By Taylor Bushey

n a world where technology often overshadows personal interaction, StoreEase is making waves in the storage industry by merging cutting-edge technology with exceptional customer service. Located on Rosewood Circle in Loganville, Ga., which is 36 miles east of Atlanta and part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, StoreEase is not your average storage facility; it’s an innovative shift in how we think about storage solutions. With its innovative Virtual Management Operating System (VMOS) and virtual managers, StoreEase is redefining convenience and accessibility in self-storage.

StorEase Loganville’s journey began in 2018, when local entrepreneurs Denny Hewell, a commercial construction expert, and Kris Rosendahl, a home builder, teamed up for their first self-storage project. They acquired a prime plot of land near a growing housing development along Highway 78 that offers both excellent visibility and easy access—two necessities to adequately serve the expanding, surrounding community, which includes the neighborhoods of Monroe, Between, Grayson, and Graystone.

Founded on the principles of modern technology and superior customer service, StoreEase operates under a unique model that blends high-tech solutions with personal touch. CEO Josh Boyd says, “We essentially reproduce the traditional model, just in a digital form.” With VMOS, the facility can manage its operations remotely; this includes every aspect of property management, such as overlocking and unlocking doors, controlling office hours, and engaging with customers, which is done through a virtual counter that resembles a high-tech kiosk with a two-way screen that is activated through motion sensors.

The implementation of this system has proven effective. Since its inception, StoreEase has reported a remarkable conversion rate of 72 percent for new leads. “We have someone in the office from 8 to 6 all day, every day, in terms of the virtual presence to greet new customers and existing tenants,” says Boyd. This model not only expands accessibility but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for both new and returning clients.

One of the standout features of StoreEase is its virtual management team, which interacts with approximately 68 percent of new customers before or at the time of rental. Boyd emphasizes the importance of this interaction, stating, “The office, the virtual manager component, is a critical piece of what we’re doing.” Customers can engage with these virtual managers in person, over the phone, or through the facility’s website, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of how they choose to connect.

For customers who choose to go inside the office, they are (almost instantly) greeted by a virtual manager who appears on screen at the rental counter. Like motion sensing lights, sensors within the rental office activate the initial greeting that welcomes the visitor to the facility. Following the greeting, an “in-call transfer” is completed, routing the interaction to one of StoreEase’s virtual managers.

According to Boyd, tenant notes within the management software are used to provide a tailored experience to each customer. Customers can build rapport with the company’s virtual managers as well thanks to “force ranking” within its software that connects customers with the same virtual managers they’ve communicated with during previous on-site interactions. StoreEase’s virtual management platform also provides a streamlined rental process with its trademarked move-in app that allows for a quick 2 Minute Move-In^® at any StoreEase location. The app is located in StoreEase’s Customer Rental Centers as well as on its website for after-hours rentals.

Feedback from customers reflects this commitment to service. The facility boasts a five-star rating on Google, with 36 reviews received since it opened in August of 2023, and most of those reviews praise the facility’s friendly and helpful virtual staff. Boyd mentions reviews like, “Bailey was very friendly and helpful,” and “He was the best customer service rep I’ve dealt with in many years,” both of which showcase the impact of their virtual management approach.

While the high-tech aspect of StoreEase is impressive, Boyd emphasizes the need for balance. “A lot of people want high-tech, but inherently, with this high-technology approach, people get a little bit nervous,” he says. StoreEase’s strategy is to blend high-tech solutions with high-touch service, making customers feel comfortable and supported as they navigate their storage needs.

This hybrid model is especially important in Loganville, which Boyd describes as a “fourth-tier market,” where older facilities and lower service levels are the norm. StoreEase differentiates itself through its modern amenities and attentive customer care, providing a compelling reason for customers to choose them over traditional storage options.

Inside, StoreEase Loganville welcomes customers with a sleek and modern Welcome Center. Featuring large windows, tongue-and-groove hardwood floors, and a contemporary design, the space immediately creates a positive impression. The center is designed to showcase demo units in three sizes, complete with a virtual counter equipped with iPads for easy customer interaction. The interior of the facility continues the modern theme with epoxy-coated white floors, dark blue doors, and clear signage. To enhance the overall atmosphere, the space also includes a built-in music system, helping to create a relaxed and enjoyable customer experience from the moment they walk through the door.

