I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together

We all know that seasons change.  Not only within nature, but within humans as well.  I remember the moment I realized I was already homesick for Washington state, it was the moment I saw the top of Mt. Rainier as I drove East on I-90.  However, personal and family matters called us to the Midwest and as the tears rolled down my face, I continued to drive.  When we arrived in KC after spending some time with family in Indiana, I had no idea what was going to happen.  I was working a temporary night job but searching for something to fit my marketing background.  It just so happened, my new landlord also owned a storage facility. I asked him if he was hiring and he was.  I was up to the challenge and was available to work the hours he needed to fill on a part time basis.  Two months later, I became the full-time manager for this little diamond in the rough.  I had a huge challenge facing me, to put Star back on the map, raise our occupancy rate and lower our default rate (including eliminating as many auctions as possible).

Having a background in non-profit development, sales, marketing and database management, I was able to utilize everything I knew and put it to test while learning the self-storage business.  I had extensive experience with property management laws in other states so understanding most of the self-storage legalese was not an issue, either. I succeeded in doing everything he asked from me (and more).  However, what came out of working here went far beyond the scope of anything I thought would be possible: the gift of my customers.  I've worked with Governor's, Senator's, major league athletes, major motion picture executives, tourism professionals, CEO's and financial gurus.  But never have I had the blessing of being able to meet people who aren't forced to put on a presence for all to see.  Blue-collar workers, the unemployed, homeless, military men and women, you name it, these are the people you pass by every single day and the people who visit me.  The one's who serve you at McDonald's.  The one's who serve you at Ruth Chris.  The one's who scan your Fruit Of The Looms at WalMart.  The ones who process your payments and pick the perfect units for you at self-storage facilities.  People who are clad in t-shirts, jeans, capris, tennis shoes, tired, circles under their eyes sometimes, no holds barred, real people.  

Not saying that the other people in my life prior to this weren't real.  That was my lifestyle for a long time.  Heels, suits, meetings, blackberry's, shaking hands, perfect grammar, we know the routine.  It's what is expected.  And contrary to popular belief, these are also pretty incredible people.  Spending time with many of them people after work hours proved they were no different than anyone else I see here every day.  Each possessing his or her own set of heartaches, triumphs, struggles and victories.  The difference is that here, no one has to pretend.  I like that. I want my customers to know when they walk in that although there are set boundaries for payments and business items, they can still tell me about their day, their new grandchild, their lost job or anything that's on their mind.  It may be only a one or two minute conversation but it's still important to me, nevertheless.  

With all of that being said, I have built over a year's worth of amazing relationships with some very amazing people here at Star.  From the wonderful owners to my incredible co-workers (on the property management side) to working side by side with my amazing son, learning the business has been wonderful and has broadened my knowledge of property management.  I have met other people in the self-storage business, great people, and I have gleaned invaluable information from them.  I have met some of the most wonderful people who walk through my door each day.  From customers who have been here since day one of the business' inception twelve years ago, to those who have just moved in, I have met some truly amazing people.  

We weren't certain how long we would be here, one year, two years or more.  We were homesick when we arrived but we allowed ourselves to grow while here.  This was a new experience, one in which to gain perseverance and a wealth of knowledge.  So, when my Grandmother passed away in January, I knew it was time to think about returning home.  I spoke with the owner about a month later and we began the process of preparing for the moment.  It wasn't long after that we (my son and myself) were chosen for a team management position back in the Evergreen State with yet another great company.  With a couple of weeks to spare, we really wanted to take the opportunity to let you all know how blessed we are to have met so many wonderful customers here and how excited we are to meet many more wonderful customers in Washington in the coming years.  

Some of my fondest memories include going to my Grandmother's house each week to watch The Carol Burnett Show.  It was my favorite show and at the end of each show, she would sing a song to her audience.  During that song, even at a young age, I would well-up with emotion and have to wipe the tears.  Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do sometimes. So, I won't say goodbye.  Instead, I will just leave you with this:

Have a great day!

Michelle Armstrong
Manager
Star Storage
816-765-8300