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Connections Count: The Power of Community Building
By Rod Bolls, Boxwell
In business, success is synonymous with profitability and market dominance. And sure, when people go into business, the overall goal is linked to measurable successes. But a shift is underway. Today, a company’s long-term success is also tied to the connections it has. Over the years, I have learned how important relationships are within our business. Whether it is the closeness within our team, our network of partners, our ties to the local community, or our loyal customer base, each connection matters. A strong community builds strong businesses, and a company’s product or service is only as good as its relationships.
Teamwork is Dreamwork
Building a strong workplace community can boost employee morale and productivity. When employees feel a sense of belonging and connection within their company, they become more engaged and motivated. This engagement leads to increased productivity, ultimately benefiting the bottom line. Plus, a sense of community fosters collaboration and creativity. When employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together, they can innovate as a team. At Boxwell, we are dedicated to strengthening our team, both in and out of the office. One notable initiative we’ve implemented at Boxwell is our quarterly book club. We dig into topics such as leadership, work-life balance, teamwork, and sales. This not only adds a fun break from our usual day-to-day tasks but also ensures that everyone is literally on the same page. Beyond that, we place a strong emphasis on team building within the community and take part in local events and philanthropic efforts. Through all our internal and external relationships, our team can deliver outstanding service. At Boxwell, it’s all interconnected, making teamwork the foundation of our success.
Navigating Industry Challenges
The storage industry, while robust, has seen its fair share of fluctuations. These include varying steel prices, transportation expenses, and labor shortages, which constantly reshape the market. As a manufacturing business, we must remain adaptable and ready to make necessary updates. While drawing from past experiences is wise, it is also vital to keep an open mind and pay attention to industry partners and customers for new ideas. Our strategy at Boxwell is straightforward: we listen, remain accessible, and stand prepared to address potential challenges. We do whatever it takes to best serve our customers and recognize that their challenges can guide us toward future solutions. Recently, for example, there were longer-than-normal lead times for storage delivery systems. Customers were frustrated, so we decided to purchase two delivery systems to provide them with a short-term solution. Having strong relationships and being able to work through industry challenges together will ensure long-term success.
Establishing Your Core Values
Customers want self-handling storage that is secure and convenient. And there is a growing demand for a hybrid model that combines the benefits of portable and self-storage. This shift in customer preferences, along with the increasing overlap of commercial and residential customers, necessitates the merging of these options to provide a unified storage solution. One example of when portable and self-storage combine is what we call a relocatable unit. It is durable enough for relocation, flexible to fit in unconventional spaces, and customizable to match a business’s existing aesthetic. Another example of offering the best of both worlds to customers is by offering both portable storage units and self-storage units at your facility. Businesses that have hybrid storage offerings will be able to cater to a broader range of markets and help fill today’s demand.
Building Customer Loyalty
It only makes sense that businesses with strong relationships have loyal customers. Today’s consumers will choose a company with a cohesive team, strong partnerships, and community ties over a less-connected company. And loyalty can be a business’s lifeline, especially during economic downturns. Engaged and loyal customers often transform into advocates, attracting new customers through word-of-mouth marketing. Additionally, during difficult times, customers can provide valuable feedback and ideas for improvement. At Boxwell, we prioritize customer satisfaction and take action to address any issues that arise. Over the years, we have made several improvements to our products based on customer feedback, including floor finishes, roof anti-condensation coatings, and locking systems, to name a few. By putting our customers first, we cultivate lasting loyalty.
A business’s success is not determined by its profits alone. Strong connections with your team, partners, community, and customers are equally important for long-term growth and resilience. To achieve success, businesses need to look beyond the office walls. The ultimate measure of achievement is being able to find the interconnections between all your relationships. When asked what makes your business unique, remember that it’s not only about your product or service; it is also about your company culture and the relationships you build.
Rod Bolls is the Founder and CEO of Boxwell, the Boulder-based manufacturer of portable and relocatable self-storage units. Rod is committed to the success of his customers and the well-being of his team. It is Boxwell’s company culture to know the value of strong relationships in business. And it shows! Each of their storage units is thoughtfully made to order and built to last. For more information, check out boxwell.co or call (303) 317-5850 for more information.
When building Boxwell, Rod Bolls set out to create a company that prioritizes a balance between working hard and playing hard. He aligns a strong business model with a strong team and a sustainable work environment. To achieve an ideal company culture, Rod nurtures every relationship. For example, this includes customers, partners, vendors, local non-profits, neighborhood sports teams, and museums. Our products include drive-up self-storage units, relocatable self-storage units, portable storage containers, moving containers, and restoration containers.
Boxwell units can help you increase your business’ revenue-generating space with units in a variety of sizes, including our roll up doors, 10 x 20 units and our 8 x 20 units. Our portable containers and relocatable self-storage units are flexible, stackable, and beautiful! Boxwell is here to ensure that our products help you achieve your business goals.
