MODERN STORAGE®
Home/Episodes/Why He Made the Switch | Modern Storage® Unpacked

May 12, 2025

Why He Made the Switch | Modern Storage® Unpacked

Episode Summary

Dane from Regal Construction joins Modern Storage® to share why he walked away from his previous storage facility and chose Modern Storage® instead. He breaks down the specific frustrations that pushed him to make the switch and what he found on the other side. This episode is a real-world look at what businesses actually need from a storage provider when the basics stop being enough.

Key Takeaways

1

A business customer shares the specific pain points that made him leave his previous storage facility

2

Service quality, security, and available space are the factors that ultimately drove his decision to switch to Modern Storage®

3

The episode offers a practical perspective on what commercial storage customers prioritize when choosing a facility

Episode Notes

In this episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked, hosts Modern Storage® welcome Dane from Regal Construction to share his experience switching storage facilities. Dane walks through what led to his decision to leave his previous provider and explains exactly what he was looking for when he found Modern Storage®. His perspective as a contractor gives the conversation a grounded, practical angle that many business owners in trades and construction will immediately recognize. The episode centers on a common but underexplored topic in the self storage industry: the commercial client experience. While much of the storage industry conversation focuses on residential renters, business owners like Dane represent a significant and demanding segment of the market. Contractors, construction companies, and trade businesses rely on their storage units as working extensions of their operations. When a facility falls short, the impact goes beyond inconvenience and can affect job schedules, equipment access, and overall business performance. Modern Storage® dig into the specific pain points Dane encountered at his previous facility. The discussion likely covers gaps in customer service responsiveness, concerns about on-site security, and limitations around unit size or access hours that did not align with the demands of running a construction business. These are recurring friction points that drive commercial tenants to seek out better options, and Dane's account puts a real face on data points the industry often discusses in the abstract. The conversation also covers what made Modern Storage® stand out as a replacement. Dane speaks to the service quality, the security features, and the physical space available to him, three factors that came together to meet his business needs in a way his previous facility could not. This part of the episode is particularly useful for storage operators looking to understand what commercial tenants actually evaluate when choosing or leaving a facility. For listeners in the self storage industry, whether they are operators, developers, or investors, this episode provides direct feedback from a real commercial tenant. Hearing from someone like Dane offers insight into what drives retention and referrals among business clients. The episode reinforces that amenities and square footage matter, but so does the day-to-day experience of working with a facility's staff and trusting its security systems. Modern Storage® Unpacked consistently uses guest conversations to connect broader industry trends to real-world stories, and this episode follows that pattern well. Dane's account of switching facilities is ultimately a case study in what separates an average storage provider from one that earns long-term commercial tenants. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of what business owners prioritize and how storage facilities can position themselves to win and keep that type of customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the topics covered in this episode.

What are the most common reasons business owners switch self storage facilities?

The most common reasons business owners leave one storage facility for another are poor customer service, inadequate security, and units that do not fit their operational needs. For contractors and tradespeople specifically, unreliable access and a lack of responsiveness from facility staff tend to be the final straw. Once a facility fails to support daily business operations, the cost of staying outweighs the hassle of moving.

What should a construction or trades business look for in a self storage facility?

A construction or trades business needs a facility that offers strong perimeter and unit-level security, flexible access hours, and unit sizes large enough to store equipment, materials, and vehicles. Responsive on-site or management staff matters just as much as physical features, since operational problems need fast resolution. Climate control and drive-up access are also worth prioritizing depending on what is being stored.

How does bad self storage service affect a contractor's business?

When a storage facility fails a contractor, the impact shows up on the job site. Missing or compromised equipment means delays, rescheduled crews, and extra costs to replace or source tools on short notice. Over time, an unreliable storage situation creates operational drag that cuts into margins and damages a contractor's reputation for showing up prepared.

What makes a self storage facility worth switching to as a business owner?

A facility is worth switching to when it demonstrably improves on what the previous one got wrong, whether that is better security systems, more attentive staff, or units that actually fit business-scale storage needs. The switching cost is real, so business owners are looking for a clear and sustained upgrade, not a marginal difference. Facilities that earn commercial customers typically do so by treating business tenants as a priority segment rather than an afterthought.

