Archive - 2013

Container Wars: Interview with Deana Molle’ Ms. America

September 4, 2013

TruTV’s reality series Container Wars features one female star and she’s a real beauty. Deana Molle’ was crowned Ms. America (2004-2005) and Ms. International (2011-2012). Don’t be fooled by her crown and pageant smile, for Deana is a bonafide treasure hunter of near a decade who loves to flip merchandise for a huge profit.

Sassy yet sweet and with a profound faith that guides her life, Deana is living her dream. Eager for her fans to get to know her better, she generously gave of her time to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.

Deana Molle’ Interview

Q. You competed in your first pageant in 1988 in Montebello and won! Who motivated you to participate in pageants?

A. One of my teachers encouraged me to join the pageant so I did! But in all honesty, it was not my first time at the chance to win a crown. I was nominated “Prom Queen” in high school. That was my first crack at the crown.

Q. You were crowned Ms. America 2004-2005 and Ms. International 2011-2012. Can you describe that moment?

A. The moment you hear your name being called out as the winner is so surreal. The euphoric feeling is so addicting. To “live in the moment” and feel your heart pounding a million miles a second; your body shakes with such excitement you can’t control and the emotion is so unbelievable.

This is why I love competing. I love the entertainment industry because I am able to live my life for what it was meant for – LIVING with No Regrets!!!

Q. You hold the title of Mrs. Southern California America 2014 and currently training for your last pageant to make Guinness Book of World Records as the only US woman to hold two National America titles. What’s your regiment to train for such an extraordinary goal?

A. I truly believe any competitor has to have the heart and passion to win. With that comes the discipline of hard work. In pageants – physical fitness, community service, and staying truly 100% authentic are my true regimens to winning the crown!

Q. What was it like for you to co-host Ms. America?

A. Hosting is just as exciting! You don’t know who is going to win the “Pageant” and take home the crown. As a Host, I know exactly how these ladies feel. That is why I make such an awesome Host, because I have been there and done that.

Q. You were a judge at the Miss OC Regional Pageant. How are contestants judged?

A. Four categories: 25% Interview, 25% Fitness, 25% On Stage Question, and 25% Community Service. Fitness is the hardest of the four.

Q. You dedicate Nat King Cole’s Smile on social networks to your late father. How much did he influence your life?

A. My Dad and I had an awesome relationship. My Dad was truly an authentic individual. He taught me to love myself for who I am. My Dad was my biggest fan when it came to everything I did. Everyday he would call me and tell me how much he loved me. He always asked, “When are you going to be on TV?”

He would watch The George Lopez show everyday just to get a glimpse of me in the background. My being on television always excited my Dad. He was always so proud. My Dad passed away on April 13, 2012. Exactly nine months later on January 13, 2012 came the birth of CONTAINER WARS on TruTV.

This was a sign from my Dad letting me know that a new a new part of my life was born. My Dad always had a smile and when I hear Nat King Cole’s Smile, although it brings me to tears every time I listen to it, I can only smile knowing how proud Dad must be of me!

Q. You have been a licensed real estate agent for six years. Why real estate?

A. I love helping people regardless of what my commission is; and helping a family achieve the dream of owning their own home is priceless!

Q. What other “projects” do you have in the mix?

A. I am currently am working on my own clothing line: UDARE2WEAR.

Q. How did you get into treasure hunting, thrift stores sales, estate sales, and antiques?

A. I have been a treasure hunter for 8 years. I have always been the type of individual who likes very unique and original items from furniture, clothing and art pieces. I began bargain hunting back in the day, but never made much of it. It wasn’t until I put skill into what my Dad had taught me; “Junk is another man’s treasure.”

My Dad use to take me to the junk yard when I was a little girl. He would have me go on treasure hunts to look for spark plugs, hub caps, gas caps, and batteries. Name the car part and I would find it. Then before I knew it, my Dad would take a rusty old car shell and make it this beautiful restored Chevy Nomad. So this was my inspiration to get into treasure hunting!

I got into the thrift stores and estate sales because I knew I could always find valuable items that are an easy flip. I have to be careful with my love for antiques because I want to keep everything.

Container Wars

Q. How did you get cast on Container Wars?

A. I went to the website Reality Wanted because I decided that I wanted to be on Reality TV. They took a chance casting me because it was suppose to be an all male cast.

Q. As the only female cast member, how do you handle such huge egos and explosive personalities from your male cast mates?

A. With lots of love…

Q. What signs do you look for that indicates it’s a good container?

A. How the container is strapped in; sealed boxes, stacked to the top items such as tools, etc.

Q. Describe your cast mates.

Q. What surprised you most about working on Container Wars?

A. The chemistry of the cast is so amazing. I now have a second family and it’s awesome.

Q. Who is your biggest competitor on the show?

A. Myself, because I don’t have an ego. I just love the feeling of winning and making a profit.

Q. The risk to buy a container for thousands of dollars is greater than any other auction series on television. How do you know when to go “All In?”

A. Normally my instinct is right on. It’s all about my A-Game.

Deana enjoys keeping up with her fans. Just “Like” her Facebook fan page at Deana Molle’ – http://www.facebook.com/deana.molle and/or you may also “Follow” her on her Twitter: @deanamolle.

