A Storage Authority franchise is right for anyone who wants to combine the best of three investment opportunities – make a solid real estate investment, own your own business, and operate a franchise for example: Professionals (such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants) or owners of an existing business – people who want to continue their career, while operating a second business opportunity Entrepreneurs -- who are looking for an investment with a solid return both in income and in real estate appreciation, now and for years to come Real estate investors -- who want higher returns than other sectors, including hotel and apartments, without the headaches of typical tenants Families -- who want a strong income cash flow now, into retirement, and into future generations Couples -- who want to work together in their own business Owners of an existing self-storage facility -- who want to take their business to the next level by crushing the local competition and becoming the preeminent hometown self-storage location The examples go on and on. Let’s discuss your situation and decide how “the Storage Authority difference” can help achieve your financial and career objectives.

There are four ways for you to launch a Storage Authority business and we have the answers you need, regardless of the option – or the combination of options -- that’s right for you: To build a new facility – on property you already own or on property we will help you find To convert an existing building into a self-storage facility To re-brand a self-storage facility that you already own To buy an existing self-storage facility

Typically, our franchise will make the self-storage business much easier for you and reduces your risks. It provides benefits and profits that most people cannot achieve on their own. Franchising is a popular option in a wide variety of industries, notably restaurants, hotels, health, fitness, beauty, and automotive services. And now self-storage. Storage Authority is the only self-storage franchise in the United States and we provide you with important benefits, including but not limited to: Well-developed business model – reduce your learning curve, regardless of your previous experience in business ownership and management Access to proven systems of training, operations, and marketing – rely on a built-in network of support and knowledge (see Question #9 below) National image and brand awareness Guidance about site selection, design, construction, and / or renovation (see Questions #6, 7, and 8 below) Purchasing power with preferred vendors Defined market area of exclusivity Easier to get financing – your business plan and financial projections are more credible when they are built on our historic performance success and when a lender sees that we are part of your team (see Question #5 below) Opening a business is never a piece of cake, but a franchise can significantly reduce your risk and increase your rewards. The internet offers many sources for more information about franchising.

To become a Storage Authority Franchisee and open your facility, you should expect to go through these 10 steps: One – Investigate Two Basic Questions Is self-storage right for you (see Questions #11) Is franchising right for you (see Question #3) Two – Apply There is no cost or obligation to apply – and by providing us with some initial background information, we can be better prepared to discuss the specific of your objectives, your situation, and your options. Three – We’ll Talk So You Can Learn More After we review your application, we’ll arrange a phone call or Zoom conference to discuss how the Storage Authority business opportunity can help you meet your financial and career objectives. You’ll be assigned a Storage Authority Franchise Director to serve as your primary contact throughout the due diligence and discovery process. This enables you to get real answers from a real person. No long waits for service. No transfers to multiple staff people. Typically, two or three phone conversations with your Franchise Director – in conjunction with your independent homework and research – are enough to learn the Storage Authority basics and to confirm that we’re a good fit together. Four – Review Our Financial Disclosure Documents (FDD) After you have been approved, we will send you our “Franchise Disclosure Documents and Qualification Package” that is prepared in compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and required format. It provides thorough information about Storage Authority, about our franchise systems, and about the franchise agreement. Read this package in detail so you are ready to review the contents with your Franchise Director. Five – Continue Our Weekly Conversations You and your Franchise Director will continue having thorough discussions to assist you with the manager-driven Storage Authority systems – from finding land and gaining approvals to designing, building, and financing your facility; from operations to our premium sales, marketing, and more. Six – Financial Review Your Franchise Director will discuss the minimum financial recommendations and requirements for developing a Storage Authority self-storage facility, based on your goals and finances. There are multiple financial options based on the location, type, and size of the development, as well as on the type of loan you plan to use – conventional or SBA. We can introduce you to lenders who are familiar with self-storage, who understand the value of Storage Authority, and who underwrite both SBA and conventional loans, so you can explore loan options and qualification details. Seven – Sign Your Franchise Agreement It is simple. One we have confirmed we are a good match and you are ready to proceed, we will confirm the Franchise Owner's contact information and prepare the Franchise Agreement for your electronic signature(s). Prior to signing, you may wish to reach out to a few of our existing franchisees- we'll gladly provide names and introductions. And of course we welcome meeting with you in Sarasota, FL as well. Eight – Local Site Research And Selection (see Questions #6, 7, and 8) In close consultation with your Franchise Director, you’ll determine the most suitable location for your facility. These detailed discussions will go beyond finding land to include building your team, developing facility designs, gaining approvals, and constructing your facility – and how we will assist. Discussions will also continue about all aspects of our manager-driven systems, notably operations, sales, and marketing. Nine – Participate In The Storage Authority Owner And Manager Training We offer a combination of classroom, online, and textbook learning in a variety of skills -- such as pre-opening preparations; operations; sales; marketing; accounting; and human resources -- so you are completely prepared to open and to do business effectively day-to-day, starting on Day One. Ten – Celebrate Your Opening Day It’s time to put all your energy, enthusiasm, and education to work! We’ll guide you to and through a memorable ribbon-cutting that opens the door to your own special version of the American Dream.

