Summer is a season of action, and at On The Move, we’re embracing that momentum. This year, we’re seeing unprecedented growth, not just within our company, but across the industries we serve. Self-storage owners, real estate professionals, and tradesman are all looking for ways to scale, and we’re committed to helping them do it efficiently and profitably. Our trucks, rental programs, and tenant protection solutions continue to provide businesses with the tools they need to stand out in competitive markets.
As we step into this exciting season, we are also deep into tradeshow season, and our team is ready to hit the road once again. Personally, I have been privileged to visit conferences in Mont Tremblant, Nashville, and Park City so far this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at ISS Vegas in April! These industry events provide invaluable opportunities to connect, share insights, and help businesses discover new ways to grow. If you’re attending, I encourage you to stop by our booth #741 and chat with our team about how On The Move can support your business.
Beyond business, I always look forward to this time of year on a personal level. As the weather warms up, I’ve been working on improving my golf game—which, as many of you know, is a work in progress! I’m also looking forward to enjoying Texas river days again, taking in the outdoors and making the most of the season.
This issue of On The Move Magazine is packed with valuable insights on scaling your business, maintaining a competitive edge, and maximizing your fleet. Whether you’re a long-time partner or just discovering how On The Move can help your business, we appreciate your support and are excited for all that’s ahead.
Thank you for being part of the On The Move family—I look forward to seeing many of you soon!
Title and Registration Associate noemi@onthemovetrucks.com
Customer Service Director karen@onthemovetrucks.com
Operations Administrator
janelle@onthemovetrucks.com
Warehouse Manager juan@onthemovetrucks.com
Warehouse Assistant
bobby@onthemovetrucks.com
ON THE MOVE HOSTED AN AFTER HOURS MIXER FOR OUR LOCAL BOERNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THE EVENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS HAVING OVER 250 IN ATTENDANCE, A WHATABURGER FOOD TRUCK AND THE RANDY CARSON BAND PLAYING LIVE.
ON THE MOVE TEAM HEADED TO ORLANDO FOR A WEEK OF CLIENT VISITS AND THE SSA SPRING TRADESHOW AND CONFERENCE. AT THE WOMEN IN SELF STORAGE PANEL, OUR VERY OWN STACIE MAXWELL OPENED THE FLOOR FOR INDUSTRY WOMEN TALKING ABOUT OVERCOMING OBSTACLES.
NEW HIRE: SHERRY MILLER
“I HAVE BEEN IN SALES OFF AND ON FOR ABOUT 11 YEARS. I ENJOY CONNECTING WITH, AND SERVING PEOPLE IN AREAS THAT CAN IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. I HAVE ALSO BEEN IN A MANAGEMENT ROLE IN MANY CAPACITIES, BUT IN BUSINESS, 5 YEARS.”
ACCORDING TO SHERRY, “MY FAMILY IS MY LIFE. I HAVE 3 KIDS, 2 GRANDKIDS, 1 SON-IN-LAW, 1 DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, AND 4 SISTERS. I FEEL COMPLETE ANYTIME I GET TO SPEND TIME WITH THEM. I LOVE TO PLAY GAMES, WATCH REALITY GAME SHOWS (SURVIVOR, AMAZING RACE, THE CHALLENGE, TRAITORS, ETC.), TRAVEL, AND FIND NEW ADVENTURES.” ON THE MOVE
Growth Without Sacrificing Identity
Scaling a family business is an exciting milestone, but growth brings new challenges. Many businesses lose their original charm and customer trust as they expand. The key to sustainable success? Maintaining core values while evolving operationally.
In this article, we’ll explore how family-owned businesses can scale effectively without compromising what made them special in the first place.
1
DEFINE AND REINFORCE YOUR CORE VALUES
Before expanding, take the time to identify the fundamental principles that define your business.
These could be:
Customer-first service
Honesty and transparency
Community involvement
Commitment to quality
Once you’ve identified these values, make sure they’re documented and reinforced in all aspects of your operations. Employees should understand and embody them as part of their daily responsibilities.
2
SMART HIRING: BRINGING IN THE RIGHT PEOPLE
As a business grows, new employees will shape its culture. The challenge is ensuring they align with your company’s founding principles.
Strategies for maintaining a strong culture while hiring include:
Cultural Fit Interviews: Ask candidates how they’ve handled customer service, integrity, and teamwork in previous roles.
Onboarding with Purpose: Train new hires on the company’s history, mission, and values to ensure they understand their importance.