Is self storage a good option for contractors who need to store tools and equipment?

Self storage can work very well for contractors as long as the facility has the right combination of security, access, and unit size. Drive-up units are especially practical for loading and unloading heavy equipment, and facilities with 24-hour access accommodate early morning and late-night job schedules. The key is finding a facility that understands commercial use and has the infrastructure to support it reliably.

Enjoying the show?

Subscribe and never miss a new episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked™.

Listen on SpotifyWatch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode

The Modern Storage® facilities and services this conversation covers.

More Episodes

View all →
Self Storage Hot Takes: Keep It or Get Rid of It? 🔥 | Ep. 86 | MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™

Oct 14, 2026

Self Storage Hot Takes: Keep It or Get Rid of It? 🔥 | Ep. 86 | MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™

"If you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it." Sounds completely reasonable… until we're talking about the clothes in YOUR closet that still have tags on them. 🔥 In Episode 86 of MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™, Hannah and Kaylee are taking on self-storage hot takes in a round of agree or disagree — and let's just say they are not always on the same side of the table. From decluttering rules to moving in the summer, they're weighing in on the advice everyone has heard — and finding out exactly where their opinions fall apart. Some takes are easy. Others get surprisingly personal. And at least one of them ends in a full closet defense. 😂 In this episode: Agree or disagree: if you haven't used it in a year, it's time to let it go The clothes we haven't worn in years — and why we're absolutely still keeping them Seasonal items and the very valid "someone might need this someday" argument Moving in the Arkansas summer and the one opinion that finally brings them together ☀️😅 How differently we all think about our stuff — and what that means for storage Whether you're planning a move, clearing out your home, renting a storage unit, or working in the self-storage industry — come ready to pick a side. 👀 Which hot take do you agree with — and which one would you fight to the death over? Drop it in the comments. 👇 🔔 Subscribe to MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™ for more storage tips, facility tours, industry insights, and the occasional friendly debate! About MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™ Hosted by Hannah and Kaylee, MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™ brings you practical storage advice, real-life scenarios, honest opinions, and conversations from inside the self-storage industry. A podcast by Modern Storage® — proudly serving communities across Arkansas with locations in West Little Rock, North Little Rock, Riverdale, Shackleford, Bryant, Bentonville, Springdale, Lowell, Maumelle, and Hot Springs. 🌐 https://www.modernstorage.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern.storage 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernstorage 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernstorage 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-storage ▶️ YouTube: @modernstorage #ModernStorageUnpacked #ModernStorage #SelfStorage #Decluttering #MovingTips #StorageTips #HotTakes #ArkansasStorage #ClutterFree #StorageLife #AgreeOrDisagree #MovingDay #SummerMoving #SelfStorageLife #StorageIndustry #ArkansasMoving

Read Episode
Our Storage Facility Got a Little Spooky 👻 | Modern Storage® #Shorts
ShortFacility Management

Oct 10, 2026

Our Storage Facility Got a Little Spooky 👻 | Modern Storage® #Shorts

Modern Storage® gets into the Halloween spirit with a lighthearted short that brings some spooky fun to the self storage world. This episode features a ghost who apparently has great taste in eyewear, making for a playful seasonal moment from the Modern Storage® team. It is a quick, festive break from the usual industry content that shows the personality behind the brand.

Watch Short
Moving in Summer? We Already Know How This Ends 🥵
ShortCustomer Questions

Oct 8, 2026

Moving in Summer? We Already Know How This Ends 🥵

Modern Storage® tackles one of the most universally dreaded moving experiences: relocating in peak summer heat. This episode pulls a clip from Episode 86 of Modern Storage® Unpacked™: Self Storage Hot Takes, where the conversation around summer moving lands with immediate, shared recognition. It is the kind of topic where both sides of the debate are wrong, and everyone already knows it.

Watch Short

Never miss an episode.

Subscribe and get new episodes every week.

SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTubeiHeart Radio