE TRADES
What We’re Watching...
As we move into the second half of 2025, several key developments are catching our attention across the self-storage, real estate, and trades sectors. From tighter lending to workforce gaps, here's what we're keeping an eye on—and what it might mean for your business.
ZONING WATCH: NYC CONSIDERS RESTRICTIONS ON STORAGE CONVERSIONS
New York City’s Department of City Planning is proposing zoning amendments that would limit the conversion of manufacturing spaces into selfstorage facilities in designated industrial zones. The aim is to preserve land for logistics and jobintensive industries. While localized, this regulatory shift could signal a broader trend in urban markets toward zoning protections. Operators expanding in metro areas should stay alert to similar discussions at the municipal level.
LABOR CRUNCH IN THE TRADES PERSISTS DESPITE WAGE INCREASES
The skilled labor shortage continues to impact construction timelines, particularly in HVAC, electrical, and framing trades. A recent AGC report found that nearly 9 in 10 contractors are struggling to hire qualified craft workers. While wages and signing bonuses are climbing, workforce development remains a long game. Builders and facilities teams should explore partnerships with local trade schools, offer on-the-job training, and plan projects with more conservative labor assumptions.
National self-storage operators are reporting stable occupancy but softer rental rate growth in Q2 2025. Pandemic-era hot spots like Phoenix and Raleigh are cooling, while Midwestern and Southeastern markets show steadier returns. With tenants increasingly price sensitive, operators are turning to value-added offerings—like tenant protection plans, smart access systems, and flexible unit sizes—to stay competitive.
*FINAL TAKE
LENDERS PULL BACK ON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS
Across the country, commercial real estate lenders are tightening credit standards and reducing leverage ratios. Developers and investors now face stricter underwriting, longer approval timelines, and more scrutiny around pre-leasing. This shift affects all asset classes but is especially sharp in retail and office conversions. For facility owners considering expansion or refinancing, it’s more important than ever to lock in strong cash flows and maintain clear financial documentation.
ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECTS SURGING IN URBAN MARKETS
Faced with rising costs and vacant office buildings, developers are doubling down on adaptive reuse. Multifamily conversions of former hotels and commercial properties are up 28% year over year, according to Yardi Matrix. This trend opens up new opportunities for tradespeople, storage installers, and retrofitting contractors. It also hints at a broader shift away from new ground-up construction in favor of faster-turnaround redevelopment.
LEGISLATION TARGETS TECHNICAL EDUCATION EXPANSION
A new bipartisan bill under review in the U.S. House proposes expanding funding for short-term trade certifications through local CTE programs. If passed, it would offer grants to schools and employers training workers in plumbing, welding, maintenance, and other high-demand fields. This could ease long-term labor shortages in construction, energy, and commercial facility services. For storage and fleet operators, that may eventually mean faster buildouts and fewer contractor delays.
Whether you're operating a self-storage facility, managing real estate investments, running a contracting business, or overseeing a fleet, today’s landscape is shifting fast. Lending standards are tightening, workforce pipelines are evolving, and new policies are reshaping how we build, rent, and serve our communities. Staying informed is no longer optional—it’s a competitive edge. The operators who adapt early, plan ahead, and watch the fine print will be the ones who continue to grow, even in uncertain times.
Joe Aloisio
Position at On The Move:
Project Manager
When did you start working at On The Move?
October 2024
Where are you from?
Dearborn, MI
Alma mater: Wayne State University
What did you do before On The Move? Automotive Material Purchasing
Favorite thing about On The Move? Tight, family feel of the team
Tell us about your family: 1 sister, 2 nephews, a niece, and 2 dogs
Hobbies: Golf, Hockey, Music, Working Out
Favorite animal: Wolf
Favorite music: Drum n Bass
Favorite thing to splurge on? Draftkings
Funny moment at On The Move? 2024 End of Year party
Proudest moment at On The Move?
Working with the team to complete ~30 projects since joining
Anything else you would like to include?? Tell Us more!
I coach little league baseball, I have two dogs (Wayne and Augie), back to back Eddie Edgar Adult Hockey League champion
Wayne
Augie
Joe & Nico
Joe & Gia
MARKETING THE MODERN STORAGE EXPERIENCE
PROTECTION IS THE NEW AMENITY
Today’s tenants expect more than four walls and a padlock. They want convenience, clarity, and confidence that their belongings are in good hands. For self-storage operators, that means rethinking how you present your facility and what sets it apart.
It’s not just about climate control and clean units anymore. It’s about peace of mind.
That’s where SecureLease comes in.
Sell More Than Square Footage
Most facilities market their size, location, or pricing. Few talk about protection, even though it’s one of the first concerns tenants have when storing valuables. Promoting SecureLease as part of your storage experience helps reposition your business from “just another facility” to “a place that’s got my back.”
