PHOENIX, ARIZ. - On May 5, 2010, D.C. Taylor Co., a leading national roofing contractor with over 60 years of experience providing roofing solutions specifically designed for the self-storage industry, will sponsor a free webinar for self-storage professionals focusing on the importance of roof inspections and maintenance as well as the energy-saving benefits of cool-roof coatings. Bill Shanko, Regional Manager for D.C. Taylor Co., and Kathy Schoch, Sales Manager for KST Coatings, a business unit of The Sherwin-Williams Company, will present the webinar Roof Inspections, Maintenance and Coatings: Tasks You Need to Address Now. The presentation will include the following topics:
* Benefits of roof inspections and maintenance
* Prolonging roof service life with reflective coatings
* Saving energy and promoting sustainability with cool roofs
Roof Inspections, Maintenance and Coatings: Tasks You Need to Address Now is part of the ongoing Mini-Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series. Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing, will moderate the presentation. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.
MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self-Storage Buyer's Guide.
Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self-storage industry.
For More Information:
D.C. Taylor Co. - http://www.dctaylorco.com/
KST Coatings - http://www.kstcoatings.com/
Mini-Storage Messenger - http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Finance - An excerpt from the 2010 Almanac
Epic shifts in access to credit continue to harm borrower's ability to secure attractive financing. Any comprehensive discussion of financing includes both what is and what is not available in the market place. Despite the stabilizing effect of massive governmental stimulus plans around the world, for the most part, banks now remain alone in the lending realm and continue to hold their breath as they make their way cautiously through the aftermath of the credit storms which so recently tore through the system, unsure as to whether the storm is truly gone for them. Much analysis has been conducted on the challenge of how to undo the high leverage loans on low cap rate properties, both in the CMBS realm and throughout the commercial banking system. These high flyers are coming back down to earth to a transformed landscape, a lower leverage/higher cap rate new land.
Market Conditions: One Step At A Time To Recovery
On the positive side, conditions in the capital markets have improved with the breath-of-life stimulus packages around the globe. First and foremost, we are at the beginning of the largest global wave of monetary and fiscal stimulus ever on an absolute and relative basis. The wisdom of certain initiatives can be debated, as there is little doubt that overall they will have a meaningful positive economic effect in the short, medium, and long term. Many continue to have concerns that this massive money creation will soon lead to explosive inflation. The counter point is that higher inflation won’t become a realized risk, for at least a couple of years; even then, a problematic inflation is not inevitable per se. Central bankers are correctly providing liquidity in an effort to stave off deflation and bolster financial institution balance sheets. Inflation is unlikely until a more robust economic recovery causes money velocity to reaccelerate and business capacity becomes again more fully utilized.
Encouraging signs of normalcy include capital market signals such as: credit markets have eased considerably from last year’s severe dysfunction, interbank lending rates dropped to their lowest levels on record, credit spreads have narrowed, and firms with strong credit ratings are issuing debt without government assistance below pre-crisis interest rates. All of these are important indicators for the market health in general; the benefits to self-storage will remain “trickle-down/” So while the global economy is still in recession and is likely to remain so for possibly well into 2010 in some regions, the stock markets are moving ahead and providing encouragement. Keep in mind that backward-looking economic data do not determine future market conditions. Stocks discount future expectations, so one can take a measure of comfort that the upward trend from the depths of last year’s lows will benefit all sectors in time.
All of this bodes well for a move off the severe bear markets of last year, yet commercial real estate still has its trials to face. Namely, the unwinding of unsustainable cap rates, the unwinding of over-leveraged loans issued with unsustainable loan variables: interest rate, debt service coverage ratios, and loan to value.
There are also considerable regulatory headwinds and other uncertainties that are impacting the financial sector and the band’s appetite to lend. Additionally to shore up their balance sheets, many financial firms have been force out issue new shares, diluting their shareholder equity and putting downward pressure on their share prices.
The present administration has outlines a new regulatory framework as well. The framework contains elements both positive and negative; in essence, however, these changes appear to be largely benign. All of these legislative efforts will be significantly negotiated and reworked before any changes are ratified, so it is still too early to opine about ultimate outcomes and effects. Nonetheless, financial sector firms remain in listening mode for new legislation which may impact their functionality in both intended and unintended ways.
In summary, there is reason to be highly encouraged by recent market activities and there are significant sighs that we are improving, however it will not be without setbacks and will continue to require a demonstration of patience, especially for those in commercial real estate. Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, but high debt and job losses will keep consumers from spending as much in the next few years as they have in the past; this contributes to the slow speed of the economic recovery timeline.
