After Joe Wessels inherited his family-owned self-storage facility in Ross, Ohio, he threw a celebration that caught the attention of the entire town. Every news station in the area had their cameras rolling as onsite partygoers danced, waved American flags, and ate hot dogs and burgers. Advertisements for Wessels’ “Ross Self Storage Extravaganza” showcased all of the party’s offerings: Affordable storage units, a flea market, tarot card readings, free notary public services, and free weddings. That’s right— free weddings!
As a licensed minister, Wessels presides over the weddings himself, and for any lovebirds who tie the knot at his facility, the first three months of storage are free. To date, he has held two weddings, and he recently told me he’d like to host more in the future.
SpareFoot is impressed by his ingenuity. When it comes to creative marketing devices, Wessels is unparalleled. To be sure, offering tenants notary public services is clever, but holding free weddings onsite is hands down the most creative publicity tactic we’ve ever seen. Would you get married in storage? Don’t deny it.
Photo courtesy of Joe Wessels.
