Joe DownsCEO & Co-Founder, Belrose Storage Group. Founder, Storage Moguls.

The 3 question decision tree for staffing

1 May 2026 · 1 min

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This content was created by Joe Downs. This content was uploaded by Joe Downs. This is a YouTube video titled "The 3 question decision tree for staffing" (uploaded May 1, 2026). The excerpt is a single-speaker instructional segment (labeled SPEAKER A) presenting a practical decision framework for staffing a facility (examples reference tenants, gates, storms, and boats). The speaker outlines the first two of three key questions: 1) proximity — whether you are within 30 minutes of the facility (if not, an onsite manager or local contractor is likely required), and 2) availability — whether you can commit an extra 5–10 hours/week during peak seasons (noting off-season time drops to ~2–3 hours/week). The tone is advisory/operational guidance for facility managers or owners.

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These are the 3 questions you need to run through before you make any staffing decision. Question 1, are you within 30 minutes of the facility? If yes, then self-managing is on the table. If no, you almost certainly need an onsite manager or a local contractor, someone who can physically be there when a tenant gets stuck at the gate, when a storm rolls through, or when the fall rush hits and 3 boats need to move in on the same Saturday morning. Question 2, do you have an extra 5 to 10 hours per week available during peak season? Because that's what it takes during the spring and fall windows. Off-season drops significantly, maybe 2 to 3 hours per week. But during those peak hours, peak seasons, you need to be genuinely available, not theoretically available.