Promote from Within: Encourage long-term employees to take leadership roles so that company traditions remain intact.
3
KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN ACROSS ALL LEVELS
Larger companies often struggle with disconnect between leadership and frontline employees. To avoid this:
Maintain a Family-Like Atmosphere: Hold regular team meetings, celebrate milestones, and keep an open-door policy.
Encourage Employee Feedback: Create a feedback loop where staff can voice concerns or ideas.
Stay Visible: Owners and leadership should remain engaged with daily operations whenever possible
5
GROWTH WITH A PURPOSE: SCALING STRATEGICALLY
Expanding too fast can dilute your brand’s identity. Instead of chasing aggressive growth, scale in ways that align with your values:
Franchise or Open New Locations Thoughtfully: Ensure new branches maintain the same quality and service.
4
MAINTAIN PERSONAL CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
As your business scales, it’s easy to lose the personal touch that made customers loyal in the first place. To keep that small-business charm:
Personalized Service: Train employees to greet repeat customers by name and remember their preferences.
Owner Involvement: Owners should remain engaged in customer service, whether through personal interactions or social media.
Surprise & Delight: Offer unexpected gestures of appreciation, like handwritten thank-you notes or small discounts.
6
Don’t Overextend Resources: Focus on strengthening operations before adding new services.
Use Technology to Enhance, Not Replace: Digital tools should make customer service more efficient without losing the personal connection.
KEEP THE FAMILY LEGACY ALIVE
A family business has a unique story—don’t let growth erase it. Share your journey through:
Marketing: Use storytelling in branding, social media, and customer communications.
Employee Training: Teach new hires about the company’s origins and why its values matter.
Customer Engagement: Remind long-time customers why they chose your business in the first place.
CONCLUSION: SCALING WITH INTEGRITY
A growing business doesn’t have to lose its heart. By reinforcing core values, hiring the right people, maintaining strong communication, and scaling purposefully, family businesses can expand while staying true to what made them special. Growth should enhance—not replace—the foundation that built the company’s success.
By staying rooted in your core values, your business can thrive for generations to come.
Recent News In Industries We Are Watching!
Tips for Self-Storage Facility Owners
way to brighten up storage facilities and celebrate local culture, proving even a mundane self-storage center can show some creative flair.
‘KIDNAPPING’ CAPER IN A STORAGE UNIT
Self-Storage Surprises
STORAGE UNITS GET ARTSY MAKEOVER
(Self Storage National Report – January 2025 - Multi-Housing News)
SmartStop Self Storage found a creative use for its roll-up doors – as art canvases. The company launched an art contest inviting designs representing 15 North American cities, and each winning artist gets $1,000 plus their artwork displayed on a full-size storage unit door. It’s a quirky
A North Carolina self-storage facility was the scene of a bizarre false alarm. A man claimed his girlfriend locked him in a storage unit for four days, prompting serious charges – until he backtracked and admitted the tale was “based on lies” and blown out of proportion. Authorities quickly dropped the kidnapping charges, and the odd caper ended as a cautionary (and somewhat comical) reminder not to mix relationship drama with storage lockers.
Real Estate Roundup
BUYERS CATCH A BREAK AS LISTINGS PILE UP
(Housing Inventory Hits Five-Year High - The MortgagePoint)After years of red-hot bidding wars, the housing market is finally tilting slightly in buyers’ favor. The number of homes for sale is up 16% from last year, and nearly 17% of listings had price cuts in February. With 30-year mortgage rates hovering around 7%, houses are sitting on the market longer and sellers are more open to negotiation – an unusual turn of events that gives shoppers more choices.
SPRING BREAKERS AND CONDO BUYERS COLLIDE
Florida developers are mixing sun and sales pitches this spring. In Fort Lauderdale, builders hope the parents of partying spring-break college students might double as potential condo buyers during their visit. High-end beachfront units (many priced over $2 million) are being marketed to vacationing families in the hope that a week of sand and surf could lead to a sale. It’s an eyebrow-raising blend of college revelry and real estate hustle, but it just might work.
Home Services & Housing Trends
ANGI SHAKES UP STRATEGY
Home services giant Angi is getting a corporate reboot. Parent company IAC announced plans to spin off Angi into an independent entity by April 2025, and longtime IAC CEO Joey Levin will step down after the split. The decision comes amid a post-pandemic slowdown in home service requests – Angi’s market value has dropped and it’s trimming low-margin jobs to refocus on growth. Investors reacted positively to the shake-up, sending Angi’s stock up 16% in after-hours trading on the news.