Q. How did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?

A. I have been with my husband Uriah Molle’ for 14 years. We met through a mutual friend, but I had to make the first move in an elevator alone with him. My motto in life is “I ALWAYS GET WHAT I WANT” and that is exactly what I did when I told Uriah he was not leaving that elevator until he gave me his number. And the rest is history…

Q. What is it like to be a mom?

A. Being a Mom to both Ashley (24) and my stepdaughter Vanessa (19) comes very easy. I love and respect my daughters and I receive the same in return. My girls are a lot like me, so what is there not to love?!

Q. You’ve had a small role in three movies: Man on the Moon, Rock Star, and Magic Mike. Your latest role is in The Face of Love (2013). How were you cast in these movies and did you have any scenes with any of the big stars?

A. I am with Central Casting (recognized leader in casting for background actors). I have worked as an “extra” many times. I have been very lucky to be one of those background people on set and to be singled out by a director or a producer to be put right in front of the camera with the lead actors. Wherever I go or where I am in life, I am always thankful and feel so blessed. In other words – Lucky!

Q. Tell us about your non-profit charity “OC Treasure Queen” and why did you start this platform?

A. This mentor program is for woman of all ages. We all have dreams and goals in our lives. So I started up this mentor program to mentor woman in self esteem, interviewing skills, life coaching, how to start a home based business, and just how to become an independent woman. I love what I do. Giving back is just one way of saying “Thank You” to God by sharing my talents and passion with others.

Q. When did you develop such a profound faith in God?

A. Ever since I was a little girl. I was and still am very spiritual. I believe I am here to bless and be blessed. My Love for God is eternal and everlasting.

Q. What motto(s) do you live by?

A. What-you-see-is-what-you-get. 100% authentic. The TRUE DEANA all of the time!

Q. What’s your best attribute?

A. Everything about me is awesome! I love me!!!

Q. What’s your worst attribute?

A. Really? I make sure I don’t have that problem!

Q. What’s on your bucket list?

A. Absolutely nothing. I’m living my life so there is no bucket list!

Q. How would you like to be remembered?

A. DEANA MOLLE’ – For just being ME!

You may find Deana Molle’ on the red carpet, talk shows, television commercials, movies, game shows, and television series. She is the epitome of beauty on the inside and out. So what does the future hold for the Beauty Queen?

Lights • Camera • Action!

Container Wars airs on TruTv. Check your local listing for showtimes.

Please leave your insightful thoughts on Deana’s interview in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Texas: Mary goes Solo and Wipes Out!

September 4, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars Texas

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Storage Wars: Texas: Season 3, Episode 3: “British Invasion.”

Mary and Mo were no longer a team. Mo no longer in the opening credits. If you think about it, Mary did all of the work. She dug through the storage units and refurbished furniture. What did Mo do? Not much except wear crazy sneakers. Another Storage Wars star bites the dust. How did Mary feel about flying solo?

Mary: I’m gonna kick everybody’s butt. Bubba’s butt.Ricky’s butt. Jenny’s butt. Whoever-else-gets-in-my-way butt.

Fierce was the word.

New player David Kay (British) made his first appearance on the show. He’s been in the auction business for twenty years. If you watch Storage Wars: New York, Kay looked like a younger Joe P. Except for the accent. By no means was this guy a legend, in Texas or storage auctions UK.

1^st Unit
Restaurant equipment, metal shelving, speakers, microphone stand, and a whole lot of “stuff” thrown about. Ricky and the Brit both made a play.

Ricky: If this yahoo thinks he’s getting my locker, he’s crazier than a three-pecker billy goat.

I don’t understand half of the phrases that come out of Ricky’s mouth, do you? Ricky won at $1,250, way above their limit. Texas boys did find an entire PA system and a ton of commercial grade restaurant equipment.

2^nd Unit
Furniture, exercise equipment, old televisions, and miscellaneous merchandise.

David: It’s not a bag of sand, but it could be a monkey.

I thought Ricky’s phrases were odd, but the Brit’s sayings were incompressible and weird. Someone call a United Nations translator! After hearing a few more phrases by David, Mary felt she was in The Twilight Zone.

Now that was spot on!

Mary won her very first storage unit at $200. She made her money back and then some on the furniture. Keep in mind Mary’s short, pint-size even. She stood on a chair and grabbed a heavy rubber container. Hold on now, Mary. Careful… easy… down she goes! No, wait, Mary landed on her feet. She was almost injured by a rubber tub of craft items. Sheesh!

Her unique find was a Hyperlite Destroyer wakeboard. She had her wakeboard appraised at a Wakeboard Ranch. Seriously, only in Texas everything labeled “ranch.” Her wakeboard had a few chips on the paint; it’s last year’s model. Valued at $250.

3^rd Unit
Booths to a restaurant blocked the view to what was in the back. Mary couldn’t see so Jenny gave her a boost. Aw, that was sweet. Did anyone really want custom booth chairs for a club? Not really.

The Brit won at $150, cheap enough. Straight up David saw two commercial grade waffle irons.

The bulk of the merchandise was circular booths. He did uncover a Tre Spade hand-crank sausage stuffer with plastic horns (the hose in which is used to collect the sausage). Valued at $1,100.