The exact amount of your initial investment will be different based on the various factors associated with how you are proceeding -- buying an existing facility, converting an existing building, or building a new facility, size and type of loan. If you build a new facility, your investment will depend on additional factors such as the cost of land and land improvements; the cost of developing either a single-story or multi-floor facility; and the cost of special features you choose to include. As further background, it’s important to know about the federal government’s Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. They are a popular financing option for our franchise owners because the SBA loans often require a down payment of 15% and permit you to borrow some soft costs and carrying costs. We suggest that to start the Storage Authority process, you have $1.3 Million to $3.5 Million either individual or amongst parters available in cash – or in suitable cash and equity in the facility property you already own. The lower range will typically be for a phase 1 with an SBA loan.

There are multiple options, but often the least expensive and most profitable is six usable acres that can accommodate at least a 50,000 to 60,000 sq. ft. one-story facility. A larger parcel of land allows you to offer vehicle storage for recreational vehicles, boats, and cars, plus it will facilitate future expansion, if appropriate. If you envision a multi-floor building, you typically will require less land – about 1.5 acres or more. Of course, phased expansion is not typical and construction costs as well as owner's equity requirements will be higher. We will help you find the location that is “right” for the demands and competition of your market, which includes guidance on evaluation of existing self-storage rates and the available demand for a new facility location. Other factors we will provide guidance on: the size and shape of a location; basic zoning; traffic patterns; availability of utilities; and convenient entrance / exit. After your offer for a piece of land is accepted, we will collaborate with you and the appropriate real estate professionals during the due diligence period to evaluate a myriad of details about the location that are essential to your success – details such as easements and setback requirements; zoning, typography and slopes; sight lines; wetland, endangered species, surface coverage, or other environmental restrictions; deed ownership / restrictions; and a third-party feasibility study. We provide guidance as you negotiate purchase and financing of the “right” real estate, and we then work closely with you and your civil engineering / architectural / construction team to develop the optimum site plan and building drawings.

Development costs are different in different parts of the country, depending on costs for land; size of the facility; materials and labor costs; special features or finishes you choose; and zoning / ordinance requirements, to name a few. For a detailed estimate of costs, review Item 7 of the Financial Disclosure Documents (FDD) package. Remember that the project can be- and often is- split into multiple phases. The development / construction timeline can be affected by many factors, but a useful initial average planning estimate is: 2 to 12 months to research and locate land 2 to 4 months to prepare civil engineering site plan designs 3 to 4 months to prepare architectural building designs 3 to 4 months to obtain appropriate government approvals 8 to 12 months for construction Note: some of these timelines may overlap, or be longer or shorter depending on a variety of factors.

Part of your initial investment is the one-time Storage Authority Franchise fee of $39,000. You have the option of an additional one-time fee of $27,000 for our guidance with development if you are not buying or if you do not own an existing self-storage facility. There is also a one-time fee of $3,000 for our assistance with preparing a customized Storage Authority website for your location. There is a monthly 6% royalty fee and 2.5% marketing, sales, technology, and website fee.