HOMEOWNERS DOUBLE DOWN ON RENOVATIONS
(500+ Handyman Pictures [HD] | Download Free Images on Unsplash)High interest rates may have put some moving plans on hold, but they haven’t stopped people from improving their homes. A recent survey found 93% of homeowners plan to tackle home projects in 2025, favoring renovations over relocating (Angi Reports Homeowners Preference for Renovation Over Relocation Amid Economic Pressures in 2025 | Nasdaq). With housing supply still tight, many Americans are choosing to fix up what they have – keeping contractors, plumbers, and handymen busy in a home-improvement boom.
Sources: Industry news outlets and reports (Angi Reports Homeowners Preference for Renovation Over Relocation Amid Economic Pressures in 2025 | Nasdaq) for credibility and further reading.
Josie Breazeale
Position at On The Move: SecureLease CSR
When did you start working at On The Move? July 2024
Where are you from? I was born and raised in San Antonio!
Alma mater: The University of Texas San Antonio
What did you do before On The Move? Before joining On The Move, I worked in afterschool childcare and was a nanny—I’ve always loved working with kids! I also did marketing and bookkeeping for my family’s business, which gave me a great mix of creativity and organization. On top of that, I spent some time singing at my church, which was something I really enjoyed!
Favorite thing about On The Move? The freedom to develop my skills and learn new things every day! I love that I’m constantly growing and getting to take on new challenges—it keeps things exciting and makes every day different.
STACIE & GABE
Tell us about your family.
I have one older brother who just graduated from SFA with his degree in Forestry—super proud of him! My parents are outstanding; they’ve always been my biggest supporters, cheering me on in everything I do and teaching me the importance of hard work and kindness. I also have an amazing boyfriend, Chris— we've been together for 5 years now!
He’s my rock and my best friend, I’m so grateful for him. And of course, my chunky calico cat, Fiona, who keeps me in check with her attitude.
Hobbies: I love getting creative with painting, crochet, and graphic design—they're great outlets for me! I also enjoy staying active with hiking and yoga, and when I’m in the mood to relax, I’ll dive into the occasional video game.
Favorite thing to splurge on?
Definitely clothes and coffee!
Favorite Animal: Cats!
Favorite Music: I love pop, old country, and a little mix of everything else.
Proudest moment at On The Move? Getting the SecureLease Facebook up and running!
Maximizing Revenue: Training Your Self-Storage Staff to Sell Auxiliary Products
MORE THAN JUST STORAGE
Running a successful self-storage business goes beyond just renting out units. The most profitable facilities leverage auxiliary products—such as tenant protection, moving supplies, and truck rentals—to boost revenue and enhance the customer experience. However, selling these add-ons isn’t just about offering them—it’s about training your staff to present them effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore how to transform your team into confident sales professionals who can seamlessly integrate auxiliary product sales into their customer interactions.
1. WHY SELLING AUXILIARY PRODUCTS MATTERS
Many facility owners focus solely on occupancy rates, but the true key to profitability lies in maximizing revenue per customer. Auxiliary products:
Increase Revenue: These high-margin items can significantly impact your bottom line.
Enhance Customer Experience: Customers appreciate having a one-stop shop for their moving and stor-
age needs.
Differentiate Your Facility: Offering value-added services makes your business stand out from competitors.
However, for these benefits to materialize, your team must be equipped with the right skills and knowledge.
2. TRAINING STAFF TO SELL WITH CONFIDENCE
A. Educating Employees on Product Benefits
Before staff can confidently recommend auxiliary products, they must understand their value. Training sessions should cover:
Tenant Protection Plans: Explain how these differ from traditional insurance, highlight the risks of going unprotected, and showcase how SecureLease keeps claims simple for both tenants and the facility.
Moving & Packing Supplies: Train staff to suggest the right products based on customer needs (e.g., recommending mattress covers for long-term storage).
Truck Rentals: Demonstrate how having an on-site truck can make moving easier for tenants and increase facility revenue.
Use real-life scenarios and testimonials to make these products more relatable to staff.
B. Perfecting the Sales Approach
Selling doesn’t have to be pushy. The key is consultative selling—helping the customer find the best solution rather than just pitching a product.
1. The "Assume the Sale" Technique
Instead of asking, “Would you like tenant protection?”, frame it as an expected choice:
“For added peace of mind, we include our SecureLease Tenant Protection Plan with your rental. You can choose from our $2,000 or $5,000 coverage options—what level of protection works best for you?”