Profit Scoreboard:

Rick and Bubba Smith: $3,890
David Kay: $3,650
Mary : $1,070
Jenny Grumbles: $0

How do you feel about Mo leaving the show?

Please leave your thoughtful opinions about this episode in the comment box below.

Container Wars: I Will Bury You!

September 2, 2013

Chuck G.

Container Wars

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Container Wars: Season 1, Episode 13: “Blow a Casket.”

Mo gave the cast a mockery T-shirt of Matt, which only lit the fire for Matt to “bury” the competition.

Matt was privy that one of the containers held high-end funeral equipment. Bury the competition, how appropriate.

1^st Container: Port of Origin – Nome, Alaska
Astrology or observatory equipment, telescopes, and crates with unknown items. Jason got caught up in the “fray” and did not notice Matt dropped out of the mix.

Mo exclaimed that Jason bid like he had just won the lottery. Not sure about that, but he did win this container.

First two crates contained two professional grade telescopes. The blue house a type of mini-observatory kit that was assembled. More mini-kits that need to be assembled in the back. Plus a few more smaller telescopes inside cases.

Jason: All in all, it’s a good day.

Cost: $35,000
Profit: $5,000

2^nd Container: Port of Origin – Berlin, Germany
This can sat for nine months at the shipyard. Security guard popped the lock. John and the security guard opened the doors.

SMELLED LIKE DEAD PEOPLE!

Come on guys, it’s been sitting for nine months! Deana called her husband who told her that was commercial grade organic fertilizer, according to the labels on the drums and boxes.

Uzi approached Deana about splitting the cost of the container 50/50.

Deana: I don’t know about this. I think I just made a deal with the devil.

Now, this is important to note, Uzi approached Deana. She already lined up a buyer. At $10k Uzi asked Deana to allow them to finish out the bid. Oh, why did that sound like such a bad idea. Oh, they won alright.

Deana pulled out a few jugs of Methylene Chloride as Uzi and Eyal put on white bio suits. Yep, they looked ready for a role in the movie Contagion. The drums inside, all empty.

All they had to show for the container were 1000 gallons of Methylene Chloride. So who was to blame for the bad container? Deana even though Uzi cut the deal and ran up the bid.

Cost: $18,000
LOSS: – $15,200

3^rd Container: Port of Origin – Monroe, Michigan
Silk flowers, granite, mortuary equipment and crates in the back. Ty’s mother worked in a mortuary, so he recognized the merchandise.

Mo: There’s money in death.

Ugh. That’s just messed up, as was the scuffle. Yep, Ty pushed Eyal. Uzi then shoved Ty. Another stupid fight with Ty and the Israelis in the shipyard.

John stopped the auction, but he should have kicked them out of the auction altogether. Apology here. Apology there.

Rewind. Restart. Rebid.

Matt stated he would bury the competition and that he did because nothing was going to get in his way of those four caskets (ugh, that too sounds so wrong).

First item a metal slab with pump (yeah, where they work on dead bodies). Matt opened the crates and yep, high-end caskets; one custom-made one for a child. I dunno, that whole container gave me the creeps.

Cost: $20,200
Profit: $22,000

4^th Container: Port of Origin – Raleigh, North Carolina
Sports equipment, specifically basketball from plain sight. What do the Israelis know about basketball?

Enough to win the container and make money.

Trio found basketballs, jerseys, cones, air pumps, portable basketball court, and self-standing hoops.

Cost: $20,500
Profit: $10, 500

To summarize this episode:

A few uncool t-shirts.
A fight in the shipyard.
A trip to the morgue.

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Storage Wars: Texas: She’s Baaack! Lesa Lewis “Bring It”

August 29, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars Texas

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Storage Wars: Texas: Season 3, Episode 2: “Take A Deep Breath, It’s Lesa.”

The earth shook beneath the feet of the cast members. They looked across the horizon and they saw the Apocalypse approaching on a Harley. It was Lesa Lewis. She rode on a big bike. She dressed like a bad girl with a bad attitude with something to prove. The happy-go-lucky cast from Texas not so happy now – she’s baaack!

1^st Unit
A huge household locker full of furniture, garbage bags, and junk. Few high quality furniture pieces in the back that everyone noticed.

Jenny: This is what I like to see, and then there’s Lesa, something I never, ever want to see.

Lesa won the unit for $2,400.

Jerry wasn’t too excited about digging through the storage unit, but then again he never liked hard work. Lesa grabbed a stained Ottoman. She claimed that peanut butter could take off the crayon marks.

Let me Google that. It appears that you can remove crayon marks from walls using peanut butter; however I could not find a definite source to use peanut butter as a removal for stains on furniture. Do we use crunchy or creamy, Lesa?

Most of the furniture pieces in the front were stained or broken. The freezer in the back had mold. Her unique discovery was an oxygen tank machine. Not the kind use for medical purposes but for therapeutic purposes and fun.

Planet Peach oxygen bar with four tanks for aromas plus the concentrator machine to pump the “air.” Particular flavors or scents may help with ailments. Lesa tried one for energy. A tube, like the ones you see that patients wear in hospitals to breathe, placed on her nose and the excess tube around her ears.

