4 Must-Have Qualities in Your RV & Boat Storage Property Manager: A Guide to Making the Right Hire

When it comes to protecting valuable vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, you need more than just a property manager—you need a facility expert who understands the unique demands of RV and boat storage. Here’s what separates the best from the rest.

Key Qualifications to Look For

1. Experience in Storage Facility Management

Look for candidates with specific experience managing storage facilities, particularly those dealing with RVs and boats. They should understand the unique challenges and requirements of these specialized storage units. Specialization in this industry is valuable due to its operational differences from standard self-storage. The more RV & boat facilities a manager has overseen, the more likely they have gained valuable experience and learned from previous challenges—ultimately increasing your property’s chances of success.

2. Strong Customer Service Skills

Your property manager will be the face of your business, interacting with customers daily. They must have excellent communication skills and a customer-focused mindset. Having a dedicated customer service line, sales line, and on-site staff member to address property issues in person is essential. For instance, when the automatic gate malfunctions, having a knowledgeable and professional facility manager nearby helps to repair the issue and maintain positive relationships with frustrated customers.

3. Focus on Both Operations & Growth

Look for a property manager who is interested not only in maintaining your facility but also in growing and improving it. When their goals of maximizing revenue and profitability align with yours as a business owner, discussions tend to be more proactive—focusing on solutions and facility improvements. A manager focused solely on maintenance and basic operations may not seek efficient solutions, cost-saving alternatives, or new revenue opportunities.

4. Technical Knowledge

The ideal candidate should understand:

• Security systems and access control
• Basic maintenance requirements for storage facilities
• Computer systems for billing and tenant management
• Safety regulations and compliance requirements
• Tenant leases and the process for evictions and auctions
• Marketing strategies to drive customer move ins
• Revenue management and dynamic pricing