The exterior design features a clean, modern aesthetic with brick accents around the base, white walls, and distinctive blue doors, embodying the StoreEase style.

Constructing StoreEase, however, came with its share of unique challenges in the beginning, particularly due to the area’s notorious Georgia clay. The bright orange-red stains left by the clay posed a significant hurdle during construction, especially against the facility’s white exterior.

Continuous rainfall only added to the difficulty, requiring extensive scrubbing to remove the stains and achieve a polished finish. Additionally, the weather delays impacted other parts of the project, such as the pouring of the asphalt. Despite these setbacks, the construction team pushed through, and the result is a stunning facility featuring white walls, brick accents around the base, and the signature blue doors that define the StoreEase brand.

The facility’s striking appearance and innovative features have positioned it as a prominent and recognizable addition to the area. With plans underway to expand by adding another 170 units, StoreEase Loganville demonstrates both a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to meeting local needs.

At the heart of the facility’s innovation is the Nokē Smart Entry system, which integrates seamlessly with StoreEase’s virtual customer service and offers a streamlined and efficient storage experience. The Nokē Smart Entry system eliminates the need for traditional access gates, replacing them with intuitive keypads on all access doors. This technology allows customers to manage their storage experience with ease, using their smartphones to unlock units and navigate the facility. StoreEase Loganville has employed a multifaceted marketing strategy to establish its presence and connect with the local community. From the outset, the facility leveraged digital tools such as Google My Business and online reviews to build awareness and attract customers. Early marketing efforts included special promotions and a prominent billboard at the end of the driveway, capturing the attention of passersby and potential tenants.

StoreEase Loganville stands as a shining example of modern self-storage innovation and community-focused design. The facility’s seamless integration of advanced technologies, such as the Nokē Smart Entry system, with its visually striking and functional design, reflect a profound commitment to enhancing the storage experience. StoreEase Loganville not only revitalizes the self-storage industry but also enriches the local community.

In addition to electronic keypad access and keyless entry, the facility, which is accessible 24/7, utilizes digital video recording as an advanced security measure. The property is also well lit and offers tenant protection plans.

Other touted customer conveniences include moving carts and dollies, automatic payment options, online account management, contactless rentals, acceptance of all major credit cards, and month-to-month rentals. Military discounts and a referral program are two customer incentives currently in place.

As for the single-story site’s 338 units, StoreEase Loganville has a sufficient assortment: indoor units that are heated/climate controlled and drive-up units. They are available in the standard sizes, from 5-by-5s to 10-by-20s, and total 37,250 rentable square feet of storage space.

StoreEase Loganville has employed a multifaceted marketing strategy to establish its presence and connect with the local community. From the outset, the facility leveraged digital tools such as Google My Business and online reviews to build awareness and attract customers. Early marketing efforts included special promotions and a prominent billboard at the end of the driveway, capturing the attention of passersby and potential tenants. These various marketing efforts paid off quickly, as the facility reached 55 percent occupancy in approximately one year.

Looking ahead, StoreEase plans to expand its innovative model across the country. Currently operating in 18 states, with aspirations to reach 20 by the end of the year, Boyd believes this model is scalable and replicable. “This is the most scalable non-traditional model in the industry,” he says. By combining high-tech features with top-tier customer service, StoreEase is well-positioned to thrive in various markets.

Boyd is also eager to introduce new technologies to enhance the customer experience further. However, he recognizes that with any technological advancement comes the potential for issues. He finds similarities with other consumer electronics, where “every technology … has bugs, has things that need updates.” Having a robust customer service framework is essential for addressing any problems that may arise.

Boyd’s insights offer valuable lessons for other storage facilities looking to innovate. “One of the best ways to differentiate yourself now and in the future is delivering great customer service,” he advises. While many companies rush toward adopting the latest technologies, StoreEase prioritizes customer satisfaction as the foundation of its business model. Boyd believes that anchoring their operations in customer service, even amidst a technological revolution, is what drives their success.

StoreEase demonstrates how technology can enhance traditional industries without sacrificing the human element. By creating a storage facility that is not only high-tech but also deeply committed to customer service, StoreEase is setting a new standard in the self-storage market. As they expand their reach and continue to innovate, one thing is clear: the future of storage is not just about space; it’s about creating an experience that values and respects every customer’s needs.

In a landscape where technology often overshadows personal interaction, StoreEase reminds us that a human touch is still vital in building long-term customer relationships.