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MEET WAYNE

DADESSAA BOARD MEMBER

For approximately the last 15 years Wayne has been the co-owner and director of two self storage businesses in South Australia – Glenelg Self Storage and Western Self Storage.

Insider: How long have you been in the industry?

Wayne: I have been in the self storage industry approximately 14 years and in the removals and storage industry for 18 years. I came to the self storage industry when my business partner and I realised our removals storage did not suit those clients who wanted easy access. A facility went on the market close to our Removals depot, and we were able to secure it approximately 14 years ago.

What benefits do you find in being a newly elected Member of the Board?

Personally, being on the Board is about ensuring our industry is strong and robust. Our customer’s needs are everchanging and if we wish to remain a resilient industry, we need to keep pace or even be ahead of customers needs and economic trends.

How important do you find the SSAA to the industry?

Many of our members will say they find the resources the SSAA offer in terms of Legal (contractual), WHS, Employment, etc to be invaluable. If we, as business owners, needed to pay separately for each of these services, it would cost our businesses a lot more. Therefore the SSAA plays a vital role in these areas.

How big is your facility?

Our largest facility is over 300 units, we own two, and one has a satellite location which would be known as a container park.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first started?

For us, starting was easy once we identified the need for self storage amongst our business group. As mentioned, we were fortunate that a facility became available for purchase, which was already established, so we were able to step in and make some improvements as we understood the mechanics of the business.

How do you see the current growth of the industry in your area?

Adelaide has seen significant growth in new facilities in recent times and supply may outstrip demand at this present time. This has led to discounting being prevalent, which, in my view, is detrimental to the industry as a whole. I am sure as Adelaide’s growth continues this will level out and we will continue to see moderate growth over the medium term.

What business improvements have you implemented over the last 12 months?

We recently completed a firearms storage bunker in one of our facilities. This has seen steady take up. Although the infrastructure costs of firearm storage are high we felt there was undersupply of this service in the Adelaide market.

Do you plan on expanding? If not, why not?

We have several larger adjoining spaces to our existing facilities that we own that are occupied under formal leases that we will expand into with storage once the current lessees vacate.

How long have you been a member of the SSAA?

Since we acquired our first facility approximately 14 years ago

What benefits do you find from attending SSAA Conventions?

You will hear many members say it’s amazing how much owners and operators will share with fellow members. Our industry is truly unique in how we help each other. Attending conventions, networking events and open days are a must if you are serious about your business. What I particularly like about conventions, though, is the speakers that are secured to assist members in keeping current with future trends and services.

What advice would you give someone looking to come into the self storage business?

Do your homework, which means talking to the Association, and valuers, and other members as it’s not as simple as building it and they will come any more. Construction costs have risen, competition has increased, the regulatory framework is more complex, and consumers are getting more discerning. In saying that it’s a rewarding industry to get into if you get it right. l

Wendy King and Steve Nicholson – Your Solutions and Tim and Robyn Buys – Central Storage.

SSAA OPEN DAY, HAMILTON NZ

The Open Day Hamilton was the first of the three scheduled for 2020. With a program consisting of presentations, panel and Q & A sessions along with a facility tour – attendees have found the day valuable and informative.

Steve Allen – The Wine Storage Room with Curt Dogger – R6. Facility Tour at Storage King Hamilton Central.

John Borthwick and Lisa Forde – Breeze Property Management with Shay McQuade – USC. Ryan Coom – National Mini Storage, Julian Moss – Masterton Storage and Steve Allen – Lockups Ltd.

Attendees at the Facility Tour. 3 Lucky Draw Winners: Tim Buys – Central Storage, Craig Spence – Waikato Storage Limited and Javier Rezzonico – Storcad.