'Peace of mind': Assured Storage in Maryville expands, improves

By Rheta Murry
Daily Times Correspondent

A top-rated storage facility recently expanded its offerings in Blount County.

Assured Storage added 22,000 square feet of storage space to its facility located at 1915 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. It now offers 87,500 square feet of space with 682 individual storage units.

"We worked on that close to six to eight months, getting fencing, asphalt and electrical," said Mike Gaddis, one of the owners. "We offer a Class A facility."

The new addition offers both climate-controlled units and those without. Gaddis said climate-controlled units are just like a person's home, providing both heat and cooling. Units without climate control are no better than a garage, he added.

Gaddis said it took so long to complete the new section because he wanted build it correctly.

"Once you build them and do it right in the beginning, it isn't as hard to maintain," Gaddis said.

To maintain the units properly, Gaddis said employees must keep the units cleaned out and routinely do pest control. Landscaping also requires maintenance.

A "Class A" distinction means the facility is maintained properly, has a main road frontage, good visibility, is paved and offers a key-pad entry, security and video surveillance.

Gaddis said he's been in the storage business for about 10 years. He and business partner Russell Hagood purchased property on Queen Circle, built a couple of buildings and opened up a storage business.

A year or so later, Gaddis purchased a facility on Brookville Street in Maryville. Then, about seven or eight years ago, the partners built the Highway 321 facility, probably its most visible and well-known. Only the West Lamar Alexander Parkway location, referred to as the main office, carries the "Class A" designation, Gaddis said. The men put into practice things they learned in their first two locations.

"A lot of women are involved, and they wanted security, a good paved area, and needed to get in and out," Gaddis said. "They also wanted safety items like video cameras around the facility that are always on. It gives people peace of mind when they put their stuff here."

Customers have 24-hour access to the facility via a keypad located at the entrance. Video surveillance cameras record everything happening on the grounds. The Assured Storage office is open 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 865-379-5444.