How to enjoy our new magazine:
Just scroll!
Click or tap the table of contents icon in the menu bar to find any article.
Read any article by clicking or tapping the read full article button below each article intro.
Jump back to your previous browsing spot from any article using the menu bar or back to issue button.
![Travis M. Morrow headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0007_travis-morrow.webp)
![Poppy Behrens headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0006_poppy-behrens.webp)
![Lauri Longstrom-Henderson headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0005_lauri-longstrom-henderson.webp)
![Jeffrey Pettingill headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0003_jeffrey-pettingill.webp)
![Erica Shatzer headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0002_erica-shatzer.webp)
![Barbie Boyle headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0000_barbie-boyle.webp)
![Jim Nissen headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0004_jim-nissen.webp)
![Brad Hadfield headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/0001_brad-hadfield.webp)
![Poppy Behrens in dress, smiling with arms crossed](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/09/poppy-behrens-standing-scaled.webp)
hen MiniCo Insurance’s founder Hardy Good started producing a monthly newsletter to promote the company’s self-storage insurance products back in 1979, he had no way of knowing that Mini-Storage Messenger, “the original voice of the self-storage industry,” would become the most respected trade magazine within the steadily growing asset class. As its page count, issue frequency, and number of subscribers increased, Mini-Storage Messenger gradually developed into a full-fledged publication with a publishing department dedicated to its continued success and the development of additional storage-specific educational resources.
Now, more than 43 years and 40,000-plus pages later, Messenger magazine has once again been upgraded! Under new ownership, Mini-Storage Messenger has a new outlook and a new name, Modern Storage Media (MSM). To complement that progression, MSM has modernized its print and digital publications with a technology-focused approach and new features that elevate the reading experience for subscribers and advertisers alike. Though pushing the publishing envelop with advanced formats, MSM remains committed to providing high-quality content and sharing exclusive breaking news on its enriched website ModernStorageMedia.com. There’s no longer a need to scour the web for storage-related information, The Truth Is Right Here.
As MSM turns the page on its past as a publisher and transforms into a modern media company, it is elated to better serve the self-storage industry through its redesigned publications, revolutionary offerings, and website.
Welcome to our new chapter!
![Poppy Behrens signature](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/poppy-behrens-signature2.png)
Publisher
![MSM new website mock](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/09/msm-website.webp)
- Breaking news updated daily
- Real-time sales and acquisitions updates
- A newly redesigned calendar of events
- Enhanced promotional opportunities for advertisers
The website also enables readers to submit news, events, and article ideas. Don’t forget to browse the MSM Store for dozens of exclusive, storage-specific publications, including three of the industry’s most trusted resources: the annual Self-Storage Almanac, The RV & Boat Development Handbook, and the annual Expense Guidebook. New publications are frequently added to its extensive list of offerings!
Good things
come in
flat
packages.
Foldable storage, delivered to your door.
![side view illustration of a Boxwell collapsed container with the fork life holes visible](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-boxwell-image.jpg)
![R3 Janus International Group Logo](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/01-janus-logo.png)
MASS Relocatable Storage Units
![MASS Green storage units with money](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/MASS_Greener.webp)
more money and long-term ROI
![](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-prorize-fig-02.png)
![Prorize Revenue Management AI Platform](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-prorize-fig-01.png)
![identical grey retriever dogs](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/Identically_Different_Retrievers.jpg)
![M Inside](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/m-inside.png)
-
Managing Your Cybersecurity RisksPage 18
-
Understanding Cost Per Tenant AcquisitionPage 24
-
Networking In A Digital WorldPage 31
-
Technology’s New Twist On An Old ProblemPage 36
-
Temperature Control Vs. Climate ControlPage 40
-
Mastering Video Content Marketing With The Three PsPage 44
-
What Privacy Exists In A Self-Storage Unit?Page 46
![You Play](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-platinum-fig-04.png)
![man swinging a golf club](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-platinum-fig-01.jpg)
![man swinging a golf club](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-platinum-fig-01.jpg)
![You Play](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-platinum-fig-04.png)
![We Manage](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-platinum-fig-05.png)
READY TO GET STARTED? CALL: 949-627-5887 or EMAIL: BizDev@PlatinumStorage.com
www.platinumstorage.com | 4920 Campus Drive, Suite A, Newport Beach, CA 92660
-
Considerations For Successful Self-Storage ConversionsPage 90
-
Architectural Firms Revolutionize Self-Storage SpacesPage 94
-
New Facilities In The Lone Star StatePage 96
-
A Beginner’s Guide To Developing Self-StoragePage 100
-
National Self Storage SIL1 in Marana, Ariz.Page 104
- Chief Executive Opinion by Travis Morrow 12
- Publisher’s Letter by Poppy Behrens 15
- Women In Self-Storage: Bonnie T. Reddick by Erica Shatzer 51
- Who’s Who In Self-Storage: Nathan Davenport by Erica Shatzer 55
- Charity Storage 113
- StorageGives 117
- Messenger News 122
- The Last Word: Adam Karnes 128
![From Site to Finish](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-sbs-fig-07.png)
![Stor Self Storage](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-sbs-fig-01.jpg)
![SBS Construction: Over 27 Years in Business](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-sbs-fig-05.png)
![Storage facility](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-sbs-fig-02.jpg)
![ExtraSpace Storage facility](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-sbs-fig-03.jpg)
![Storage facility](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/msm-september-2023-ad-sbs-fig-04.jpg)
17 Scenic Loop Rd.,
Boerne, TX 78006
830-388-7620
38418 W. Airline Dr.,
Prairieville, LA 70769
225-475-9720
TEXAS • LOUISIANA • NEW MEXICO • COLORADO • KANSAS • MISSOURI • TENNESSEE • NORTH CAROLINA • SOUTH CAROLINA • GEORGIA • FLORIDA • ALABAMA • MISSISSIPPI • ARKANSAS • OKLAHOMA
![M icon](/assets/2023/09/m-icon-site.png)
![Travis Morrow as a popular meme with Phoenix is the Capital of Self Storage Change My Mind written on a banner](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/travis-meme.webp)
’m from Arizona, so you could say I’m biased, but in my experience, Phoenix has a dense population of industry vendors, leaders, publications, and operators. More so than anywhere else in the country.
