Some of the best business ideas start with a problem that needs a better solution. For Cool-Binz, that problem became the foundation for a new approach to portable storage.
Founded in Naples, Florida, Cool-Binz offers climate-controlled portable storage containers along with mobile offices, refrigerator units, freezer units, concession stands, and other specialty container solutions. Since its start, the company has grown from an innovative idea into an emerging franchise brand backed by BELFOR Franchise Group.
Boxwell has been part of that growth from the beginning, supplying the containers used throughout the Cool-Binz fleet.
Finding a Better Way to Store
The idea for Cool-Binz began in 2017 with founders Ernie and Kathryn Padalino. While renovating their home in Naples, they needed to temporarily move furniture and other belongings out of the house. They rented a portable storage container marketed as climate-controlled and sent it to a warehouse for storage during the renovation.
When their container returned, much of their property had been damaged. The experience left Kathryn wondering if there was a better way to provide true climate-controlled portable storage.
Ernie brought years of experience in the consumer electronics industry to the idea. Together, they developed the Cool-Binz concept. They found suppliers for the containers and climate-control equipment and launched the business.
In 2022, BELFOR Franchise Group acquired Cool-Binz, setting the stage for the brand’s next phase of growth.
More Than Portable Storage
Cool-Binz entered the market with a simple but innovative concept: combine the convenience of portable storage with climate control. But the applications quickly expanded beyond homeowners who needed temporary storage.
Today, Cool-Binz offers a variety of specialty solutions, including:
- Climate-controlled portable storage
- Mobile offices
- Refrigerator units
- Freezer units
- Concession stands
- Other specialty container applications
That flexibility allows franchisees to serve customers across a range of industries and situations.
One particularly important market has been restoration. As part of BELFOR Franchise Group, Cool-Binz franchisees have access to a network that includes 14 other home-service brands as well as BELFOR Property Restoration, a global property restoration company.
According to Cool-Binz, property restoration is currently the leading vertical for its existing franchisees.
What Makes the Cool-Binz Franchise Different?
For Cool-Binz, expanding the franchise network isn’t simply about adding new locations. The company describes its relationships with franchisees as a partnership, with a support system designed to help owners establish and grow their operations.
New Cool-Binz franchisees begin with a comprehensive onboarding process followed by a week of in-person training at the company’s headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Once training is complete, the Cool-Binz and Boxwell teams help deliver and set up the franchisee’s containers and equipment.
Support continues after opening. Each franchisee is assigned a Cool-Binz business coach who provides ongoing guidance, including an in-person visit after setup with an emphasis on operations and sales.
Franchisees also have access to dedicated marketing support for digital and print campaigns, equipment and operations assistance, HVAC and electrical expertise, and an inventory of containers and equipment that can be shipped when additional capacity is needed.
Combined with the larger BELFOR network, the model gives new owners access to resources and relationships from the beginning.
Why Cool-Binz Chose Boxwell
Developing the Cool-Binz concept required more than climate-control equipment. Ernie and Kathryn also needed a container that could meet the needs of the business.
After reviewing containers from multiple manufacturers, Cool-Binz selected Boxwell to manufacture its insulated portable storage containers.
According to the Cool-Binz team, Boxwell’s container quality, ability to manufacture at volume, and customer service were important factors in that decision.
The relationship has continued as Cool-Binz has expanded its franchise network.
“Cool-Binz has maintained its exclusive relationship with Boxwell due to the continued high quality of their bins and the excellent customer service Boxwell has provided. Our new franchisees are always impressed with the quality of the bins and how easy they are to set up.” –Sean Foley, BELFOR Franchise Group
For Boxwell, that relationship extends beyond manufacturing and delivery. Our team also assists Cool-Binz with the setup of containers for new franchise locations, helping franchisees prepare their fleets for operation.
Expanding the Cool-Binz Network
Cool-Binz is now focused on expanding its franchise presence across the United States.
That includes entrepreneurs looking to start a new operation as well as existing self-storage and portable storage businesses interested in adding climate-controlled portable storage to their services.
For existing self-storage operators, Cool-Binz offers an opportunity to expand climate-controlled storage capacity in areas of a property where construction of a permanent building may not be practical.
This gives operators another way to use available space without the cost and complexity of constructing another permanent storage building.
Cool-Binz is also expanding into new regions. Its newest franchisee is located in New York and, once operational, will become the brand’s first franchise location in a northern state.
As the network grows, Cool-Binz is looking for entrepreneurs and existing storage operators interested in bringing the concept to new markets across the country.
Interested in the Cool-Binz Franchise Opportunity?
What began with one family’s search for a better storage solution has grown into a portable storage franchise with applications across residential storage to property restoration, refrigeration, mobile offices, and more.
For Boxwell, it’s exciting to see our containers support a business model that continues to find new applications and new markets.
If you’re interested in learning more about Cool-Binz or exploring franchise opportunities, visit the Cool-Binz franchise website to connect with their team.
Boxwell designs, manufactures, and installs industry-leading storage solutions. Our lineup includes relocatable self-storage units, portable containers, hallway systems, and roll up doors. Every product is fully customizable and built to last—trusted by companies across the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Boxwell is Built For Your Success. From the start, our mission has been simple: create the best B2B storage products and back them with outstanding customer support. Our clients gain access to dedicated Account Managers, design and installation services, and extensive product warranties.
We are here to help. Contact Boxwell today via our email, sales@boxwell.co, or call 303-317-5850.