Utilize your signage, website, and tour script to position SecureLease as a standard component of modern storage, rather than an optional add-on. Statements like “Our tenants are covered” or “We handle claims directly, no insurance headaches” immediately differentiate you.
Put It Front and Center
The best marketing is proactive, and your leasing office should reflect that. One of the simplest ways to promote SecureLease is by using professionally designed materials like the SecureLease rack card, available through ProShop.
This rack card clearly outlines the program’s key benefits, including fast claims handled on-site, coverage for storage-specific risks like rodents and leaks, and no deductibles. It is
designed to do the talking for you, helping tenants understand why SecureLease offers better peace of mind than traditional insurance.
Place these cards near the front desk, inside rental folders, or alongside your truck rental agreement. You can also display matching posters to keep the message consistent and visible throughout your office.
To order, simply contact your sales representative or reach out to the SecureLease team directly. We will get you set up with your very own account to order rack cards, posters, business cards, and more. You can even add your own logo, branding, and colors for a professional, customized look. No need to create your own messaging. The materials are ready to go, professionally branded, and tailored for selfstorage.
These tools make it easy to educate tenants and elevate your facility’s image with minimal effort.
Build Trust Before They Sign
A strong marketing message does more than attract tenants. It sets expectations, builds trust, and creates a smoother customer experience. When tenants know your facility offers real protection with no deductibles and fast local claims, they are more likely to stay longer and recommend you to others.
Final Thoughts
Modern storage is not just about space. It is about service, protection, and trust. By marketing SecureLease as a core part of your offering, you do not just fill units. You build loyalty, reputation, and long-term value.
TRUCK OF THE QUARTER
More Than a Moving Truck:
How Kevin Grampp Drives Community Impact and Mortgage Success
by Chelsea Moehle
When Kevin Grampp, a mortgage broker with Edge Home Finance in Arizona, decided to lease a branded moving truck, his primary goal was to support his business and offer a convenient service to clients. But over time, that truck has become much more than a closingday bonus. It has grown into a powerful tool for giving back, building trust, and strengthening his reputation in the community.
In a state like Arizona: where families move frequently, real estate markets shift quickly, and competition for attention is high, so standing out is key. Kevin’s On The Move truck offers visibility and value. Whether he’s helping a teacher transition into a new home, delivering essentials to families in crisis, or working alongside local police on outreach efforts, Kevin shows up. And more often than not, so does the truck.
“We don’t see the truck as a marketing tool. It’s a ministry. It’s an opportunity to meet people where they are—literally and emotionally,” said Kevin.
A Truck That Gives Back (and Pays Off)
While the truck makes a strong impression with its professional wrap and bold Edge Home Finance branding, it’s what Kevin does with it that creates lasting impact.
He regularly lends it out to clients, nonprofits, and families in need with no strings attached. And because the vehicle is used for both business and community service, it has also delivered substantial financial benefits. Kevin estimates he’s saved more than $100,000 in tax deductions since bringing the truck on board.
“It’s one of the smartest investments we’ve made. We’ve reduced our marketing spend, increased word-of-mouth, and earned valuable tax write-offs…all by using a truck that already aligns with our mission,” he explained.
It’s also a resource that people remember. Clients often reference the truck in reviews or tell others about the experience. And as the truck becomes a familiar sight at school events, donation drives, and local charity efforts, it quietly builds brand trust.
The Human Side of Mortgage Lending
In the mortgage world, numbers matter, but relationships matter more. Kevin understands that success comes not just from closing deals, but from opening doors. By integrating his On The Move truck into the way he operates, he’s added a layer of personal connection that’s hard to replicate.
“People want to work with someone who cares about the community, not just the commission. The truck helps show them who we are,” he said.
The On The Move program also makes things easy behind the scenes. With insurance, roadside assistance, rental forms, and support all bundled in, Kevin and his team
are able to focus on people—not paperwork. Trucks with Purpose:
A Model for Small Business Success
Kevin’s approach is a reminder that business tools don’t have to feel transactional. When used with intention, they can become extensions of your mission, your values, and your identity as a business leader.
Rather than letting the truck sit idle, Kevin and his team look for opportunities to serve. Whether that’s moving donated furniture for a family starting over, helping load supplies for a teacher, or delivering food to a local shelter, the truck helps tell a bigger story.
1. Use It Often—and Creatively
Don’t just save it for closings. Look for ways to use the truck in service of others. People notice.
2. Let the Community In
Make it available for causes that matter to your team or your clients. Even small gestures go far.
3. Tell the Story
Post photos, tag partners, and share why the truck is involved. People engage with purpose-driven posts.
4. Track Everything
Not just for taxes, but to see the real impact. How many families helped? How many events supported? Keep count.
