Moving and Storage Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Amazing Spaces, a leading provider of upscale self-storage solutions, celebrated the grand opening of its 4th store with an incredible party and gift to the Shriners Hospital for Children on April 20th.
Houston, TX, May 03, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Amazing Spaces, a leading provider of upscale self-storage solutions, celebrated the grand opening of its 4th store with an incredible party and gift to the Shriners Hospital for Children on April 20th. The six-story, 150,000 square-foot property, located at 2412 W. Holcombe Blvd. in Houston’s Medical Center, offers individual alarmed self storage spaces from 5’x5’ to 15’x30’, wine storage vaults, a full line of moving supplies and boxes, for individual and business customers...

May 03, 2012 // Franchising.com // Zippy Shell USA, LLC. franchisor of the fastest growing mobile self-storage business is opening on the Main Line of Philadelphia. Zippy Shell of Main Line is now open in King of Prussia Pennsylvania. David and Christine Stevens owners of Zippy Shell Main Line are officially open for business to offer door-to-door mobile self-storage in the greater Philadelphia area.
Franchisees of Zippy Shell USA, LLC. offer consumers convenient, affordable mobile self-storage. Through its unique system, Zippy Shell franchisees are able to bridge the gap for consumers between the convenience offered through using portable storage and the affordability typically associated with traditional storage. In short, consumers get the best value solution in the market...

April 11, 2012 // Franchising.com // Zippy Shell Mobile Self Storage is now open in Birmingham, Alabama. Jarrod Hart, owner of Zippy Shell of Birmingham has officially opened to offer door-to-door mobile self-storage throughout the Greater Birmingham area.
Birmingham situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and once called the Magic City because of its population explosion during the US manufacturing age, has a vibrant downtown and a robust business community.
“Introducing the Zippy Shell brand in Birmingham is a perfect fit, said Rick Del Sontro, President, Zippy Shell USA, LLC. With its burgeoning loft community and its central location among regional hubs, there’s no doubt that there’s a need for this type of unique service...

April 09, 2012 // Franchising.com // Zippy Shell USA, LLC. a company with a fresh concept in mobile self-storage, is growing rapidly and the company’s latest franchise is now open in Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. Margy and David Schmidt, owners of Zippy Shell of Chapel Hill/Durham are officially open for business to offer door-to-door mobile self-storage. This is the second Zippy Shell franchise in the market, now serving the entire Triangle.
The Zippy Shell system is an intelligent and simple self-storage solution for residential and business customers. It offers an exceptional value solution by providing the convenience of portable storage with the cost effectiveness of traditional storage. The Zippy Shell solution allows for a storage container to be delivered to a customer in a street registered vehicle providing much greater flexibility than other mobile storage solutions...

April 02, 2012 // Franchising.com // Zippy Shell USA, LLC. a company with a modern concept in mobile self-storage, is growing and the company’s latest franchise operation is now open in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina. Greg and Jerri Williams, owners of Zippy Shell Raleigh, N.C. are officially open for business to offer door-to-door mobile self-storage in the Raleigh area. Now covering Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham, Zippy Shell serves the entire Research Triangle.
Franchisees of Zippy Shell USA, LLC. offer consumers convenient, affordable mobile self-storage. Through its unique delivery system, the Zippy Shell mobile self-storage model has greater access to residential and business locations than its competitors. Zippy Shell mobile units are licensed vehicles and are equipped with security systems that allow its customers an added peace of mind...

March 28, 2012 // Franchising.com // Jersey City, NJ - Zippy Shell USA, LLC, a mobile self storage company utilizing a modern concept, today announced it has retained DragonSearch of New York City and Kingston, N.Y., as its search engine optimization and social media marketing agency as the company continues its rapid franchise expansion.
Zippy Shell is aggressively marketing the company’s mobile self storage offering to consumers looking to move or store household and office items in a new, unique way. DragonSearch will coordinate a search engine and social media marketing effort that will promote the Zippy Shell brand, connect with consumers and generate leads for each of the company’s franchisees.
“Retaining DragonSearch is another example of how Zippy Shell is committed to the success of our franchisees,” said Rick Del Sontro...

