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Self-Storage Development Case Studies
See how self-storage developers, investors, and operators across the country have partnered with MakoRabco to build profitable, award-winning facilities. From ground-up single-story projects to complex multi-story builds, these case studies walk through the real decisions, challenges, and outcomes behind each development — straight from the people who built them.
The Path to Profitable Self-Storage Development: MakoRabco Case Study with Wayde Elliott and StoreIt
Dr. Wayde Elliott spent 20 years as a dentist before pivoting to self-storage development, eventually building the StoreIt brand into an eight-facility portfolio across California. In this case study, Wayde shares the unexpected challenges he faced on his first ground-up development and the lessons that shaped every project after it — from site selection and financing to construction and operations. A compelling watch for anyone considering their first self-storage build.
Developing Success in Self-Storage: A Case Study with Brian Hoel, Braine Trust Storage
Brian Hoel saw an opportunity in a derelict Cedar Rapids building and spent four and a half years navigating financing, investors, and construction challenges to bring Braine Trust Storage to life. He partnered with MakoRabco to execute a sleek, modern design — including smart technology like Bluetooth locks and AI-based cameras — that earned the facility Mini Storage Messenger's New Construction Facility of the Year for 2022. Brian's journey is a blueprint for first-time developers who want to build something that stands out.
Building vs Buying: A MakoRabco & Flagship Case Study
Flagship Companies Group entered the self-storage business in 2009 as an acquirer, then shifted to new ground-up development in 2014. By the time of this case study, Flagship had completed 15 new facilities with MakoRabco and had 8 more in planning. Ted Bolin walks through the build-vs-buy decision that every multi-facility operator faces — and why MakoRabco became a core partner throughout Flagship's national expansion.
Storelocal Hercules – Mini Storage Messenger New Facility of the Year Winner
Ryan Lorenzini of The Claremont Companies identified Hercules, CA as a city with nearly 30,000 residents and zero self-storage options. The result was a 98,298-square-foot, 794-unit facility featuring a striking barrel-roof design, fully contactless rentals, and smartphone-enabled access on every door — built during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Storelocal Hercules went on to win Mini Storage Messenger's New Facility of the Year award and stands as one of MakoRabco's most technically advanced builds.
Broad Street Storage – Building With Community In Mind
Chase Morgan's family had owned the land for Broad Street Storage in San Luis Obispo, CA for over 15 years before Chase stepped in to finally build it. Working with MakoRabco, the county, and a local architect, Chase designed a 442-unit facility so polished that passersby mistook it for a retail or office complex. The project highlights the value of involving your builder early in the design process — and how community-conscious design can become a genuine competitive advantage.
A Conversation With Brett Henry, CEO of Trojan Storage
Brett Henry, CEO of Trojan Storage, discusses building one of the company's first East Coast facilities in Toms River, NJ — a mixed single-story and multi-story project totaling 104,500 square feet. Brett shares his perspective on what it takes to expand a self-storage brand into new markets and why having the right construction partner is critical when you're operating at scale.
Modern and Economic Aesthetic Design for Self Storage. A Case Study on Get Space.
Daniel Lyman is a co-founder of Get Space, a Pacific Northwest storage brand with multiple locations across Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA. With a background in architecture and design, Daniel pushed for a higher aesthetic standard in self-storage — and found in MakoRabco a builder that could keep up. This case study covers how thoughtful design and modern amenities can command premium rates in competitive urban markets.
A Mako Steel Case Study March 2021, A Storage Place - Palm Ava
Brian Grissinger walks through the development of A Storage Place on Palm Ave — a ground-up MakoRabco project that showcases how experienced operators approach site selection, unit mix, and construction efficiency. A useful case study for developers evaluating their next ground-up build.