Storage Authority has developed a proprietary system that carefully guides you step-by-step through the development / construction process -- from finding land through pre-opening. Called the “Dynamic Ease Development Series,” it features seven detailed chapters of information, checklists, and worksheets. In addition, your Franchise Development Director is available to guide you. Although the development / construction process is never the same for any two projects, it is always a close collaboration between you, your Storage Authority representatives, and your development team. You get the guidance and the answers you need, when you need them, so you can make the decisions and initiate the actions necessary to move your business forward. Here is a simple outline of the “Dynamic Ease Development Series:” Chapter 1 – Introduction Building Your High-Performance Team First 30 Days Development flow charts Worksheets Major Development Milestones Checklist Competition Review Developer Secret Shop Review Partial Designer & Vendor List Vendor Approval Request Form Management Software Interfaces Chapter 2 – Land The Basics Of A Good Location Typical Basic Land Requirements Hiring A Quality Broker To Assist You With Finding Land Additional Ways To Find Land (including offline) Initial Land Review Prior To An Offer Or Feasibility Study Making The Offer & Due Diligence Feasibility Study Worksheets Sample letter for contacting land owner Questions for first meeting with government planner / staff Land parcel info Site drive-by Initial zoning review Land offer Chapter 3 - Purchasing An Existing Self-Storage Facility Seven Primary Steps Of A Real Estate Transaction Investigating An Existing Facility Chapter 4 – Banking / Lending Loan Options Loan Considerations Often Over-Looked Expenses Worksheets Loan Request Letter & Summary Chapter 5 - Design & Regulatory Approvals Finding Design Consultants Site Plan Design Regulatory Meetings Building Design Security Design Video Surveillance Design Worksheets Additional Site Plan Design Items To Consider Additional Building Design Items To Consider Site Details Owner “To Do” During Design Process Chapter 6 – Bidding & Construction Finding A Contractor Construction Specifications & Bidding Example of Schedule Of Payment Categories Construction Review Chapter 7 – Pre-Opening Preparations 120 Days Prior to Opening or Sooner 30-90 Days Prior to Opening or Sooner Pre-Opening Marketing 30 – 120 days pre-opening or sooner Post Opening Component Depreciation Study Chapter 7 Worksheets: Preopening checklist Unit pricing worksheet First office, site & product order. Component Depreciation Contact Flyer Preopening Sessions with your Franchise Director. Initial Office & Site setup checklist Let’s have a pile of reservations to call and a line ready to rent the day you open!

Our business model includes a combination of classroom and textbook learning that cover your Storage Authority business, from start-up through day-to-day operations. We have a training center in Florida where training classes are held regularly throughout the year. You and your manager will attend three days of initial training classes at a time that is most convenient for you. You and your manager will also receive online / phone training during the four-week period immediately prior to opening. In addition, you will have our unmatched package of easy-to-understand, proprietary manuals for convenient reference at any time. Professional education reminders and updates are ongoing at Storage Authority, using a variety of platforms. Together, the training classes, the manuals, and your Franchise Development Director provide comprehensive professional education:

We do not predict sales, costs, or profits for any Storage Authority facility because these figures are impacted by a variety of factors from market to market and from owner to owner. After you chose a location, you will arrange an independent feasibility study to be conducted during the due diligence period by a qualified independent third-party. The results will provide you with a lot of detailed information, including analysis of demand; construction and start-up costs; break-even projections; and profit estimates. We urge you to discuss the Storage Authority business opportunity with your trusted financial advisors, notably your attorney and accountant.

We recommend that you research two topics -- self-storage and franchising. There is abundant information about both subjects on the internet, and new articles are available regularly with the most up-to-date details. If you conduct Google searches for “self-storage industry” and for “franchising pros and cons,” you will find a rich inventory of sources from which you can choose your reading. Information about a specific market is typically available from a variety of local, county, and state agencies, business commissions, or planning groups that deal with economic development. However, acquiring data from government sources can take a lot of time and paperwork. Online apps are available to deliver market information quickly and easily for a small fee. We can provide links to these services and guide you through using them. Two other sources of information are: The Self-Storage Association (SSA), which is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia – www.selfstorage.org The self-storage association in your state, for which you can find contact information online You should consider joining these two groups for ongoing information and networking.

Often you can. The first step is reviewing the process and requirements with an expert. It is called Rollover for Business Startups or ROBS. ROBS is a way that startup business owners can use their existing personal retirement funds (IRA, 401(k), etc.) to help open a new business or purchase an existing business – tax-deferred and penalty-free. This allows you to use proceeds from the sale of stocks in your retirement accounts to start up your new self-storage business. Basically, you will create a C Corporation and roll over funds from a personal retirement account into the company 401 (K). No taxes or penalties are assessed against you because it is not a distribution of retirement funds. Funding can be used for any business expense. Retirement funds can be used in conjunction with other funding types such as SBA, funding from business partners or other investors. If you would like to learn more, we can put you in touch with an independent expert on the process who can explain the process and assist you, if you decide to exercise this option.