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payment services, today announced an agreement making its national payment solutions network available to customers of PODS Enterprises, Inc., a leader in the moving and storage industry, in the United States.
“Western Union is pleased to work with PODS to meet the payments needs of its on-the-move customers by delivering convenience, flexibility and an excellent customer experience through more than 43,000 participating Western Union Agent locations in the United States”
“Western Union is pleased to work with PODS to meet the payments needs of its on-the-move customers by delivering convenience, flexibility and an excellent customer experience through more than 43,000 participating Western Union Agent locations in the United States,” said Sanjay Gupta, senior vice president, Banking and Corporations, Western Union...

Fleet Enterprises, a fleet maintenance company that provides mobile repair and maintenance services to the transportation industry, has announced that it has awarded a six-territory franchise agreement to Jerry Duda.
TROY, MI, March 22, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fleet Enterprises, a fleet maintenance company that provides mobile repair and maintenance services to the transportation industry, has announced that it has awarded a six-territory franchise agreement to Jerry Duda, as it continues to expand its franchise network presence throughout the Midwest region of the United States.
With rights to open operations in Indiana and Ohio, the first of the new franchised operations opened in Indianapolis in early February of this year, with two more currently underway...

March 23, 2012 // Franchising.com // THE WOODLANDS, TX - Amazing Spaces®, a leading provider of upscale self storage solutions, has been named The Best of The Woodlands winner in the Best Storage or Self Storage category for the third year in a row by WoodlandsOnline.com, a popular internet directory and guide for the community located north of Houston.
With 380,000 visits per month in 2011, WoodlandsOnline.com represents a large cross-section of The Woodlands, which currently has a population of over 150,572 people. Each year, the site's visitors are asked to vote for their local business favorites in over 80 categories. Amazing Spaces was awarded the number one spot in its category of Professional Service: Self Storage, as it was in 2010 and in 2011...

March 14, 2012 // Franchising.com // The newest location of Amazing Spaces® Storage Centers opens mid-March and is located at the crossroads of the Medical Center, West University and Rice Village (2412 W. Holcombe Blvd.). Amazing Spaces will celebrate its Grand Opening on April 20th by inviting their friends and new neighbors to stop by for introductions, fun and festivities between 11AM and 2PM. Enjoy made-to-order crepes, wine tastings, and multiple prize giveaways. Amazing Spaces will have a drawing for a seven day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Register to win anytime between now and the Grand Opening on April 20th. No purchase is necessary. Additional prizes include a 42” plasma TV, gift cards, and gift baskets. Drawings will be held at the Grand Opening celebration...

Moving and storage industry leader plans to fill open positions through July 2012.
(CLEARWATER, FL.) – PODS Enterprises, Inc., a leader in the moving and storage industry, says it plans to hire nearly 150 inside sales consultants and customer service representatives at its corporate headquarters in Florida.
The 20 to 40 new employees hired each month between now and July 2012 will work in PODS’ expanded and remodeled call center, assisting current and potential customers with their moving and storage needs.
The company will begin filling open positions in February.
“The seasonal demand for PODS moving and storage services requires us to increase our staffing levels and we’re thrilled to be in the position to add new employees,” said Lisa Goettel, senior vice president of PODS’ Human Resources division...

December 29, 2011 // Franchising.com // Zippy Shell USA, LLC. a company with a fresh concept in mobile self-storage, is growing and the company’s latest franchise operation is now announced in Texas. Brandon Billnoske, a lifelong resident and owner of Zippy Shell Montgomery County has signed a franchise agreement with Zippy Shell USA, LLC. to offer door-to-door mobile self-storage in the North Houston area. The business, slated to open this coming March, will operate as Zippy Shell North Houston, TX.
Franchisees of Zippy Shell USA, LLC. offer consumers convenient, affordable mobile self-storage. Through its unique delivery system, the Zippy Shell mobile self-storage model has greater access to residential and business locations than its competitors...

PODS Enterprises, Inc. has teamed up with Toys for Tots to serve as collection points for toys through Dec. 15
(CLEARWATER, Fla.) – PODS Enterprises, Inc., its national franchise network and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots are working together to collect and distribute more than 25,000 toys to children across the country this holiday season.
The 2011 Toys for Tots national campaign began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 15. Toys for Tots annually collects and distributes toys in the communities where a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located to help less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas. PODS® franchises and corporate-owned locations have donated PODS® storage containers in over 200 cities and towns across the U...

