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The Big Question: To Build Or Not To Build

The following article was published in the October issue of Mini-Storage Messenger:

Caesar Wright, President of Mako Steel

Storage developers and owners have always been true entrepreneurs - risk takers. Have we ever been certain that this business would work at all? Could any of us have predicted that it would grow into what it has become? Do any of us really know if things will be better, worse or the same next year or the year after? I've recently heard people say, "You would have to be a fool to get in this business right now."  I'm sure that you true entrepreneurs will agree: I would always rather be that fool than to look back and say, "What an idiot for not."

For those of us who have had the experience of stepping up and taking the risk, winning it all or losing it all, we know that the real reward is in not knowing, and that we are better for having tried.

I know, "Even if land is reasonable, even if construction is cheap, even if the market is out there, what is going to happen with the economy?"  If you only knew how many times in the past year or so I have had someone ask me that question. And it's a very valid question. But hasn't that always been the question? Has there ever been a time when we were all absolutely sure what the future might bring? 

In my experience, your insight and business savvy is your best resource. Successful owners and developers I work with just seem to know the right spot and know what will work there.  Their families are from the area, they have grown up and raised their families there and they have succeeded in business there. They know the people, the economic capabilities and the attitude toward the future of the community. If you're not that person, you know who they are. Find them and involve them in your vision for the project.

In closing and in the words of one of my heroes, Mr. Vince Lombardi, "A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, IT CAN BE DONE."