The second posting of Project Ohio is all about numbers.  As we’ve mentioned before, it doesn’t matter if we’re working in a 5,000 sq. ft. space or a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse.  Our installation teams are among the best in the business and do an oustanding and efficient job.  This particular warehouse stands at 1.086 million square feet.  Check it out…

Storage Solutions Project Ohio Week 2

Project Ohio By The Numbers:

Project Ohio Term Of The Week: Mezzanines

Mezzanine is a structure that stands alone and is constructed within an existing building. This structure is designed to maximize space under and above it which creates additional space for storage or offices. You’ll notice in the photos that these structures are optimal for high-density storage and can withstand heavy loads.  They’re great for creating additional floorspace and are engineered to fulfill specific needs of each user.

Stay tuned next week to check out the project specifics and see photos of how things are progressing.  Click here to view last week’s Project Spotlight: OHIO posting and to view past Project Spotlight postings as well.

TOTW Pushbackpush back pallet rack system allows palletized goods and materials to be stored by being pushed up a gently graded ramp. Stored materials are allowed to flow down the ramp to the aisle.

This rack configuration allows for deep storage at each rack level and last-in, first-out storage. All of the loads are stored and retrieved from the aisle. When a new load is deposited into a lane, it pushes back the one already at the front and all those behind it. Then, when that load is picked, the contents of the lane all move forward again, hence the term “push back rack.”

Why use a push back pallet rack system?

  • The nested carts make placement and retrieval easy
  • It saves storage space which leads to less cost
  • They offer the same storage density as and drive-in/drive-through racks

If you are looking to utilize space in your warehouse make sure to get some information on the push back pallet rack system. Storage Solutions would love to help you create the perfect warehouse for your company.

Source: WikiMheda_PushBackPalletRacks

Aaaaaand we’re back!  We are finally ready to introduce you to another project in our Project Spotlight series.  This time, we’re taking a look at “Project Ohio”.  This project was located in midwestern Ohio, but for confidentiality’s sake, we’re just going to call it OHIO.

Storage Solutions Project SpotlightFeatured Products:

  • Selective Rack Bays
  • Bin Sections In Two Level Mezzanine
  • Resindek and RoofDeck

Objective – Optimize the use of warehouse space to provide the customer with efficient racking systems.

Make sure to come back next week to see how this project is progressing.  To take a look at past Project Spolights, click here.

“Do you know anything about material handling or pallet racking?”

In my first interview, I was asked this question.  Now, in most interviews, you might consider that a make it or break it kind of question.  And in most interviews, I would have an answer prepared for this sort of inquiry.  After all, why would I be sitting in an interview if I didn’t have the first clue about the industry in which the business operates… Right?  Wrong.

A Day In The Life Of A Rookie“Actually, no.  I don’t have any previous knowledge or experience with material handling.”

I was positive this sort of response was going to hurt me, but luckily, my interviewer, Nate Storey, said, “That’s okay. Almost no one comes into this business knowing anything about pallet racking or material handling.  It usually takes about 6 months for people to understand everything.”

Phew.  Really?  Well, sign me up, I thought.

After a second interview, and much deliberation, I decided to accept the job with Storage Solutions.  Before starting, I decided to do more in-depth research on the industry so I could get a head start before my first day.  During my research, it occurred to me that this business isn’t extremely difficult.

So going in to my first day I knew:

  1. A pallet is a pallet.
  2. A beam is a beam.

Six months to learn everything.  How difficult could it really be, right? Wrong.  Again.

It occurrs to me early on that material handling and pallet racking is much more detailed than it appears.  A pallet isn’t just a pallet and a beam definitely isn’t just a beam.  Connections, uprights, braces, shelving, decking… there’s A LOT to learn.

The type of business Storage Solutions does was best described to me by CFO Bill Beeker when he said,

pallet rack“This isn’t a sexy business, but it’s still needed.”

This made sense to me.  The type of work Storage Solutions does isn’t flashy or noticeable… but it’s important.  We provide something certain companies have to have.

Now, my first eight days have gone by and I’ve learned a lot about the industry but have still barely scratched the surface.

Other Things I’ve Learned In My First 8 Days:

  1. Ball State University alumni rule this office, with Wabash coming in a distant second!
  2. A few employees of Storage Solutions were actually in the same fraternity at BSU. (Sigma Chi)
  3. I work with friendly, helpful people who want this business to succeed and grow.

