Veteran Self Storage Developer Integrates Facility Automation with Every Project

Veteran Self Storage Developer Integrates Facility Automation with Every Project.

January, 16 2018 – Industry veteran Dave Fegley of Park Avenue Consulting, LLC. has been developing self storage projects for over 35 years throughout Iowa and the Midwest. Having built, managed and sold multiple storage facilities over the years, he currently consults on new projects, and as you might guess, he’s learned a few lessons along the way. While there are of course numerous factors that go into building and running a successful self-storage business, Fegley specifically cites self-service kiosks from OpenTech Alliance as one of the “keys to running a profitable facility”, saying he “recommends them to everyone:”

“We installed our first OpenTech kiosk in Sioux City and the whole facility was rented out in six months. Everyone really loved that machine. They’d go to the kiosk before they go see the manager. Even the customers who were reluctant at first… once they pushed the button and saw how easy it was to use, they didn’t come into the office anymore.”

It wasn’t just how quickly the facility filled up that sold Fegley on automation: “One of the great things about the kiosks is how they really free everyone up to work on more important tasks… you’re free to do whatever you need to do.” Since then, Fegley has installed OpenTech Kiosks at every one of his facilities, and integrates them from the start into his planning. “As always”, he says: “its location, location, location: Placement of the kiosk on the property is critical, as is proper signage and communication directing customers to it.” “Building (a kiosk) into the plan from the start helps to maximize the return you get over the long run”.

Mike Connolly, OpenTechs’ COO adds: “to make the most of our products, they really should be considered as an integral part of the business. Then, with some simple, common-sense best practices, they add value in a number of ways that are helpful to both managers and customers alike. We’ve seen numerous self-storage facilities over the years transformed with the help of a little well-placed technology. Hearing this kind of feedback from repeat customers like Dave and many others just validates what we do here at OpenTech, and keeps us focused on our mission to help self-storage owners work smarter.”