Lesa inhaled.
Lesa relaxed.
Lesa calmed.

THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!

Oh, wait, the calm only lasted for a few minutes. Okay, back to the appraisal. Interesting fact was that the air we breathe is only 20% oxygen. The oxygen concentrator takes out all of the other trace gases out of the air and pumps pure oxygen through the tubes with the flavor/scent of your choice. Oxygen bar and concentrator appraised at $1,500. Lesa was shocked and smiled. Not often do we see her teeth outside of a gnarl.

Lesa: The girls came on my turf and lost.

2^nd Unit
Chairs, fire pit, cheap furniture, old television, washer/dryer, bicycle, mattresses, pressure cooker, boxes, and garbage bags.

Victor: Lesa and Ricky aren’t putting the squeeze on me.

Victor won the unit for $850. Upon closer inspection the washing machine was quite new; however the dryer about 20-years old. He found a complete dining set and four dressers. Then there’s the arm on the floor. Not a “human” arm but a medical-type arm. He found the another arm inside a case.

Victor visited a college to appraise the medical piece. Arms used to teach how to draw blood for phlebotomists, nurses, and EMTs. Technician uses fake vessels in the arm to draw fake blood. Value at around $500-$600.

3^rd Unit
The smallest unit of the day contained toys, pile of clothes, ice cooler, and a bedroom set. Victor and Lisa exchanged a few words. Upon reflection Bubba summed the conversation most eloquently:

Bubba: It’s like a third-rate debate team.

Ricky and Bubba won the unit for $450. Outside of the huge pile of clothes the duo found a dresser, mirror, shoes, and an electronic box. Or as Ricky called it, “Wizard Box.” It’s an access control for companies. Place your thumb in the unit and your photo will appear on the box. Good quality piece valued at $900.

Profit Scorecard:

Bubba & Ricky Smith: $1,120
Victor Rjesnjansky: $900
Lesa Lewis: $320
Jenny Grumbles: $0
Mary Padian & Mo Prigoff: $0

Lesa came, she bought, but she did not conquer.

Please leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Texas: Hoarders “R” Us

August 28, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars Texas

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Storage Wars: Texas: Season 3, Episode 1: “Raiders of the lost Arkana.”

Mary’s goal to find raw materials that she could mold into gold. Victor’s goal to keep his big fat mouth shut (his words, not mine). He was not to get distracted by the competition and actually win a storage unit. “Silent but deadly.”

Good luck on that one, Vic. Ricky and Bubba’s goal to find higher-end merchandise for their big clients. Jenny’s goal was to one day learn how to climb a fence without falling over. Call her “Grace.” Auctioneer Walt’s goal was to one day learn how to “jiggy-with-it.”

Oh, Walt, dude, you sooo can’t dance!

1^st Unit
Cheap furniture, lampshades, plethora of boxes, and trash bags. Only Jenny wanted this locker. Someone, however, in the crowd who would not let up bidding against her.

Jenny: Ooo, uptown country home versus uptown mobile home.

Snob! Well, trailer trash gal made Jenny pay $850 for that trailer trash storage unit. Jenny unloaded her locker with her assistant José. Small table, desk that needs a little TLC, another desk in decent shape, and a machine.

Pixie Diamond Pacific with several different sandpaper grinding wheels. It’s a rock polisher for making “cabochons.” Stone that has been cut and polished to use in jewelry. Machine in almost new condition. Diamonds embedded in the grinding wheels. Valued at $1,300.

2^nd Unit
A hoarder’s paradise. Boxes, mattresses, bins, and everything under the sink tossed about as though a hurricane passed through the locker. Mo stated there was a plethora of stuff in here.

Mary: Plethora? If that means a ton of treasure, I think he’s right.

Who else would love a junk locker but the junk queen? Mary won the unit for $800. Should I be happy for her or should I cry, can’t decide. Mo opened the first piece of furniture with a lock using his scout knife. Treasure? Um, no.

Mary climbed up over the mound of mess and hurled items out of the locker. At one point she was buried so deep in the center of the storage unit, she disappeared.

Call 9-1-1, no wait, her head popped up, she’s okay. Mary found one piece of furniture she might salvage.

Time for transformation at Mary’s Finds shop. She gave that ugly dresser a make-over into a modern piece. She added two small mirrors on the sides and one large mirror on top. She carved a nice design on the dresser itself using a dremel tool. But would it take them into a profit? No, they both went down that hoarder’s hole so deep, there really was no way out. Mo valued the piece at $575.

3^rd Unit
Action figures, sword, and boxes. Victor, who had remained silent for half the show, won the locker for $600.

What did he find?

Half a dozen action figures and JUNK! Wah, wah, wah.

He mentioned he might be in the wrong business. Ya think?

4^th Unit
Grandpa’s attic full of antiques, household items, and “stuff.” Bid at $1k Victor shouted, “Right here.”

Victor: (Bleep) it! I can never keep my mouth shut.

No matter, Ricky and Bubba won the storage unit for $1,300. Time to load up the truck. Handmade quilt, old rifle, sewing machine, and few furniture pieces. In the back Ricky found a true antique – a gun.

Bubba: That son-of-a-b… is old as Hell.