I still have a lot more to learn, and who knows, maybe six months from now I’ll look back on this first blog and realize I was wrong about even the small things I thought I knew! I guess we’ll see…

We are excited to introduce you to the newest addition to our Storage Solutions team!  Not only will he be one of our project managers, but he will also be the newest contributor to our blog!  We will let him tell you about that in his introductions below.  So without further adieu, here’s what you should know about Blair.

Blair YoderHometown:  Indianapolis

Education:   Ball State University
Lawrence Central High School

Favorite Teams:  Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts

Fun Facts:  Studied abroad in Australia for 3 months, living in a small surf town on the east coast, about 2 hours south of Brisbane.  Also spent a week traveling around New Zealand.

How Did You Come To Work At SSI:  The coordinator of the Entrepreneurship center at BSU, Brian Geiselhart, hosted a networking event for BSU alumni called The Cardinal Business Forum.  It just so happened that Storage Solutions owner, Craig McElheny, was scheduled as a facilitator for the event and was introduced to Brian.  Soon after this event I asked Brian if he knew about any possible job opportunities and he passed my name along to Craig.  I was eventually informed that Storage Solutions was hiring for an Inside Sales position and the rest is history.

EXCITING ANOUNCEMENT:
“A Day In The Life Of A Rookie”

I am excited to inform everyone that I will be writing a new blog for Storage Solutions!  Michelle and Jill approached me with the idea to have me blog about my experiences learning the material handling industry.  As most people come into the industry with little prior knowledge, I think documenting my experiences sounds like a great idea.  I hope everyone finds it useful and interesting.

Like we said, we are so excited to welcome Blair to our team.  Keep your eyes open.  His new blog column, A Day In The Life Of A Rookie, is coming soon!

Some people find it entertaining when I explain to them what my job entails.  More often than not, it is difficult for them to imagine how one could possibly talk about the material handling industry, pallet rack, shelving and the like through social media.  “Are other people in your industry even USING social media?” Pshhh… OF COURSE THEY ARE!  In this day and age, most people are using social media in some way, shape or form.  Whether it’s reading a blog post or newsletter sent out through an email marketing campaign or asking around on Twitter about where one can find more information on safety equipment and affordable solutions, people are talking.

That’s what makes my job so fun.  And it’s why I am so excited about our search to find the next Marketing/Social Media intern.  As a former Storage Solutions marketing intern myself, I can tell you first hand that it is one good gig.  Instead of talking about the exact same things everyone else is, this position is about taking what you have learned in school or through your own social media usage and applying it to a less conventional topic.  So…I have put together a list of the top 3 reasons you (or someone you know) should apply to be an intern this fall.

THREE REASONS YOU (OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW) SHOULD APPLY TO BE A STORAGE SOLUTIONS INTERN

_____

1.  You will have the opportunity to help develop a comprehensive social media plan using Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and blogging to talk about one of the nation’s leading material handling companies.

2.  You will learn the do’s, don’ts, how’s and why’s of using social media and marketing in an industry that is still new to this digital marketing age.

3.  You will get to work with two fabulous other marketers (if I may say so myself) who have experience in marketing within multiple industries and love to explore new ideas and marketing opportunities!

So if you or someone you know may be interested in applying, check out our job description and send us your resume!  Our schedule is flexible and the experience is great!

PS:  If you’re on Twitter or Facebook… Share the info about this internship opportunity with your friends!

Rick BThis week we would like to introduce you to one of our awesome sales employees, who has been with us since 1995… Rick Brodfuehrer. Rick has been with us for a while and he has seen the company grow from what it once was to what it is now. Want to know more about Rick? Well, look no further.

Product Knowledge/Specialties: Turn key warehouse solutions from layout to installation

Hometown:  Columbus, IN

Role and Title with Storage Solutions:  Sales, VP of National Accounts

Family:  Married, 2 step sons, 5 grand daughters

Favorites

  • Food: Anything on the grill
  • TV Show: The Golf Channel
  • Team: Pacers/Colts 

Hobbies: Grand kids, Golf, Basketball

We are lucky to have such devoted employees here at Storage Solutions.  To contact Rick, click here.