This subtly positions the protection plan as an essential part of the rental process.
2. Bundling for Convenience
Encourage staff to bundle products together to make it easier for customers.
Example: “Since you're renting a truck, I recommend adding a mattress cover and some moving blankets to protect your items. We also offer a tenant protection plan to keep everything safe while it’s in storage.”
3. The Risk & Reward Conversation
Staff should be trained to explain the risks of not using these products.
Example: “Storage facilities aren’t responsible for damage from floods or theft. Our tenant protection plan gives you peace of mind, and since claims are handled directly through us, you get faster resolutions than traditional insurance.”
3. ROLE-PLAYING AND INCENTIVIZING SALES
A. Hands-On Role-Playing Exercises
Regular training sessions should include mock sales conversations where employees practice:
• Explaining product benefits concisely.
• Answering common customer objections.
• Using assumptive and consultative selling techniques.
Encourage team members to role-play different scenarios, such as:
• A hesitant customer unsure if they need protection.
• A customer who doesn’t realize they need packing supplies until it’s suggested.
• A last-minute mover looking for a stress-free solution.
B. Offering Sales Incentives
To keep staff motivated, implement sales contests and incentives:
Commission Bonuses – A small incentive per sale of tenant protection or packing supplies.
Monthly Drawings – Employees get entered into a raffle for every auxiliary product sold.
Leaderboard Challenges – Recognize top sellers and reward them with prizes.
Even a simple shout-out in team meetings can boost morale and encourage participation.
4. THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF A WELL-TRAINED SALES TEAM
When your staff is confident in selling auxiliary products, you’ll see a direct improvement in:
Revenue Per Customer – More add-on sales mean higher total income per rental.
Customer Satisfaction – Clients appreciate helpful recommendations that make their move smoother.
Facility Profitability – The more revenue streams, the stronger your business model.
By consistently training and motivating your team, your facility will stand out from competitors, increase profitability, and offer a better experience to every customer who walks through the door.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your self-storage staff is your greatest asset when it comes to boosting revenue. With the right training and motivation, they can sell tenant protection, moving supplies, and truck rentals naturally—not just as an upsell, but as part of a better overall customer experience.
Start small, implement ongoing training, and watch as your facility’s bottom line grows—one smart sale at a time.
DO YOU REALLY KNOW ON THE MOVE’S FULL INVENTORY?
When people think of On The Move, they often picture our signature Ford Aerocell trucks — and for good reason. They're reliable, well-branded, and built for business. But our inventory goes far beyond that. From box trucks to vans and custom builds, On The Move offers a wide variety of vehicle options to support virtually any industry.
ROCKPORT BOX TRUCKS: BUILT FOR BUSINESS
One of the standout models in our fleet is the Rockport box truck. Known for its durability, customizable interiors, and spacious design, the Rockport chassis is a smart choice for delivery services, contractors, and anyone needing a dependable mobile workspace. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, with ramp options and branding-ready exteriors, these trucks are designed to work as hard as you do.
VANS THAT GET THE JOB DONE
For businesses that require something smaller than a full box truck, On The Move also offers Ford Transit Vans and Ram Cargo Vans. These vehicles are ideal for service-based businesses like electricians, cleaners, florists, mobile pet groomers, and more. They’re compact, efficient, and easy to upfit with shelving or storage systems.
We also offer custom vans with built-in ramps — a popular solution for companies that regularly load heavy equipment. These customizations streamline daily operations and help protect your team from unnecessary strain.
IF YOU NEED IT, WE CAN LEASE IT
Our team is experienced in helping customers source exactly what they need — even if it's outside our standard inventory. Whether you’re looking for a specialty vehicle, unique size, or industry-specific upfit, we’ll search our network and get it ready to lease.
We believe that vehicle sourcing shouldn’t be a hassle. If you have a vision, we’ll help make it a reality.
FLEXIBLE LEASING OPTIONS, INCLUDING TRAC
Every business operates differently — and your lease agreement should reflect that. On The Move offers flexible leasing structures, including TRAC (Terminal Rental Adjustment Clause) leasing, which is ideal for businesses that may want to own the vehicle at the end of the lease term.
TRAC leases provide flexibility with mileage, terms, and end-of-lease options — making them a great fit for growing fleets or business owners
ROCKPORT BOX TRUCK
looking to build long-term value. In some cases, TRAC leasing also opens the door to SBA loan eligibility and potential tax advantages.
If your business needs a vehicle to operate or grow, we’re here to help you find the right solution — quickly and easily.