For more information or to order the 2010 Almanac, visit ministoragemessenger.com
Market Conditions: One Step At A Time To Recovery
On the positive side, conditions in the capital markets have improved with the breath-of-life stimulus packages around the globe. First and foremost, we are at the beginning of the largest global wave of monetary and fiscal stimulus ever on an absolute and relative basis. The wisdom of certain initiatives can be debated, as there is little doubt that overall they will have a meaningful positive economic effect in the short, medium, and long term. Many continue to have concerns that this massive money creation will soon lead to explosive inflation. The counter point is that higher inflation won’t become a realized risk, for at least a couple of years; even then, a problematic inflation is not inevitable per se. Central bankers are correctly providing liquidity in an effort to stave off deflation and bolster financial institution balance sheets. Inflation is unlikely until a more robust economic recovery causes money velocity to reaccelerate and business capacity becomes again more fully utilized.
Encouraging signs of normalcy include capital market signals such as: credit markets have eased considerably from last year’s severe dysfunction, interbank lending rates dropped to their lowest levels on record, credit spreads have narrowed, and firms with strong credit ratings are issuing debt without government assistance below pre-crisis interest rates. All of these are important indicators for the market health in general; the benefits to self-storage will remain “trickle-down/” So while the global economy is still in recession and is likely to remain so for possibly well into 2010 in some regions, the stock markets are moving ahead and providing encouragement. Keep in mind that backward-looking economic data do not determine future market conditions. Stocks discount future expectations, so one can take a measure of comfort that the upward trend from the depths of last year’s lows will benefit all sectors in time.
All of this bodes well for a move off the severe bear markets of last year, yet commercial real estate still has its trials to face. Namely, the unwinding of unsustainable cap rates, the unwinding of over-leveraged loans issued with unsustainable loan variables: interest rate, debt service coverage ratios, and loan to value.
There are also considerable regulatory headwinds and other uncertainties that are impacting the financial sector and the band’s appetite to lend. Additionally to shore up their balance sheets, many financial firms have been force out issue new shares, diluting their shareholder equity and putting downward pressure on their share prices.
The present administration has outlines a new regulatory framework as well. The framework contains elements both positive and negative; in essence, however, these changes appear to be largely benign. All of these legislative efforts will be significantly negotiated and reworked before any changes are ratified, so it is still too early to opine about ultimate outcomes and effects. Nonetheless, financial sector firms remain in listening mode for new legislation which may impact their functionality in both intended and unintended ways.
In summary, there is reason to be highly encouraged by recent market activities and there are significant sighs that we are improving, however it will not be without setbacks and will continue to require a demonstration of patience, especially for those in commercial real estate. Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, but high debt and job losses will keep consumers from spending as much in the next few years as they have in the past; this contributes to the slow speed of the economic recovery timeline.
For more information or to order the 2010 Almanac, visit ministoragemessenger.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
MiniCo Company BBQ
What a great time we all had! Delicious food and great company. Check out the photos below!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Managing in the Great Recession
There is no clear-cut management roadmap for today's recession, as it is unlike past economic slowdown in several ways. This recession is deeper than past recessions. Job losses are a more significant component of this recession, with very high unemployment rates.
Consumer spending is not simply growing more slowly, it has dropped significantly and is unlikely to return to prior levels in the foreseeable future. Consumers' finances are weak, and the spending contraction is a reflection of a change in consumer priorities in favor of saving and cutting debt. In the long term, this will be good for the economy, but in the short term, it will slow recovery in an economy that is seventy percent driven by consumer consumption.
Business consumption is weak as well, causing the recession to affect more business sectors than past recessions. The credit crunch i dampening recovery by slowing access to capital for solid personal and business transactions. For all these reasons, the Great Recession is a different animal than past recessions, and the management techniques required to survive ant thrive in this new economy are different as well.
To remain stable in tumultuous economic times, owners and managers must focus on their core competencies, honing efficiencies yet still pursuing the most promising opportunities.
(From page 115 of the 2010 Self-Storage Almanac)
Consumer spending is not simply growing more slowly, it has dropped significantly and is unlikely to return to prior levels in the foreseeable future. Consumers' finances are weak, and the spending contraction is a reflection of a change in consumer priorities in favor of saving and cutting debt. In the long term, this will be good for the economy, but in the short term, it will slow recovery in an economy that is seventy percent driven by consumer consumption.
Business consumption is weak as well, causing the recession to affect more business sectors than past recessions. The credit crunch i dampening recovery by slowing access to capital for solid personal and business transactions. For all these reasons, the Great Recession is a different animal than past recessions, and the management techniques required to survive ant thrive in this new economy are different as well.
To remain stable in tumultuous economic times, owners and managers must focus on their core competencies, honing efficiencies yet still pursuing the most promising opportunities.
(From page 115 of the 2010 Self-Storage Almanac)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Don't Miss our Upcoming FREE Webinar
Sign up now for our FREE webinar: Roof Inspections, Maintenance and Coatings: Tasks You Need to Address Now.
Presented by Bill Shanko, Regional Manager, D.C. Taylor Co. & Kathy Schoch, Sales Manager, KST Coatings Sponsored and presented by D.C. Taylor Co.
Moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing
Spring is here, and it’s time for self-storage owners and managers to inspect their facilities and identify maintenance tasks. In this webinar, Bill Shanko and Kathy Schoch will provide information about the importance of roof inspections and maintenance.
