The Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassadors recently joined A-1U-Stor for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the many improvements at both their Bluffton and Monroe locations. For owner Lori Steffen Smith, the event was another reminder of the supportive community that surrounds the business. “Bluffton and Monroe are places where people look out for one another,” Lori said. “We feel blessed to be a part of that spirit.”
A-1U-Stor’s story began in 1989 when Lori and her late husband, Mark Steffen, purchased the Bluffton property. At that time, the front of the site housed commercial buildings, and together they built the first two storage buildings, A and B. Over the years, the business steadily expanded, adding buildings through F for a total of 274 units. Today, Lori and her husband, Dave Smith, continue to grow the company while maintaining the same values of service and care that have guided it from the start.
The business expanded further in 2006 with the opening of a facility in Monroe, followed by a second building in 2008. That location now offers 80 units, bringing A-1U-Stor’s combined capacity to more than 350 units. Both facilities provide 24/7 access and are supported by the dedication of Duane and Betsy Gerber, who manage the office and properties with a personal touch that tenants appreciate.
In addition to storage, the Bluffton property has become a hub for local business activity. It is home to Bluffton Strength & Conditioning, owned by Brian and Lacey Lambert; C&C Distributors, operated by Wayne Couch; and Outdoor Concepts, which rents warehouse space. The mix of businesses not only makes the property lively but also underscores its role as a contributor to the local economy.
Recent upgrades have refreshed the look and enhanced the convenience of both locations. Every building has been re-roofed and painted, with updates to fascia, doors, gutters, stonework, and signage. A new modern logo and updated branding now reflect the company’s forward-looking vision. Security has also been improved with updated camera technology, while upgraded software makes it easier for tenants to set up automatic payments. For those who prefer in-person options, a secure drop box is available for after-hours payments at the Bluffton office, and office staff are on hand during regular business hours to assist with questions.
“From the very beginning, our goal has been to do more than provide storage space,” Lori said. “We want our tenants to feel secure, cared for, and part of a business that values the community. Being able to modernize our facilities while keeping that personal connection is something we’re truly proud of.”
As a thank-you to the community for being voted #1 Best Storage Facility for 2025, A-1U-Stor is offering Chamber Bucks to current tenants who refer new customers and to new tenants who sign a lease before October 15, 2025.
For more information about available units or to learn more about A-1U-Stor, visit www.a1-ustor.com or call (260) 824-1846. Storage unit sizes include 5x10, 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 12x20, and 10x30. You may also stop by during business hours at 1180 N Main St. in Bluffton.
Pictured left to right in the first row are:
Trent Bucher, Honegger, Ringger & Co., Chamber Board Member
Karla Lipscomb, Honegger, Ringger & Co.
Kevin Pritchard, Ruoff Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador
Javon Steffen, Bluffton-Harrison MSD
Canyon Pritchard, Bluffton Strength & Conditioning
Lori Smith, A-1U-Stor
Dave Smith, A-1U-Stor
Betsy Gerber, A-1U-Stor
Jacob Duncan, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Chamber Ambassador
Duane Gerber, A-1U-Stor
Rory Antrim, First Bank of Berne, Chamber Ambassador
Brian Lambert, Bluffton Strength & Conditioning
Lacey Lambert, Bluffton Strength & Conditioning
Richard Tucker, C&C Distributors
Casey Robbins, F&M Bank, Chamber Ambassador
Erin Prible, Executive Director, Wells County Chamber of Commerce