Out West Storage
Raymond Crist first entered the business of mini storage in Gardner, Kansas, because he saw a demand for it and thought, “why not try?” For twenty years he operated a successful four hundred unit storage facility, Outback Storage. Three years ago, he and his wife Dee sought a life in the country and a calmer, quieter town. They sold their Gardner properties and purchased a little farm outside of Baldwin City in addition to four acres inside its city limits. At 1704 High Street they built an eighty-two unit mini storage facility with space for adding 318 more units. There are also taller sheds for storing boats and motor homes. Its name, Out West Storage, was chosen with purpose. “Both of us are western nuts,” Dee explains, “The name is western, but the buildings are also out west in Baldwin.”
Two advantages they have over other storage facilities in Baldwin is the element of newness and a paved, rather than gravel, driving area as well as the Crist's effort to create a beautiful and welcoming environment. Dee mentioned with chagrin that their lawn, like so many others in Baldwin City this year, fell prey to the voracious munch of army worms.
What is the most interesting thing about running this business? The people who come and go and their reasons for needing storage. Believe it or not, you become friends with a lot of them. I worked for Dr. Jones at Companion Animal Hospital for eighteen years so I know many of the people who now rent from us.
How do you market your business? Through Facebook but also ads with the Chamber of Commerce, Lumberyard Arts Center and the Library. The big one though? Word of mouth.
What would distinguish you from your competition? First of all, competition is good! We try to really accommodate people and make sure that we're always available. It's very rare that I do not answer my phone. If we're out of town I still take customer's calls and can tell them which unit is available. When we get back to town, we catch up with them.
What is a challenging aspect of operating a business and how have you overcome it? It's a financial challenge as well as a physical challenge and it requires devotion. For it to really work, you have to be present. If you’re not there physically, figure out a way to still be accommodating.
What advice do you have for people who are starting their own business? Be prepared to put time into it. Be community minded. You want to try and help the Baldwin City community. That's what we want to do: be there for the people of Baldwin City.