Well, not quite that old, Bubba. It’s a Colt made in 1860. It’s not military issue because it had all original parts. Estimated appraisal at $25,000!

Ricky: We hit the Holy Grail!

Well, more like the Civil War grail.

Profit Scorecard:

Ricky and Bubba Smith: $24,200
Jenny Grumbles: $1,165
Mary Padian & Mo Prigoff: loss of -$225
Victor Rjesnjansky: loss of -$500

Victor tried not to speak for an entire day, could you?

Please leave your thoughts on the show in the comment box below.

Have the Storage Auction Shows Made Renters More Responsible?

August 28, 2013

Tiana Bodine

Self-Storage, Storage Auctions 101

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Shows like Storage Wars have undoubtedly had an effect on storage auctions for buyers.

Although the crowds of enthusiastic newbies have abated, storage auctions are still more mainstream than ever before. The larger crowds have caused prices to rise in some places.

This isn’t the only change that’s come from the storage auction craze, however. Some facilities are also discovering that Storage Wars and its ilk are encouraging renters to pay their rent on time.

This makes sense. After all, Storage Wars is a popular show, and most of the people who tune in every week have no intention of bidding on a storage unit – but they may well be storing items of their own. Watching other people lose their units to eager bidders might gently remind these people that they need to take better care of their belongings.

There are several reasons why watching a storage auction TV show should reduce the number of delinquent tenants. The first is that tenants might not fully understand the consequences of delinquent rent. Even if the lien auction details are explained thoroughly in the rental agreement, it may not seem “real” to the renter. Seeing it in action, however, can underline the importance of paying rent on time.

Another reason is that renters might think twice about the value of their stored items. Most of the time, when a unit goes up for auction, it’s because the renter decided that the items being stored were not worth the cost of storing them. When the bill goes too high, the renter decides to abandon the contents of the unit.

However, when buyers on the TV are seen picking up ordinary-looking items from storage units and selling them at a substantial profit, it might make renters reconsider.

There might be some treasures hidden away in their units, after all, and recovering those items before someone else does is a good reason to pay rent on time. Of course, most units don’t have any hidden treasures, but even everyday household items can hold some value.

Embarrassment also plays a big role in encouraging tenants to pay rent on time. The knowledge that a stranger might see the contents of your unit, handle your personal belongings, resell your items and judge – even anonymously – is very motivating.

Altogether, the storage auction shows have definitely made a major impact on every aspect of the auction business. But even then, there’s no shortage of units for sale.

For every renter who abandons a unit willingly, there are always plenty of others who had no choice: Those who pass away, are imprisoned or experience sudden hardship. Though renters may be paying their rent more reliably, we’re unlikely to see an end to self storage auctions any time soon.

Please leave your insightful opinion in the comment box below.

Container Wars: Interview with Mo Marcellus

August 28, 2013

Chuck G.

Celebrity Interviews

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TruTV’s reality series Container Wars “Team Muscle” comprised of a duo spearheaded by Mo Marcellus. He’s tall. He’s aggressive. He commands respect because he will bid you up tens of thousands of dollars then drop that container on you if you don’t take him seriously.

While he personifies an exterior roughness he is truly just a gentle giant. Mo generously gave of his time to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.

Mo Marcellus Interview

Q. What was home life like growing up as a second generation Panamanian?

A. I didn’t grow up Panamanian. I grew up very much American. I was adopted by the only dad I know, Enoch C. Robbins. He’s from Georgia and my mother Adrienne is from Chicago. I grew up in Orange County, so that pretty much makes me white. But even as a Panamanian, people will always see me as black. I grew up surfing, skateboarding, BMX riding, and playing many other sports. Life was easy.

Q. You have eight siblings?

A. I have 4 sisters and 4 brothers, 7 of which are step-siblings. I grew up with my fraternal twin brother Orlando and my sister Erica. The other 6 siblings I didn’t meet until I was 28-years old.

We all have the same biological “Rolling Stones” type father, but different mothers. Sister Shawn and I have yet to meet. Sisters Carla and Charmaine are close to me; and I’m very close to my brother Antonio. Brother Chris Mills played in the NBA. Brother Ricardo (from Michoacán, Mexico) lives close by and he was a late find for us. Oops!

Although I met most of my siblings later in life, it’s as though we had all grown up together; except for Chris. Because he was in the NBA our interactions were limited. He did get us tickets to a few games, but he’s a little leery of cats claiming to be his brothers and sisters. We don’t talk much.

Q. Who was your inspiration in your youth?

A. My late grandmother Marilyn Kennedy was my best friend. If I were asked to give one defining moment with her, I couldn’t because every minute spent with my grandmother defined me. She loved me unconditionally. She allowed me to be who I am and was at that time.

My dad was in the military. That was very hard on me because I was emotional and sensitive. My grandmother would have an “all-out-verbal-slug-fest” to get him to back off. My grandmother taught me how to cook, develop my self-esteem, that it was okay for a man to be in touch with his emotions, and how to be self-actualized. She was the greatest!

Q. What was it like when you were a bouncer at a club?

A. Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! Aaaahhh! Life as a bouncer. I worked at a very well-known club in downtown Los Angeles. Let’s just say that there was never a dull moment. I was very fortunate to meet a ton of A-List celebrities.

