Florida Seminar Focuses on the Ever-Popular Self Storage Auction

It comes as no surprise that the Florida Self Storage Association (FSSA) will host a three-hour seminar on storage unit delinquencies, lien laws and the auction process on March 31. The hugely-popular TV show, “Storage Wars” has thrust the self storage industry into the limelight and attracted auction bidders in droves across the country – many of whom are novices.  Self storage operators now face high numbers of auction attendees as well as a need to understand the legal process behind a lien sale and how to run a safe and secure auction.

A&E describes its show as a “modern day treasure hunt on the self-storage battleground.” Bidders have five minutes to look at the covered contents of a storage unit and make a guess as to whether it’s trash or treasure. Unfortunately a high number of lien sales is a harsh reality for some storage operators. “How to Manage High Delinquencies” will be addressed by Scott Kelly, management consultant of Synergy Storage Group. Nyle Wells, an auctioneer of Storage Protection Auction Services will present on “Lien Laws and the Auction Process.” Attendees of the FSSA seminar. can choose from two time slots at 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.  The event is free to FSSA members and $100 for non-members and will take place at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport in Tampa, Fla.

Kelly has been in the self storage industry for 13 years with experience as a property and general manager. He now serves as president of SSG Consulting Inc., where he serves as a self storage consultant in several states. His areas of specialty are feasibility studies, unit-mix analysis, lease-up pro formas and management expertise.

There is some concern that “Storage Wars” and shows like it might negatively impact the self storage industry. The auctioned sale of a self storage unit because it was abandoned and repossessed is not something the industry wants broadcast to people. However, the popularity of the shows is driving more people to the auctions and helping to minimize the losses from unpaid units.

The FSSA seminar will address how to deal with ever increasing crowds at the auctions. Wells is a senior instructor and auctioneer with Storage Protection Auction Services, which handles live auctions at self storage facilities throughout Florida.

FSSA is a non-profit organization of business people involved in the self storage industry in Florida. Its members include facility owners, operators, vendors, developers, investors, property managers and suppliers.

Sources Used:

“Florida Self Storage Association Hosts Seminar for Facility Operators, March 31.” Inside Self-Storage. March 1, 2011.

“The Latest Reality Television Star: Self-Storage Units.” Inside Self-Storage. March 3, 2011.