Grape Expectations

According to Proverbs(21:17), "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine andoil shall not be rich." But I prefer the sentiments of Ralph Waldo Emerson:"Give me wine to wash me clean from the weather-stains of care."

Operators of this industry have recently uncovered a new niche business: wine storage.Though not appropriate for every market, it has earned popularity in areas offering noviable alternative for storing such collections. At the Inside Self-Storage Expo inNashville this year, industry gurus Jim Chiswell and Joe Niemczyk joined George McCord ofSoutheast Storage and Development in a presentation on this ancillary's potential.George's facility, Plantation Self Storage, Bluffton, S.C., features 88 wine-storagelockers with a total capacity for 2,032 cases of wine. He shares information onconstruction costs, rental averages, facility layout, presentation and more. Thoughwine-storage revenues can be attractive, what's more important is how it can differentiateyour project from others in your area.

This time ofyear is generally one of celebration for family, customers and employees. Regardless ofyour individual holiday traditions, creating a festive environment this season will notonly brighten people's spirits, but generate warm sentiments about your business withinthe local community. Refer to page 60 for ideas on decorating for the holidays. Andhowever you choose to celebrate, keep in mind that gatherings involving alcohol can causeliabilities for you as an employer and business owner. Fred Steingold warns against somecommon legal risks.

Also in this issue, Jeff Kinder emphasizes the importance of regularly evaluating andpricing your self-storage product. Regardless of what climate of competition you may face,it is crucial not to undervalue your facility. R.K. Kliebenstein takes a close look atemployment issues, addressing questions such as: When is the time for a staffing change?What will a change cost my business? and How can I better solve my business challenges?

At the turn of the century in England, it was a custom for the host of a fashionabledinner party to choose both the giver and subject of a toast. During one such gathering,Nobel Prize-winning writer George Bernard Shaw was asked to tip his glass and toast to thethen taboo topic of sex. In a marvelous comeback that observed propriety, Shaw graciouslyquipped, "It gives me great pleasure." I hope this issue, too, delights you.

Happy Holidays,

Teri L. Lanza
Editor
[email protected]