A True Self Storage Pioneer
It’s easy to jump into a business venture when you know there’s a market and money to be made – but to have the “intestinal fortitude” to dip your toes into the water before a concept has been proven makes one a true pioneer. Rudy Meckel is a pioneer in the self storage industry. When he opened The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township, NJ in 1979, storage space rentals were unknown to the area.
The Storage Inn started out on four acres with four buildings, designed so they could be converted to a flea market should the new business venture fail. Instead, Meckel’s business prospered. The business offered an especially good fit, as it enabled Meckel to keep his road construction employees working during the off-season.
He even had the foresight to construct his buildings with extra high ceilings to offer 20% more storage space per unit than the industry standard, and with
45 different sizes to choose from, this is definitely not a “one size fits all” operation.
The Storage Inn has 900 units with a total of over 100,000 square feet of storage space. It also has automobile, boat and RV storage spaces. Recent upgrades to the facility include newly paved aisles and parking, state of the art security gate, and an upgraded rental office/ packing supply store. The Storage Inn has even gone “green” by adding solar power to their Egg Harbor Township facility. Also considered a gentleman farmer, Meckel has always adorned his grounds with a blue and yellow horse carriage or sleigh.
In 1997, Meckel added another location by opening
The Storage Inn II in Ocean City, NJ. He converted the former Stainton’s Department Store Annex in Ocean City, into three floors of indoor and climate controlled self storage and retail units.
Currently, Rudy Meckel’s son, Greg and his family, run the businesses with him. The family views the storage business as an opportunity to help people. They serve people who find themselves in life’s transitions and those with long-term storage needs. A great resource for small and big businesses alike to expand and organize. They continue to ensure that the facilities offer customers the best in self storage. In addition to low rental prices, both locations offer
free move-in truck rental, free porter service (assistance unloading) and climate control. The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township even has a resident security manager. The Ocean City the facility offers drive-in bays and indoor units, just blocks from the beach!
Meckel’s future plans include continuing to offer new services, along with a customer service experience that always exceeds expectations.
Stay tuned – who knows what this business pioneer will come up with next!
