TaxiContainers has been transforming traditional self-storage clients into on-demand storage fans for almost a year now.
Name: TaxiContainers
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Website: http://www.taxicontainers.com/
Product / Service Offering: On-demand physical storage
Co-founder Interviewed: Luis Manjarrez
Other Key Management Team Members: Antonio Manjarrez
This article is part of our Business Startup Spotlight series featuring entrepreneurs and their companies. We hope that these founders’ interviews will inspire and motivate you as you undertake your own entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us a little about yourself with a focus on what motivates you?
I am an industrial engineer with a particular interest in technology and imagery. I love visual stuff; however, I have an analytical mind and enjoy logistic challenges and the creation of neat processes.
At the end of the day, knowing that I have brought value to something I believe in is the most motivating thing for me.
When did you establish your company and where did the idea originate?
TaxiContainers has been transforming traditional self-storage clients into on-demand storage fans for almost a year now.
My older brother Antonio is the leader of the business. Our father has been in the storage business for over a decade. Our warehouse is located on the outskirts of the city, so we mainly cater to other businesses around the area. We wanted to have more residential clients; however, we knew they would not drive up to our facilities even if it meant having more competitive prices. So, we decided to bring the storage unit right to the client’s door.
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What need or needs does your company seek to fill for its customers?
We are the answer to all those people who do not have time, a car, big muscles or big pockets and want a comprehensive, easy storage solution for their belongings that take up much needed space in their homes.
What is the one thing that sets your company apart from its competitors?
For the moment we are the only company in Mexico offering an all-inclusive valet storage solution, which has been well received since there are no hidden charges.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while getting your company up and running, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge still is to educate the consumer. It has been hard to convince them of other more convenient ways to store their belongings. It is always hard when you are the trailblazer.
Are there resources you have utilized that other founders might find compelling or useful?
We are receiving funding and help from the INADEM, National Entrepreneurship Institute, a government agency built to help out innovative and scalable projects. We think it is a good way to apply for one of their many programs.
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What steps have you taken to secure funding for your company and what, if anything, would you do differently if you had to start over?
We tried networking, but we think the most effective way to get investors interested is to get the product to speak for itself. Once you get some attention and your product is good, you will start to get opportunities or at least start to talk to people interested in investing in you.
Have there been any questions you have had as an entrepreneur of a fledgling startup that you had a particularly hard time finding the answers to?
I think we all struggle at the beginning with product/market fit. It is the single most important thing to figure out at the birth of a project. It is hard to know the answer until you spend time with potential clients and hear them out. Once you have figured that out, scaling becomes the next complicated step.
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What challenges, if any, are you grappling with?
We offer a service that people do not know exists. Their first instinct when trying to solve storage problems is not to search for us, but the traditional storage units. We have a big challenge when it comes to tapping new markets, given the fact that mass exposure can be expensive, especially for a young business. We rely on social media and other alternative ways of marketing that take a little longer to show results, but they work in the end.
What is the most helpful tip or “hack” you’ve ever learned, stumbled across, or been given?
Only work with people who are as passionate as you are for your product, especially in the early stages of a business when all the motivation is intrinsic. Money, exposure, and recognition come later. At the beginning staying focused only comes easy if it comes from within you.
Also, start a business with capital, not with debt. People often confuse a bank loan as capital, it is not.
< see related: Why Startup Investors hate Debt >
Is there anything else you would like to share about your company?
I think you have more of a chance to become successful in an “unsexy” industry than in a “sexy” one. That is just pure statistics; less people are inclined in creating innovating solutions for boring industries. At least that is working for us, and it is very rewarding.
Are you familiar with other startups you believe should be spotlighted? If so, we would like to hear from you. Tell us about them, sharing your comments below!
Sandra Sloan
Sandra has previous supply chain and business operations experience which she is leveraging as an author with FundingSage focused on spotlighting entrepreneurs and their startup efforts.
