Mark Stephens, Business Development Manager Mark Stephens has been with BETCO Inc. since 2012. During his tenure, he has held several positions from Regional Sales Representative, Technical Sales Manager and currently Business Development Manager. Toy Storage Nation recently caught up with Mark to tap into his broad experience in the storage industry, including RV and boat storage.
What is the scope of products/services that Betco provides to the storage industry?
As a manufacturer, BETCO provides the building components along with consulting, in-house engineering and design, project managers, and certified construction crews.
At what point in the storage development should someone seek out Betco’s assistance? How do your clients benefit from working with Betco?
In the very beginning. With our nearly 40 years in the industry, we’ve developed contacts from land brokers and feasibility experts to financial providers and general contractors. We work alongside our clients every step of the way.
Knowing that Betco has been serving the self-storage industry for nearly four decades, how has the emerging RV and boat storage niche impacted Betco’s business and the industry overall?
Boat/RV storage has added another building product that we are able to provide to our customers to increase their offerings to the market.
Do you find most inquiries for building RV and boat storage are from self-storage operators looking to expand their businesses to include vehicle storage, or from those looking to develop standalone RV and boat storage facilities?
Our inquiries are primarily operators looking to expand their facilities to include Boat/RV storage alongside their traditional self-storage. We have seen an increased amount of standalone Boat/RV inquiries in the past three to five years.
Do you have more clients seeking enclosed boat and RV storage then previously? Are there any other building trends that you’re seeing?
BETCO has seen increased activity in enclosed Boat/RV storage, but covered parking (canopies) demand remains the highest.
What advice would you give to new developers of RV and boat storage about site selection?
Site selection is the most important piece! Look for a site with a minimum of 7 acres that is zoned properly (Commercial S1) that is either outside of town, but close to the city limits, close to residential areas with HOA limitations, or close to parks, camping areas, and bodies of water.
What do you like doing when you’re NOT working?
In my free time, I enjoy working on our “mini farm” with my wife and two kids, and coaching my son’s baseball team.
Your ticket to RV and boat storage success is waiting! Toy Storage Nation has just a few seats open for the Executive RV and Boat Storage Workshop, Sept. 29, 2023. Here, you’ll learn the A-Z of the industry from industry experts, including Mark Stephens of Betco, who’ll be leading a presentation addressing the following:
- Why now for enclosed boat and RV storage?
- Identifying the right property.
- Codes/Compliance considerations.
