hen I started in the self-storage industry 24 years ago, I knew nothing about it other than that I had used storage and paid more money than my stuff was worth to keep it in the unit. Less than 30 days after joining MiniCo Publishing, I attended my first tradeshow. I felt like a deer in the headlights. Fortunately, Hardy Good introduced me to three people who would become my mentors over the next few years and beyond.
One of those mentors was, and still is, my dear friend Anne Ballard. When I met her at that very first trade show in September 2000, I was immediately impressed with her knowledge, her bigger-than-life personality, and her unbelievable knowledge of this industry that was so new to me. Shortly after that, I attended a seminar that she did in Arizona and was once again completely absorbed in everything she had to say. She was intelligent, her presentation was outstanding, and above all, she was a woman in an industry dominated by men.
I have so many fond memories of Miss Anne, also known as The Hat Lady! One year her facility of the year entries arrived while I was at the fall SSA tradeshow. When I returned to Phoenix, I couldn’t get into my office because there were six huge boxes that included her entries. They were beautiful with baskets and giveaways from the facility she was nominating. Perhaps one of my best memories is the day I finally convinced her to write a book for us. She agreed, with one condition: The title was to be “The Hat Lady Speaks!” And so it was, cementing that unique title as the Hat Lady forever more.
Anne is retiring at the end of the year. Hence, starting on page 82, this issue’s cover story focuses on The Hat Lady and her many accomplishments in the industry. In addition, you will find photographs of her industry peers who honored her by wearing hats at the SSA show this year. The event, hosted by MSM and USG, with special participation by On The Move, was a huge success and an amazing send-off for a very special colleague and friend to all.
Congratulations on your retirement, Miss Anne! I will forever be grateful for everything you taught me and the guidance you’ve given me over 24 years. You are an icon in this industry! We all wish you a wonderful retirement!
Publisher
hen I started in the self-storage industry 24 years ago, I knew nothing about it other than that I had used storage and paid more money than my stuff was worth to keep it in the unit. Less than 30 days after joining MiniCo Publishing, I attended my first tradeshow. I felt like a deer in the headlights. Fortunately, Hardy Good introduced me to three people who would become my mentors over the next few years and beyond.
One of those mentors was, and still is, my dear friend Anne Ballard. When I met her at that very first trade show in September 2000, I was immediately impressed with her knowledge, her bigger-than-life personality, and her unbelievable knowledge of this industry that was so new to me. Shortly after that, I attended a seminar that she did in Arizona and was once again completely absorbed in everything she had to say. She was intelligent, her presentation was outstanding, and above all, she was a woman in an industry dominated by men.
Anne is retiring at the end of the year. Hence, starting on page 82, this issue’s cover story focuses on The Hat Lady and her many accomplishments in the industry. In addition, you will find photographs of her industry peers who honored her by wearing hats at the SSA show this year. The event, hosted by MSM and USG, with special participation by On The Move, was a huge success and an amazing send-off for a very special colleague and friend to all.
Congratulations on your retirement, Miss Anne! I will forever be grateful for everything you taught me and the guidance you’ve given me over 24 years. You are an icon in this industry! We all wish you a wonderful retirement!
Publisher