I do recall a certain situation involving Brittany Spears in a pool with her top off. Her so-called friend allowed the guy she was with to take photos. I advised Brittany’s bodyguard that I didn’t think that taking photos was a good idea. Well, he didn’t take heed to my suggestion and those photos were published in US Magazine. SMDH (shaking my damn head). I was there and things did not happen the way the shady guy who took the pictures said that they would.

I also conversed with a few of the fire fighters from NYC right after 911. There are so many other crazy and great stories that I could tell you. I should write a separate book call My Crazy Life as a Bouncer. It would be juicy and very racy!

I was blessed to spend some time with the late actors Lee Thompson Young and Heath Ledger. I also met former NFL player Tiaina Baul “Junior” Seau Jr. I had the privileged to have in-depth conversations with all three of these celebrities. One of my most memorable moments was being able to talk at length with Jon Voight’s father, Pat Tillman. I still have the wristband that Mr. Tillman gave me.

Q. Is acting in your blood?

A. Now that I have had a taste of this acting thing, I really do enjoy it. I would like to continue to learn and hone my acting skills. The best part about the reality TV series Container Wars is that I get to be myself. I would like to do some feature films and maybe do some writing.

Q. What is “Tribe United?”

A. It’s my apparel sponsor on Container Wars which is owned by one of my best friends, Doyin Adewole. He had helped me start three different clothing lines, none of which ever left my house. Doyin’s new venture with “Tribe United” promotes the core beliefs that conscious clothing doesn’t have to be corny. The brand is fueled by grace, facilitated through passion, enhanced by creativity, and not afraid to “BE.”

Q. You own J.M.J. Custom Furniture. What does the acronym stand for and why did you get into the up-scaling furniture business?

A. J.M.J stands for – Julius, Mo, and Judy. I have two partners who are very good with refurbishing furniture. I decided to get into furniture when I bought storage units that had damaged pieces. I actually love working with and creating new furniture pieces.

Container Wars

Q. How did you get cast on the show?

A. I responded to an email from an auctioneer friend. I thought, “What the heck, this could be fun.” I then received a call from the casting director. She asked me if I had a partner. I called Ty, being that he wasn’t employed at the time.

The initial audition did not go so well. Ty was in slow motion and always short on words. When we got the call back, I was happy but a little nervous. The casting director told us that they wanted to see more of Ty interacting, not just blinking and cosigning to what I was saying.

He was able to manage more than two or three sentences at a time and we were in! As you can see, he has since gone back to being in slow motion and this guy wants top billing – Sheesh!

Q. How did you meet Ty?

A. I met Ty just over 13 years ago and of all places, at church. I was dating his baby’s mother at the time. Oops! Awkward! He should have told me what I was getting into. You know the bro code!

Q. How did you and your co-star beauty queen Deana Molle’ become such good friends for she calls you her TV-Husband?

A. I have such a charming personality. (Wink! Wink!) Really, I think it is because I remind her a great deal of her dad. I am easy to get along with and quite lovable.

Q. Describe your cast mates:

A.
John – The great oppressor! He is always messing up my bids.
Matt – Matthole. Need I say more?
Jason – My hillbilly brotha-from-anotha-motha.
Deana – My TV wifey. We are at each other like an old married couple.
Ty – Slow motion.
Uzi – Shrewd business man. Great at what he is into.
Slomi – My ninja!
Eyal – The third Israeli.
Penny – Good peoples, family gal, Hell-a swag, aka P-Diddy is a Boss at auctions.

Q. Why do you call yourself “The Furniture King?”

A. I love furniture! I eat, sleep, and shat furniture. I study furniture. There is so much to know and learn about it. Furniture can tell you a great deal about a person. Have you ever had a favorite easy chair? Well there you go!

Q. Why do you and Ty disagree more than agree on which containers to bid on during the show?

A. I study my craft and try to learn as much as possible. Ty is Pinky. I am the Brain.

Q. Who drives you nuts on the show and why?

A. Believe it or not, Ty drives me nuts more than any other cast member. Ty is my partner, but spends more time BSing with Deana and not paying attention.

Mo enjoys interacting with his fans through social networks. Please “Like” his Facebook fan page Mo Marcellus: http://www.facebook.com/MoMarcellusfanpage. You may “Follow” him on his Twitter account: @Momarcellus. You may also “Follow” him on Instagram: @momarcellus.

Q. How is married life?

A. Married life is hard work. If you expect to get anything out of it, you must invest a great deal into it.

Q: What’s it like being a father?

A. I have three wonderful children: Melissa (23), Kaila (10), and Jeremy (7). I love being a dad. There is no greater joy than to mold and shape young minds. I have always been my kid’s hero, but now that I am on TV, I am their Superhero.

Q. You were recently in a serious car accident. How has that affected your life?

A. OUCH! I was in an auto accident on July 9^th 2013. I was headed to the hardware store to get parts for a furniture piece that I was working on when I was hit head-on by another motorist.

I broke my leg and hip. I am still in the recovery phase, but have exceeded all recovery expectations. I am walking with limited help from crutches after only six weeks. There are so many details that I must leave out due to legal reasons, but stay tuned for the book. It has been very life changing and yet, very inspiring.