2025 upcoming trade shows & conferences
NORTHEAST SELF STORAGE ASSOCIATION MAY 14-15
TSSA EXECUTIVE RETREAT JUNE 4
SSA MID ATLANTIC MAY 20-21
GA/SC SOUTHEASTERN SELF STORAGE CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW OCTOBER 12-14
2025 NCSSA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW NOVEMBER 3-4
2025 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) HOUSTON NOVEMBER 14-16
Highest producing team in South Dakota since 2017 and ranked #18 in nation!
The Million-Dollar Question for 2025
WILL RATES DROP
WHERE ARE WE HEADED?
Mortgage rates continue to dominate headlines, shaping decisions for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. After a volatile few years, many are questioning whether 2025 will bring relief. If rates drop, will it reignite the housing market, or will other economic factors keep things sluggish? Understanding the forces at play will help industry professionals and consumers make informed decisions.
THE FED’S ROLE IN MORTGAGE RATES
The Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates, but its policies influence borrowing costs significantly. In 2022 and 2023, the Fed’s aggressive rate hikes aimed to control inflation, leading to mortgage rates hitting their highest levels in decades. Now, analysts are split on what comes next. Some predict a gradual rate decline if inflation stabilizes, with the Fed easing policy by mid-2025. Others caution that lingering inflation or unexpected economic disruptions could keep rates high for the foreseeable future.
HOUSING MARKET PREDICTIONS FOR 2025
If mortgage rates decrease, the market could shift quickly. A drop below six percent could bring buyers back in droves, reigniting bidding wars in competitive areas. If rates remain around seven percent or higher, the market will likely stay slow but stable, with buyers having more room for negotiation. A more aggressive rate-cutting strategy from the Fed could lead to a refinancing surge, keeping existing homeowners in place rather than encouraging new listings. The combination of rates, inventory, and demand will ultimately determine whether the market heats up or remains in its current holding pattern.
SHOULD BUYERS AND SELLERS ACT NOW OR WAIT?
Many prospective buyers are waiting in hopes of lower rates, while sellers
debate whether to list now or hold off. With housing inventory still tight, home prices remain steady, making it unlikely that a major downturn is on the horizon. Buyers who wait for rate cuts may find themselves in a more competitive market, whereas purchasing now allows for refinancing opportunities later. Sellers can attract hesitant buyers by offering rate buy-downs or covering closing costs, making their properties more appealing in a highrate environment.
FOR AGENTS:
SELLING IN A HIGH-RATE MARKET
Real estate professionals must adapt to shifting conditions by guiding clients through uncertainty. Educating buyers and sellers on market realities is crucial, emphasizing that waiting for lower rates is not always the best strategy. Creative financing solutions, such as adjustable-rate mortgages and seller concessions, can make deals more attractive. Marketing strategies should highlight affordability and long-term investment potential rather than focusing solely on interest rates. Flexibility will be key for agents as they navigate an unpredictable landscape.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The debate over mortgage rates will continue, but waiting indefinitely is not always the best move. Whether rates decline or remain steady, those who understand the market and adapt their strategies will be best positioned for success. Buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals who stay proactive rather than reactive will be ahead of the curve as 2025 unfolds.
MangonadaMadness
Mangonadas are a perfect summer treat! They are fruity, refreshing and full of flavor. Try this mangonada recipe filled with sweet mangoes, chamoy, and chile-lime salt. It's the perfect balance between sweet, sour, spicy and salty. Top it off with a tamarind straw for a cold treat the whole family can enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
makes 6
2 large limes
2 pounds frozen mangoes
2-3 cups water
¼ cup cane sugar
1 cup ice cubes
2 fresh mangoes, cubed
½ cup chamoy
2-4 tablespoons Tajin or chile-lime salt
6 tamarind candy straws
DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the garnishes: Peel and cube the fresh mangoes, add Tajin (chile-lime salt) to one shallow bowl, and chamoy to another.
2. Squeeze both limes into a blender. Add in the frozen mango chunks, water, cane sugar, and ice. Blend on high until you achieve a smooth consistency, adding in small amounts of water if needed.
3. Rim your glasses by dipping them in the bowl of chamoy followed by chile-lime salt. Add a drizzle of chamoy to the bottom of your glasses and around the sides.
4. Divide the frozen mango mixture between glasses, then add more chamoy on top followed by fresh mango cubes.
5. Garnish with an extra drizzle of chamoy, a sprinkle of Tajin, and a tamarind candy straw.
