Talking with: Moses Ruiz at Socal Self Storage
Tag: Community
SoCal Self Storage at Hollywood & Bronson truly plays a big role in Hollywood, servicing over 500 businesses in their ultra-modern facility. They provide a service to essential businesses like restaurants, pharmaceutical companies, construction companies and more who need to access their storage units to operate. They also serve first responders like police officers, nurses and doctors who are among their clients. During these difficult times, storage facilities become such a necessity for our community members.
We talked with Moses Ruiz, Manager of SoCal Self Storage in Hollywood, to see how his business is adapting to the current situation.
So Cal Self Storage changed their LED light show on the building's exterior to feature purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant after his passing earlier in 2020. (Photo courtesy of SoCal Self Storage)
Only In Hollywood: How long has So Cal Self Storage been part of the Hollywood Community?
Moses Ruiz: We’ve been a stakeholder and key player in the Hollywood community for the last 16 years. We are excited about the new enhancements being made to Hollywood and we love contributing to that process and serving the community.
OIH: What services do you offer?
MR: We are a state-of-the-art storage facility offering all the modern amenities to our tenants. All units are individually alarmed, each floor is monitored by closed circuit digital cameras, and our building is climate controlled. We’ve become a centerpiece for the industry where businesses get nurtured and relationships develop.
OIH: What does So Cal Self Storage contribute to the community that people may be unaware of?
MR: It’s a family-owned business that cares about its community and about each customer. We’ve worked with non-profits such as My Friend’s Place, Salvation Army, Goodwill, PabLove, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. We’ve also worked with the entertainment industry and we have been a sponsor for the American Film Institute and LA Film Festival for several years.
OIH: How have you had to adapt your business in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic?
MR: We’ve asked our tenants to only visit their units if it’s absolutely necessary. If they decide to visit their units, we ask them to honor appropriate social distancing protocols. We’ve also encouraged our tenants to make their payments online, over the phone, or by mail as opposed to in-person. We have increased the amount and frequency of cleaning and disinfecting being completed at the facility. We only allow one customer in the office at a time and support local ordinances requiring face masks for all customers and team members.
OIH: What are your hopes for the near future of Hollywood?
MR: With all the new developments and changes taking place, our hope is that we become the envy of the world again. We want the community of Hollywood to be seen again by the world as its most recognizable landmark.
Pro tip: If you are in the market for a storage unit, consider visiting SoCal Storage, and while you're there, make sure to have check out some of the amazing eateries nearby, including Palms Thai in the same building, or Division 3 (currently closed due to Covid) across the street.
Devin Strecker serves as Vice President, Communications, for the Hollywood Partnership. He previously spent eight years working for the nearby Hollywood Media District BID. He graduated from Fort Hays State University, near his hometown of Paradise, Kansas, with a degree in information networking and telecommunications.