A-1 Self Storage Commercial Client Spotlight: The Richardson Group
When you own a business that relies on samples of any kind, you’re going to need somewhere to store them. If your samples include office furniture, then you’ll want to invest in quality self storage like Jim Richardson, owner of The Richardson Group, did at A-1 Self Storage on Hotel Circle South in San Diego, California. 
Jim has worked in the commercial furnishings industry for almost 40 years. About 13 years ago, he said he woke up and realized that it was time to go out on his own.
“I thought, the people who are working for me — I can outwork these people even though I’m older than they are. So I just quit. Now, I represent various contracts in the commercial side of the furnishings industry. I sell seating, workstations, and I do commercial furniture rather than residential,” Jim said.
As many businesses start (think Apple, Microsoft, Amazon), Jim was working from his home. He quickly realized that having sample inventory delivered to his home was simply untenable.
“First, I have eight chairs in my garage. Next thing you know, I’ve got 20. I said, ‘You know, I don’t have any room!’ The car is out in the driveway, and the whole garage is full of samples. I said, ‘I can’t do this, I have to find some place to store all this stuff.” Jim said. “I preferred a place that was climate controlled because living in southern California gets hot, and it can do something to the fabric, and the leathers.”
That’s when Jim started researching the self storage options in his area. While there is a lot of competition in the area, Jim decided to bring his business to A-1 Self Storage because of competitively priced climate controlled storage units, and a convenient location.
“I have two different sizes where I keep my samples. One is 10’ by 12’ and the other is 10’ by 30’. I might have 38 chairs in there. Whoever I represent, I will have probably one or two samples of the product,” Jim said.
In addition to the climate controlled units, and air-conditioned hallways, Jim said he liked the sense of security the facility gave him. The great relationship he has developed with the team at this location can’t be overlooked.
“You do have someone at the front desk, Darlene in this particular case. She’s a real sweetheart,” Jim said.
At A-1 Self Storage, our facilities feature many levels of security and are staffed by caring self storage experts. There are 24-hour security cameras throughout the premises, a keycode-activated electronic gate, and each self storage unit is individually alarmed.
Our staff is trained to keep a watchful eye over the goings on at this self storage facility. This includes keeping track of who enters and exits the building. Regular walkthroughs are performed to ensure high standards of cleanliness and safety are maintained. Darlene, Store Manager at A-1 Self Storage in San Diego’s Hotel Circle, is a great example of the kind of customer service you can expect to experience as an A-1 Self Storage customer.
“She’s always been a person that you would want to have working in an environment like that. She’s very proficient, and business-friendly,” Jim said. “[A-1 Self Storage] uses her as a trainer because she knows what to do and how to do it. She’s very nice and very professional. She’s one of the reasons I stay there. She’s been very accommodating to me when she can be, and she’s a very nice person.”
While there is only one Darlene, you are sure to find this level of customer service at all of our A-1 Self Storage facilities throughout California. If you’re ready to experience a self storage facility that is much more than the sum of its units, you’re ready for A-1 Self Storage! We love working with commercial clients and excel at forming long-lasting partnerships with them. To find out more about your local A-1 Self Storage facility, visit our website or call us to start renting today!
