The Heart of Storage Choice: A Conversation with Charles Wesley Mink II
By Jenn Boyd June 21, 2024
Moving can be one of the most stressful events in life, but Charles Wesley Mink II, affectionately known as Wes, is dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible. As the owner of CWM Storage Solutions in charge of operations for Storage Choice, Wes has spent nearly two decades providing top-notch storage solutions, U-Haul rentals, and moving supplies to the communities of Mississippi and Alabama. In a recent interview, Wes shared his journey, his commitment to customer service, and his vision for the future of Storage Choice.
Building a Legacy
Wes' story begins in 2005 when he was asked to take on Storage Choice after working for U-Haul. Leveraging his experience and passion for the industry, he established a business that now spans seven locations across Mississippi and Alabama. From the Gulf Coast to the state capitals, Storage Choice has become synonymous with reliability and excellence in storage and moving services.
A Customer-First Philosophy
From the very beginning, Wes has emphasized exceptional customer service as the cornerstone of his business. “We empower our team to be problem-solvers and take initiative,” Wes explained during the interview. His philosophy is simple: go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. This commitment is reflected in the numerous positive reviews and repeat customers Storage Choice enjoys.
Employee Culture
A company is only as good as its employees, and Storage Choice is a testament to this. With several long-tenured employees, some with 10-15 years of experience, the company benefits immensely from their expertise. Wes values hiring older workers, aged between 40-70, for their exceptional work ethic and attention to detail. He sees himself not just as a coach but as a team player, working alongside his employees to drive the company forward.
A special shout out goes to Charlie Owenby, the manager of the Long Beach, MS location (pictured below left), and JD Duke, the manager of theFoley, ALlocation( pictured below right), for their outstanding dedication and hard work. Their leadership and commitment truly exemplify the core values of Storage Choice.
Adapting to a Changing Market
The storage industry has evolved significantly over the years, and Wes has adapted his strategies to stay competitive. “When we started, we relied heavily on the Yellow Pages for marketing,” Wes recalled. Today, Storage Choice focuses on digital marketing and SEO to reach new customers in an increasingly competitive landscape dominated by large real estate investment firms.
Community and Family
Wes’s dedication to his business is matched by his commitment to his family and community. Married for 23 years with three children, he balances his professional life with personal interests such as coaching youth sports and participating in church activities. “Being involved in the community is important to me,” Wes shared, highlighting how these activities keep him grounded and connected to the people he serves.
Resilience and Growth
The past few years have highlighted the resilience of Storage Choice. “2020-2022 were our best years,” Wes noted. Despite changes in the market, Storage Choice maintains high occupancy rates, a testament to the trust and loyalty of its customer base.
Looking Ahead
As the interview drew to a close, Wes expressed his gratitude for the support of his customers and his excitement for the future. “We may not be able to please everyone, but we will do our best to ensure you are satisfied,” he said, encouraging potential customers to give Storage Choice a chance. His closing words reflected the heart and soul of his business: a commitment to excellence and a promise to always put customers first.
