Ron Matejko

When Central States Inc. opened its doors in 1988 as a regional supplier of metal-building components, it was founded on three core principles: service, reliability and long-term relationships. More than three decades later, those values have endured as the company scaled nationwide. Today, the manufacturer operates 13 U.S. facilities and serves thousands of customers through its three business units: Central States Building Works, Central States Manufacturing and Elevate Structures.

Earlier this month, I participated in a training event hosted at our parent company’s Dallas office. As part of the program, we heard an entertaining and insightful keynote speech from Ken Holsinger, senior vice president of industry research and insights for Freeman Company, a global provider of live events, tradeshows, expositions and corporate conventions.

At the entrance to Modern Storage in Springdale, Arkansas, stands “Exuberance,” a custom sculpture created by Hunter Brown that’s become a local landmark and is frequently featured in customers’ social media posts. The towering artwork is an unexpected sight at a self-storage facility, which is precisely the point. What started as a personality piece has become one of the most talked-about elements of the property.