He’s also the president of National Self Storage.
![Messenger logo](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/messenger-logo2.png)
-
PUBLISHER
Poppy Behrens
-
Creative Director
Jeffry Pettingill
-
Director Of Sales & Marketing
Lauri Longstrom-Henderson
(800) 824-6864 -
Circulation & Marketing Coordinator
Barbie Boyle
(800) 352-4636 -
Editor
Erica Shatzer
-
Web Manager / News Writer
Brad Hadfield
-
Design Director
Jim Nissen
-
Storelocal® Media Corporation
Travis M. Morrow, CEO
-
Websites
-
Visit Messenger Online!
Visit our Self-Storage Resource Center online at
www.ModernStorageMedia.com
where you can research archived articles, sign up for a subscription, submit a change of address. - All correspondence and inquiries should be addressed to:
Modern Storage Media
PO Box 608
Wittmann, AZ 85361-9997
Phone: (800) 352-4636
![Moving & Storage logo](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-moving_storage_logo.png)
![A Total Merchandise Solution Self-Storage Operators in Canada](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-typography_01.png)
A Total Merchandise Solution Self-Storage Operators in Canada
Moving & Storage® Brand of Products | Specialized Merchandise for Self-Storage Facilities
![mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-typography_02_v2 Moving & Storage® Brand of Products | Specialized Merchandise for Self-Storage Facilities](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-typography_02_v2.png)
Visit advantagebox.com for our full product selection
For orders call +1 (888) 922-2325 or email info@advantagebox.com
![Canadian flag icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-canadian_flag_icon.jpg)
![Coin Stack Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-coin_stack_icon.png)
![Delivery Truck Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-delivery_truck_icon.png)
![Canadian Maple Leaf Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-canadian_maple_leaf_icon.png)
![Dollar bill with Prohibit symbol Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-no_import_duties_icon.png)
![Check Mark Box Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-checkmark_box_icon.png)
![Timer Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-fast_timer_icon.png)
![Smiling person with 5 stars Icon](/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-customer_5_star_icon.png)
!["Lowest Prices for Any Volume Ordered" seal](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-lowest_prices_seal.png)
!["Free Shipping on Select Items*" seal](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-free_shipping_seal.png)
!["Online Ordering" seal](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/mini_storage_messenger_sept23-advantage_box-online_ordering_seal.png)
Product Categories
Moving & Storage Boxes • Cargo Control • Dollies & Carts • Floor Protection • Mattress Bags • Moving Aids • Moving Pads Packing Paper • Protective Packaging • Retail & Manager Locks • Stretch Wrap & Tape
Visit advantagebox.com for our full product selection
*subject to minimums
![M icon](/assets/2023/09/m-icon-site.png)
elcome to the all-new Messenger! After much anticipation, the time has finally arrived to share this cutting-edge version of the magazine with you!
Whether you are holding a pristine print copy or scrolling through the advanced digital edition, there are numerous modernizations throughout its pages to uncover. You’ve likely already noticed our new company name, Modern Storage Media, or MSM for short, and the magazine’s abridged title, Messenger—both of which align with our renewed emphasis on delivering timely, relevant, and expanded content aimed at enabling you to improve operations at your self-storage facilities.
![Poppy Behrens headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/poppy-headshot.webp)
![Poppy Behrens headshot](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/08/poppy-headshot.webp)
elcome to the all-new Messenger! After much anticipation, the time has finally arrived to share this cutting-edge version of the magazine with you!
Whether you are holding a pristine print copy or scrolling through the advanced digital edition, there are numerous modernizations throughout its pages to uncover. You’ve likely already noticed our new company name, Modern Storage Media, or MSM for short, and the magazine’s abridged title, Messenger—both of which align with our renewed emphasis on delivering timely, relevant, and expanded content aimed at enabling you to improve operations at your self-storage facilities.
![M icon](/assets/2023/09/m-icon-site.png)
elf-storage companies are rapidly adopting digital systems to improve their operations. The implementation of technology in self-storage facilities has led to numerous conveniences for both facility operators and tenants.
The modernization involves streamlining tasks such as renting procedures, accepting payments through online portals, implementing mobile access control, and leveraging video surveillance. By transitioning to online services, storage providers can not only enhance the customer experience but also systemize operations and enhance physical security measures. Leading vendors in this arena include SiteLink, Yardi, and storEDGE, all of which offer comprehensive digital management tools.
Through these vendors’ services, self-storage companies can create a seamless digital experience for their clients, with the intent of keeping sensitive data protected from potential cybersecurity threats. However, with this digitalization comes vulnerabilities and an increased risk of cyberattacks. From individual operators to the largest companies, the self-storage industry is realizing that it is not immune to the threats posed by cybercriminals.
![Messenger logo](https://digital.modernstoragemedia.com/assets/2023/09/messeneger-mast-logo-red.png)