2025 upcoming trade shows & conferences
MICHIGAN SSA REGIONAL KNOWLEDGE SUMMIT AUGUST 4-5
SSA VEGAS SEPTEMBER 3-5 NCSSA LUNCHEON AUGUST 15
TENNESSEE SSA FALL SHOW SEPTEMBER 15-17
GA/SC SOUTHEASTERN SELF STORAGE CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW OCTOBER 12-14
2025 NCSSA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW NOVEMBER 3-4
Highest producing team in South Dakota since 2017 and ranked #18 in nation!
A Reminder on How to Rent a Truck
Whether you’ve been renting out your On The Move truck for years or just brought it into your business, it’s always good to refresh the basics. Renting out your branded truck not only helps you serve customers, but also protects your business, builds trust, and keeps your program running smoothly.
This guide is designed to help you—and your team—stay sharp, stay compliant, and deliver a great experience every time.
USE THE CORRECT FORMS
Always use the latest On The Move rental agreement. Each agreement must:
- Include a unique rental number in red
- Be fully completed, including all additional drivers
- Be used only once—no form should ever be reused
Missing or incomplete information can lead to delays, customer frustration, or even denied coverage. Double-check each form before the customer leaves.
VERIFY DRIVERS AND ELIGIBILITY
To operate the truck, each driver must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be listed on the agreement with full name and license information
- Provide valid proof of insurance
COMPLETE THE SAFETY QUALIFICATION FORM
Before the customer drives off, complete a Safety Qualification Form with them. This form not only helps document the condition of the truck, but also provides a chance to go over important safety tips:
- Remind them about the height clearance of the truck (especially under bridges, at drive-thrus, or in parking garages)
- Emphasize the importance of using a spotter when
backing up
- Review braking distances and how trucks may handle differently than personal vehicles
- Point out any equipment or operational controls they should be aware of
Take photos of the truck, note any existing damage, and have the customer initial that
they understand the safety reminders and condition of the vehicle. Repeat the inspection when the truck is returned.
KEEP YOUR TRUCK READY TO REPRESENT
After each rental:
- Clean and sanitize the cab and cargo area
- Refuel the tank
- Restock pads or other equipment
- Place roadside assistance and registration info back in the glove box
Your truck is a direct reflection of your business. A clean, well-prepared truck leads to a smoother rental and a better customer experience.
NEED A REFRESHER? JOIN OUR MONTHLY WEBINARS
We offer monthly training webinars covering everything from form completion to claims handling. These are perfect for new hires or team members who need a refresher.
We’re also happy to host custom sessions to help get your staff rental ready and confident with the process.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Need to reorder packets, signage, or roadside info cards? Reach out to our team any time. We’ll help you stay stocked with:
- Updated rental forms
- Safety Qualification Forms
- Digital and printed training tools
Let’s Talk Rodents
What Insurance Won’t Cover, but SecureLease Will
In the self-storage world, it’s not fire or theft that causes the most friction with tenants. It’s the damage they didn’t know their insurance wouldn’t cover. Think mold. Think water leaks. Think rodents.
While traditional renters and homeowners insurance may offer off-site property coverage, it often comes with strings attached: high deductibles, strict proof requirements, or worse, flat-out exclusions for the exact things that go wrong in a storage unit. Vermin damage? Not covered. Mysterious disappearance? Not covered. That mold patch that appeared during a particularly humid month? Also not covered.
That’s where SecureLease steps in.
Purpose-Built for Storage Risks
SecureLease isn’t insurance. It’s protection designed specifically for self-storage. That means the claims process is fast, handled at the facility level, and focused on the real-world risks tenants face, like:
• Rodent infestations and droppings
environment, not a modified clause in a renters policy built for apartments.
Say Goodbye to Insurance Drama
One of the biggest benefits? No deductibles. No third-party adjusters. No endless waiting. If a tenant has an issue, they come to you, and your facility handles the claim quickly and fairly through the SecureLease portal. It’s not just better service. It’s a chance to build trust and loyalty with every interaction.
• Water damage from roof leaks or faulty pipes
• Mold and mildew from climate fluctuations
• Theft without forced entry
• Mysterious disappearances
This is coverage that actually reflects the storage
You, Not the Insurance Company, Get the Credit
Best of all, SecureLease puts the facility at the center of the solution. Tenants remember who helped them during a stressful situation. Instead of dealing with an anonymous insurance hotline, they deal with you, a real person who’s on their side.
That means better reviews, longer leases, and higher satisfaction. All while adding a steady revenue stream with every enrolled unit.
Final Thoughts
Rodents aren’t glamorous, but neither is losing business to a poor claims experience. With SecureLease, you give your tenants real protection for the risks they actually face, and give your facility the peace of mind it deserves.
