ISSUE: Sep/Oct 2008

Manager Profile

John R. Wharton
Space Mart Self-Storage,
Newport News, Virginia

John R. Wharton

John R. Wharton, resident manager of Space Mart Self-Storage in Newport News, Va. always has marketing on his mind. Wharton has tried his hand at a variety of traditional, and even some less conventional, advertising and public relations efforts in order to get the word out about his self-storage facility. He’s set up monthly pizza giveaways for his tenants, started a book club, hosted a pharmaceutical rep open house, opened his doors to civic organizations looking for a meeting place, coordinated car washes, and created a networking group with local business owners and operators—just to name a few.

Wharton says he’s willing to try just about any type of marketing once, but is quick to add that getting tenants excited about the facility is the single best way for businesses to spread their message throughout the community. “It’s really all about the people and relationships,” he says. “I also believe in encouraging your customers to care about your facility and market for you.”

Wharton’s creative and successful marketing efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, he recently received the “Entrepreneurial Success Award” from the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. This award is given to one area businessperson who posts fiscal growth for the year and boasts a solid track record of giving back to the community.

“I’m very excited to win this award and feel very thankful,” he says, quickly adding that he will continue his efforts in marketing his business, building his brand, and leading his facility to success.