Bill Shanko is a Regional Manager for D.C. Taylor Co. Bill has been with the company since 2003 beginning as a laborer and working his way up to Regional Manager. He now specializes in identifying and solving roofing problems for a variety of industries, most notably self-storage facilities. Bill has participated in several self-storage trade shows where he has made presentations on topics such as maximizing your budget with roof restoration and implementing energy-saving roof system solutions.
Kathy Schoch is a Sales Manager for KST Coatings, a business unit of The Sherwin-Williams Company. She has 21 years of experience with the Uniflex® industrial roof coatings.
Presented by Bill Shanko, Regional Manager, D.C. Taylor Co. & Kathy Schoch, Sales Manager, KST Coatings Moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing
Spring is here, and it’s time for self-storage owners and managers to inspect their facilities and identify maintenance tasks. In this webinar, Bill Shanko and Kathy Schoch will provide information about the importance of roof inspections and maintenance.
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
- Benefits of Roof Inspections and Maintenance
- Prolonging Roof Service Life with Reflective Coatings
- Saving Energy and Promoting Sustainability with Cool Roofs
Bill Shanko is a Regional Manager for D.C. Taylor Co. Bill has been with the company since 2003 beginning as a laborer and working his way up to Regional Manager. He now specializes in identifying and solving roofing problems for a variety of industries, most notably self-storage facilities. Bill has participated in several self-storage trade shows where he has made presentations on topics such as maximizing your budget with roof restoration and implementing energy-saving roof system solutions.
Kathy Schoch is a Sales Manager for KST Coatings, a business unit of The Sherwin-Williams Company. She has 21 years of experience with the Uniflex® industrial roof coatings.
Click Here to Register Now!
Self-Storage & Social Media
The way businesses communicate with their customers and potential customers has changed. Using social media to share information about your company is more critical than ever. According to a study by Forrester Research, over 80% of Americans use social media on at least a monthly basis. If you are not effectively using social media, you are missing out on crucial marketing opportunities.A couple of months ago, we put on a webinar titled "Self-Storage & Social Media: How to Make it Work Without Wasting Time & Money."
If you are interested in putting social media to work for your self-storage business, this is a great webinar to watch for tips and ideas on how to get started.
The webinar, presented by Derek Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions and Rebecca Morse, focuses on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and:
•The Ever-Growing Social Network
•Live Demonstrations of Social Media Sites
•Time-Saving Tools to Increase Efficiency
•How Self-Storage Facilities Are Using Social Media
•How to Get Started & Best Practices for Your Facility
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage Pre-Sale!
Increase demand, occupancy and income. That’s the goal of The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage by industry icon M. Anne Ballard. The president and founder of Universal Management Company will walk you through the steps to prepare your facility for customers, market effectively, generate more on-site visits, and rent more units. Her techniques have been proven over years of trial-and-error proofing in self-storage facilities nationwide. Topics include:
- Telling Your Facility’s Story
- Practical Solutions for Improving Store Performance
- Proven Programs Anyone Can Use
- Step-By-Step Marketing Instructions
- Real-Time Processes That Maximize Your Marketing
- An A-To-Z Guide for Marketing, Management and Team Motivation
Edmund Wagner Named Production Manager for MiniCo Publishing
MiniCo Publishing’s Edmund Wagner has been promoted to the position of Production Manager reporting to Publisher Poppy Behrens. Mr. Wagner joined MiniCo Publishing in 2008 as Production Coordinator for the division’s multiple periodical and annual self-storage industry publications. In his new position, he will also be responsible for classified ad sales.
Mr. Wagner’s previous experience includes production for several other publications including Broker Agent Magazine as well as a diverse range of print items for At-a-Glance®/Mead®. He holds an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, Ind.
MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now! magazine, the annual Self-Storage Almanac, and the annual Self-Storage Development Handbook.
Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.
Mr. Wagner’s previous experience includes production for several other publications including Broker Agent Magazine as well as a diverse range of print items for At-a-Glance®/Mead®. He holds an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, Ind.
MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now! magazine, the annual Self-Storage Almanac, and the annual Self-Storage Development Handbook.
Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.
Erica Shatzer Named Editor of MiniCo’s RV & Boat Storage Publication
MiniCo Publishing’s Erica Shatzer has been named Editor of the company’s biannual RV & Boat Storage Today and will be responsible for managing the publication’s editorial direction and content as well as editing and writing features and columns. She also serves as the editor of the quarterly Mobile Self-Storage Magazine and Self-Storage Now! magazine and associate editor for MiniCo’s other publications including the Mini-Storage Messenger and Self-Storage Almanac.Ms. Shatzer joined MiniCo Publishing in October 2007. Her previous experience includes positions as Marketing Professional for State College, Pa.-based AccuWeather, Inc., and Marketing Manager for Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland of Allenwood, Pa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.
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