REFIRE/Florian Glock
Sebastian Kerekes, CEO, Karibu
At this year’s REFIRE Garage Park Symposium, automation, digital integration, and operational efficiency emerged as central themes shaping the future of the self storage and drive-up garage park sector. Among the expert contributions, one presentation stood out for its clear, structured look at how early-stage planning and smart system design can transform long-term performance.
Drawing on extensive international experience, Sebastian Kerekes, founder of Karibu Consulting, highlighted the practical and economic advantages of automation – not as a luxury or late-stage upgrade, but as a fundamental building block for scalable, customer-centric operations. His talk complemented the broader discussions at the conference by connecting technical innovation with strategic management, underlining how technology, when planned early, becomes an enabler rather than an obstacle. “Automation should never be treated as an afterthought,” is Kerekes' central message. “It’s part of the business DNA from the moment you decide to build more than one site.”
From Austrian Pioneer to International Consultant
Sebastian Kerekes is not your typical consultant who comes in, analyzes, and leaves. With Karibu, he offers long-term, hands-on guidance shaped by deep industry insight.
What began in Austria has grown into an international operation, with projects across Europe and as far away as Australia. With more than sixty clients operating across over 100 facilities, Karibu’s portfolio ranges from newcomers planning their first site to established operators seeking to digitize or automate their operation.
The Karibu Approach – From Concept to Operation
Karibu’s working philosophy shows the firm’s comprehensive approach by accompanying projects from early planning through implementation to full operation, always focusing on the bigger picture of the self storage ecosystem.
The company offers custom consulting packages tailored to each phase of development: from site analysis and feasibility assessments to automation concepts, digital communication, and marketing strategies. This holistic perspective sets Karibu apart from many other advisors in the field.
As one testimonial clearly notes: Technical expertise is the absolute minimum you should expect from your technical consultant – but a good one needs to breath self storage and ultimately helps to save time and to avoid mistakes, even under severe time pressure. This is added-value commitment — this is what you get from Karibu.
Automation as the Backbone of Modern Self Storage
The core message of Kerekes’ talk at the REFIRE symposium was clear: automation is not an add-on – it’s the backbone of future operations.
Too often, operators invest in individual high-end hardware and systems – built-out, web site, booking platform, payment procedures, access control, video surveillance – without considering digital integration, which can quickly lead to parallel-operation chaos.
“Automation is not just about technology,” Kerekes explained. “It’s about how all systems communicate – from the online booking portal and customer relationship management to the customer accessing their rented space. When your data flows smoothly, so does your business.”
His key advice: for anyone planning multiple locations, scalable systems should be part of the plan from day one. Centralized processes not only reduce costs but also ensure a consistent, seamless customer experience while enabling operators to run their businesses as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
“Every client and site tells a different story,” Kerekes says. “But the principle stays the same: Operators want set-ups with minimal ongoing fees, no vendor dependencies, and no on-site staff required.”
Marketing as the Second Pillar – Visibility and Trust
Next to automation, Kerekes sees marketing as the second critical success factor. In a growing and increasingly competitive market, digital visibility and customer communication are make-or-break factors.
Karibu helps operators build a strong brand identity, optimize for search engines, and develop tailored online and social media campaigns.
“Customers aren’t searching for ‘self storage’ – they’re searching for the simplest solution to their space problem,” Kerekes points out. “If you understand this and communicate effectively, you win – regardless of your facility’s size.”
Bottom Line Conclusion: A Gain for the Industry
The REFIRE Garage Park Symposium highlighted that the self storage sector is entering a phase of rapid innovation and digital transformation.
For operators, investors, and stakeholders alike, the takeaway is clear: the tools and strategies exist to create scalable, efficient, and customer-friendly facilities – and the industry is now ready to put them into action. Kerekes sums it up clearly: “It’s entirely possible – the only requirement is the willingness to do it.”
More information: Karibu GmbH
Event details: REFIRE Garage Park Symposium