Q. How did you develop such profound faith?

A. My faith in God stems from having seen all of the things that have happened in my life. I know there is a God.

Q. What regrets do you have in life?

A. I have no regrets. Everything that has happened in my life has brought me to this point.

Q. What’s your best attribute?

A. My best attribute must be answered by my peers and the people that know me. I will never be my own barometer.

Q. What’s your worst attribute?

A. I am loyal to a fault.

Q. What’s on your bucket list?

A. Sky diving. The World Series of Poker. Travel the world. See my grandchildren.

Q. What mottos do you live by?

A. In the immortal words of Langston Hughes: “I play it cool. I dig all jive. That’s the reason. I stay alive.” My motto – “As I live and learn. Is dig and be dug in return.”

Q. How do you wish to be remembered when all is said and done?

A. I want people to remember not me, but that Christ was so evident in me.

You can tell a lot about an individual on how they handle adversity. After his accident, Mo posted this passage for his family and friends:

“If you need me I’ll be there. If you hurt, I can help mend. If you cry, I’ll be a shoulder with tissue. If you are broke, we can piece up. If you are sad and lonely, my arms are open. If you are angry and flustered, I am your sound board. I am here. I am your friend. Anytime you need me.”

IamMoMarcellus

Container Wars airs on TruTv. Check your local listing for showtimes.

Please give your insightful opinions about Mo’s interview in the comment box below.

Making Money with Holiday Decorations

August 26, 2013

T.C. Lane

Storage Auctions 101

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Some items you find in a storage unit will be popular year-round: electronics, appliances, antiques and collector items. Other items, however, are definitely worth more at certain times of year than others. The best of these are holiday items, which are plentiful in storage facilities and sell very well during the holiday season.

People store their holiday decorations year-round to save space in their house. These items are usually quite pricey to replace new, so the cost of storage is often a worthwhile expense – especially for people who keep really outlandish yard displays for Christmas and Halloween.

If you can manage to find one of these units, you can sell these items for a substantial profit to the right bidder.

The trick to profiting from holiday decorations is to hold onto them until they’re most valuable.

In July, Christmas decorations are the last thing on anyone’s mind. Right around Thanksgiving, though, plenty of shoppers will be on the look-out for deals on used decorations. If you can find the right market and identify when they’ll be ready to buy and how much they’ll be willing to pay, you can start bringing in the dough.

Christmas isn’t the only holiday that can turn out a tidy sum of profits, though. Halloween decorations are becoming increasingly more complex and desirable, and plenty of people are willing to put down a lot of cash for plastic skeletons, fake tombstones and lots of bagged cobwebs – not to mention gently used costumes. Just stop off in the local Halloween store to see how much these things are selling for new and you can get an idea of what kind of profits you can look forward to.

So if you’ve been holding onto a bunch of Halloween decorations picked up in small amounts throughout the year, here are a few steps for maximizing your profits:

Figure out where the buyers will be and cater to them. You might consider setting up a yard sale in a public parking lot near the regular Halloween store, if you can legally use the space. Most holiday shops open up near shopping malls or “big box” stores, and shoppers looking for a deal will be sure to spot your display from the road.
Put together themed bundles to sell a lot of items at once. Find everything that could possibly go together and create a “kit” out of it. You’ll look more professional, and buyers will be grateful that you’ve done all the work for them.
Find hobbyists online and see if there are any forums where you can advertise your goods. Some “yard haunt” artists will be particularly interested in buying items from you in bulk.
Sell to local thrift stores. They’re just as eager to make a holiday profit as you are, and most of them will have themed displays. If you want to get rid of things in bulk and don’t care about making a huge profit, this can be an easy way to dispose of your overage. If they don’t buy it, you can always donate it and take the tax write-off.

If you haven’t thought to start picking up holiday items yet, now’s a good time to start. Directly after the holiday, they’ll go back to being essentially worthless, which means that fewer people will want to compete with you for them – leaving you with some very affordable items to choose from.

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Container Wars: Banana Queen

August 26, 2013

Chuck G.

Container Wars

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Container Wars: Season 1, Episode 12: “All That Glitters.”

Morning coffee and smack talk at the concession stand. Ty irked that Mo treated him like wet food stamps. Jason ranted about being screwed over for no reason. Uh, it’s an auction and that’s what players do, Southern boy. The rest of the cast feasted on their breakfast burritos.

1^st Container: Port of Origin – Burns Harbor, Indiana
Destination, Japan. Several items covered in moving blankets or tarps. Huge tool cabinet and what could possibly be a load lifter in the back.

Uzi however convinced there’s a car in the back. “Bet my life on it,” he said, because Japanese like to street race.

Matt attack bids drove the Israelis way beyond a reasonable limit. Israelis moaned and overpaid. Matt smirked.

Trio unloaded the merchandise. Air compressor, tire changing machine, three large tool boxes (empty), one small tool box full of commercial grade tools, and a race car, uh, well, not exactly.

It was a converted VW with a nitrous tank and racing motor. Your guess is as good as mine? With $30k in tools and $20k in the vehicle, trio quick to proclaim:

Israelis: We are the kings.

