How I Went from Serving My Country to Storing Your Stuff

Published on 7/17/2025
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From Camo to Concrete: How I Went from Military Life to Starting a Storage Business

If you told me a few years ago that I’d be running a storage company after getting out of the military, I probably would’ve laughed. But here we are—and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Let me explain how a guy with combat boots and a go-bag ended up building Reliable Storage Solutions in Port Clinton, OH.


Leaving the Military, Wondering “Now What?”

When I left the service, I had no idea what I was going to do. I didn’t have some huge master plan. All I knew was I wanted to do something real...something that gave me freedom, purpose, and didn’t make me feel like I was just another cog in the machine.

So, like a true military guy, I sat down with some coffee and started looking at the problems I could solve.


Why Storage?

One of the first things I noticed was how ridiculously hard it was to find good storage, especially if you’ve got a boat, RV, tools, or literally anything oversized. Everything felt cramped, overpriced, or sketchy.

So I thought: what if I created something better?

Something clean. Secure. Local. Easy to access. A place where people like me, contractors, small business owners, weekend warriors...could actually find space without the corporate headache.

Boom. That’s when Reliable Storage Solutions was born.


What the Military Taught Me (That Helps Every Day)

Turns out, running a business has a lot in common with the military:

  • Discipline: If you’re not showing up every day, nobody’s doing it for you.

  • Adaptability: Plans change. Weather changes. Concrete delivery is late. You pivot.

  • Leadership: You’ve gotta build a team you trust—and lead by example.

I didn’t realize how much my background would help me stay focused, solve problems fast, and take pride in the little things, like making sure the gravel is perfectly leveled or the gate code system works every time.


Storage with Heart (and Big Driveways)

Reliable Storage Solutions isn’t just about space...it’s about service.

We’ve got:

  • Gated access and wide driveways

  • Units big enough for your RV or boat

  • 24/7 online rentals & payments

  • Veteran-owned with real people behind the scenes

Plus, we’re not some massive chain. We're local. We care. And if you call, chances are it’s me or someone close to me answering.


The Mission Continues

Leaving the military felt like closing a chapter—but starting this business opened up a whole new one. I get to use everything I learned to build something that helps other people protect what matters to them.

If you're looking for storage with space, security, and a whole lot of heart...come check us out.