Q&A With Matt Maurer of BETCO Inc.

Matt Maurer is a Business Development Manager for BETCO Inc., a manufacturer of metal buildings for the self-storage industry. As a member of the BETCO team since 2011, Matt assists sales consultants in the eastern and midwestern states, developing new relationships with self-storage owners and developers, while continuing to provide consultation services to existing customers. Find out what drew him to the industry and what he finds most gratifying about his career, as well as key tips for developers RV and boat storage.

BETCO has been a highly regarded player in the self-storage industry for decades. Can you give us a little history lesson about how it was founded? 

BETCO Inc. was founded in 1984 by Sam Sabri/Buddy Whitney. BETCO Inc. is a manufacturer of self-storage buildings. Today, the company. has over 200 employees working in our manufacturing plant in Statesville, N.C., along with engineering staff, project managers, site supervisors, sales staff, accounting and high-level management. BETCO Inc. performs approximately 300 self-storage projects each year and provides installation of the buildings on most of those projects.

How has the company stayed relevant in today’s storage industry as it evolves into RV and boat storage? 

BETCO’s ability to stay relevant revolves around the quality and customer service provided to our customers. Boat and RV Storage is not new to BETCO, which has been providing buildings for this space for more than 30 years. BETCO has also made every effort to incorporate the newest technology offered in the industry available in its line up of products.

How long have you been in the storage industry and what drew you to it? 

I have been involved in the self-storage industry for 12 years. The draw was the demand for the product itself and the success that comes with it. 

What separates BETCO from other building manufacturers in the industry? Why should developers pick BETCO as opposed to other building manufacturers? 

BETCO offers a value-added proposition. We provide complete services, from early design work, building manufacturing to installation of the building, along with outstanding customer service throughout the project as well as follow-up.

Can you tell us the full-range of products and services BETCO provides? 

RV and boat storage buildings, traditional drive-up storage, climate control buildings, multistory self-storage buildings, portable buildings, roll-up doors, security cameras, gate systems, NOKE latches, facility maintenance, installation services and structural engineering.

Do you find many developers are interested in building exclusive RV and boat storage, or are they looking to expand their traditional self-storage sites into a hybrid? 

Most developers really like the hybrid approach to capture all segments of renters/customers.   Occasionally, you do have a customer that will be built-out 100% with RV and boat storage, but it is dictated by the market study and what demand is for their area.

How does self-storage design differ from RV and boat storage? What are the advantages of developing enclosed units as opposed to canopied storage? 

Regarding design differences for boat and RV storage can change. Typically, the standard RV building is 14- to16-feet tall, and the width of units varies from 12 feet wide to 20 feet wide. It really boils down to what is in demand for the demographics in the area where the project is being built. Boat storage can be a little lower eave–12 feet–and not as wide a unit. The biggest advantage to building all enclosed storage is security of contents, completely sheltered from the elements and ease to insure.

What is the best advice you can provide to RV and boat storage developers? 

Do your due diligence. Select the right team to help you develop your Class A dream site. 

Lastly, how do you enjoy spending time away from the job? 

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Terri, on our farm in North Carolina, and going to ballgames to see our grandkids play.  I also like playing golf, gardening, watching college football and the Dallas Cowboys. Most importantly, I like spending as much time as possible working with our local church congregation.

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