Cost: $40,000
Profit: $10,000

2^nd Container: Port of Origin – Jaipur, India
Huge items in front covered either in shrink warp or tarp. Only a few fabric rolls in the back were visible. Israelis are in the fashion retail business and knew the fabric was not high-end quality. Mo’s bet that the fabric was silk. After Mo won the bid, Eyal gave Mo this bit of advice:

Eyal: Stay in the furniture business, believe me.

Fabric not silk, but cotton. Team Muscle uncovered a fabric roller, that however not enough to dig them out of the hole. Mo found a briefcase with gemstones. Could it be early retirement for the duo?

Uh, no. Wishful thinking, but don’t buy that house in the Hamptons just yet. At appraisal, Mo and Ty received the bad news; not gems, but costume jewelry worth about $700. Mo asked Ty to trust him on this container.

Ty: That’s it. My partner’s officially on probation.

Cost: $18,700
LOSS: -$15,000

3^rd Container: Port of Origin – San Diego, California
Destination, Korea. Rolls of net (but not the type for fishing), golf clubs, putting green turf, few umbrellas, and lots of crates. Israelis already bought a container, but they would bid just to drive up the price.

One small glitch in that plan – Uzi. He got carried away. Shlomi pushed him. Eyal grabbed Shlomi’s arm. Boys, please learn to play nice in the shipyard sandbox.

Jason putted a bid high enough to win. First box, t-shirts. Second box, khaki pants. Not looking good so far. Crate full of brand new tennis rackets (a bit out of the golf context). Driving range equipment (not in the best condition) included steel dividers, netting, golf clubs, and a golf cart.

Jason: Game. Set. Match. Jason.

Cost: $14,500
Profit: $5,500

4^th Container: Port of Origin – Guayquil, Ecuador
Destination, Fresno. Two huge tarps covered the crates. Clues were fresh produce on a box not covered by the tarp. Dirty burlap with bugs on the floor, gross.

Now, it’s 40 feet of container and Deana bet that there were forklifts or harvesting equipment in the back. Did that bet pay off? Uh, no.

First half of the container – bananas. She did find a very rusty 3-wheel bike with well-used machetes, but that really didn’t do her any favors. Last half of the container – bananas, bananas, and more bananas!

“Deana, banana, fo-fana, ban…na…nas!”

Cost: $21,000
LOSS: – $15,200

Which container would you have bid on without seeing the contents inside?

Please leave your insightful thoughts in the comment box below.

Five Tech Products That Have Revolutionized the Storage Industry

August 23, 2013

T.C. Lane

Online Storage Auctions, Self-Storage

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Technology is a huge part of our lives, and it affects the way businesses grow and develop over time – even the storage business.

Although self-storage is a pretty low-tech business, a few recent changes in technology have helped change the face of the storage business for renters, facility managers and auction-goers alike.

Here are five recent technologies that have changed the face of self-storage and may have long-lasting effects on the future of auctions:

Self-storage Apps. It seems like there’s an app for everything, and self-storage is no exception. Many storage facilities are taking advantage of apps that their customers can download. Through the app, the renters can pay their bill remotely rather than needing to send in a check or stop off at the facility. Renters can also be alerted when the storage facility runs a special or has any other news to share. The ability to pay remotely may make renting a unit more convenient, which could reduce the number of units that go into default.

Self-service kiosks. These computerized kiosks are located outside of storage facilities and accept credit card payments. Like mobile apps, these kiosks enable renters to pay for their units without needing to make contact with the facility owners. This allows them to make after-hours payments and complete other storage tasks without any management oversight. This, too, might reduce the number of units that go into default, which could affect storage auction numbers.

Virtual Storage. An increasingly popular trend in self-storage facilities is to create so-called “virtual storage” for your items. In a traditional storage facility, the customer rents a unit and fills it with items. In a virtual unit, the renter has the items shipped by POD to a climate-controlled warehouse. The renter can then keep track of what items are stored there through a virtual inventorying system. If the renter wants to access a particular item, he can request it through the storage company’s website and have it shipped back to him. If renters have a clear idea of what they have in storage, they may be less willing to lose those items due to unpaid rent. Some companies that use this system are StorageByMail and Cyber Space.

Internet Advertising for Auctions. At one time, all facilities were required to print notices of lien auctions in the newspaper. More recently, some states have begun allowing these notices to be printed online instead. This saves the storage facility money and makes it much easier to find auctions as you no longer have to know what papers to look in for lien auction notices. More states are likely to adopt this legislature in the next few years.

Virtual Storage Auctions. If people can store their items virtually, it only makes sense that they could auction them virtually as well. Virtual storage auctions take advantage of an eBay-like bidding model to put units up for sale to interested buyers. This makes buying storage units much simpler and faster than ever before, and it might just revolutionize the way that storage units are bought and sold. By using the free service at OnlineStorageAuctions.com, bidders and sellers alike can participate in auctions without spending any money beyond the cost of the unit.

In the future, as technology continues to improve, new developments may occur that will further change the storage landscape. One thing is clear, though: As long as people have stuff to store, there will be a few tenants who fail to pay their rent and eager buyers ready to make a profit on these items.

So what do you think about these tech products? Have you used one of them and if so, how was your experience? Are there other storage tech products that you think should be added to this list?

Leave your interesting and creative responses in the comments section below.