November 08, 2011 // Franchising.com // For its second time, Zippy Shell Mobile Self Storage has been named a top franchise concept by Entrepreneur Magazine. This year it is among Entrepreneur’s Moving and Storage Franchises “Hot List.” The list, comprised of 10 franchise companies that deliver unique services within the moving and storage industries, also discusses factors that make the industry a compelling investment opportunity for prospective franchisees, and one that drives tremendous value for customers.
“We couldn’t be more excited about Zippy Shell Mobile Self Storage being recognized again by Entrepreneur Magazine and Entrepreneur.com,” said Rick Del Sontro, President, Zippy Shell USA, LLC...

PODS Moving and Storage selects customer service expert to oversee sales management
November 03, 2011 // Franchising.com // JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – PODS of Jacksonville recently named Zac Aleman as their new sales manager. Aleman is responsible for developing and cultivating relationships with residential and commercial moving and storage clients and overseeing customer service operations for the greater Jacksonville area.
A native of Smithtown, New York, Aleman lived with his family in Guatemala as a child before moving to Jacksonville 19 years ago. Prior to working for PODS, Aleman spent many years in the hospitality industry working for Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt hotels.
“Zac brings exceptional customer service skills to our company,” said Bob Eales, owner of PODS Jacksonville as well as PODS franchises in Daytona Beach, Melbourne and Port St...

Zippy Shell Mobile Self-Storage Hits TV Airwaves for the First Time
November 02, 2011 // Franchising.com // Zippy Shell USA, LLC today announced the release of its first television commercial. The commercial, produced by TV Man, Inc. of Houston, Texas, was designed to highlight the company’s unique service offering and will run in key markets throughout the United States. View Zippy Shell Commercial.
“We love the look and feel of the commercial, but most of all we are excited about the message it communicates, said Rick Del Sontro, President of Zippy Shell USA, LLC. We believe that we provide the best value self-storage solution in the market today. When you combine the convenience and price we offer consumers, it creates a truly compelling offering that is unmatched by competitors...

November 01, 2011 // Franchising.com // No child should be without a gift to unwrap on Christmas Day, which is why Amazing Spaces® Storage Centers has proudly partnered with the United States Marine Corps Reserves in their annual Toys for Tots toy drive.
For over 50 years, during the holidays, the USMC Reserves have collected toys for impoverished children across the U.S. Their mission has always been to bring a light of hope into needy children's lives, and Amazing Spaces is helping in that mission for its third consecutive year. Each year Amazing Spaces’ tenants overflow the Toys for Tots donation box with gifts showing that, given the opportunity, Houstonians will come together to help give the gift of joy to those in need...

October 31, 2011 // Franchising.com // (CLEARWATER, Fla.) – PODS Enterprises, Inc., a national leader in the moving and storage industry, recently appointed George Spowart as chief marketing officer (CMO) at the company’s corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Fl.
Spowart, who began his career at PODS as marketing director in 2007, has served as the company’s interim CMO since March, 2011. Over the past four years, Spowart has been integral in defining the strategic direction for PODS branding and communications across its network of corporate and franchise locations.
“George has done an exemplary job as the interim CMO and I am confident he will continue to successfully lead the marketing team,” said Tom Ryan, PODS’ chief executive officer...

PODS finds L.A.’s messiest garage in Mission Viejo; winner receives garage makeover
October 20, 2011 // Franchising.com // (LOS ANGELES)- No one likes to have their mess pointed out, but in this case, Janice Hammon of Mission Viejo wasn’t embarrassed when asked about having the messiest garage in Los Angeles.
PODS Los Angeles teamed up with Garage Envy, CBS Los Angeles, KNX 1070 and KFWB 980 to award one lucky winner with a garage makeover and free storage during the transformation in their recent contest to find L.A.’s messiest garage. Radio station listeners were encouraged to upload photos of their grimy garages on the website where the community could vote for their favorite.
“There were a lot of garages submitted in the contest that needed a makeover and some serious cleaning,” said Jamie Dietenhofer, founder and co-executive of Garage Envy, Inc...

Graceland, Blues and soon Zippy Shell(sm) Mobile Self Storage in Memphis
October 13, 2011 // Franchising.com // Memphis, Tennessee – The Zippy Shell Mobile Self Storage solution is headed to the Blues City; to Memphis Tennessee, to be exact. A franchise agreement has just been signed with Zippy Shell USA, LLC to offer convenient, affordable storage throughout the Greater Memphis area. Zippy Shell of Memphis is slated to open its doors in the first quarter of 2012.
Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee and the third largest city in the Southeastern United States. Located on the Mississippi River and intersected by five major freight railroads and two Interstate highways, Memphis is ideally located for commerce in the transportation and shipping industry...