Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Fitz.
Corey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Over The Top Shelters (OTTS) was started in 2009. Like our customers, we had a need to create storage for our excess belongings. Our youngest had recently purchased his first car and wanted a place to keep it out of the elements. While researching our options, I stumbled on a product called portable garages, which are metal framed structures with a fabric cover. I continued my investigation of portable garages and decided that these would be my best option, to solve my son’s storage issue.
Low monetary investment, no building permit needed, quick installation, portable and not taxable. I ended up purchasing a Rhino Shelter one car garage. After setting up the shelter, I was so impressed with the quality of their product, I contacted them about becoming a dealer. Two months later, Over The Top Shelters was formed. Over the next few years, our business grew and we became one of Rhino’s largest dealers. We started offering shelter installation and repair, which became a large part of sales.
Installations gave us a different view of shelter design. I developed many ideas that would improve the quality portable shelters. I saw a need for product improvement and my entrepreneurial spirit erupted. I came up with the idea of creating a super shelter, that would be the most rugged shelter on the market and adding new sizes that meet the publics changing needs. The next year was spent contacting shelter manufacturers and having prototypes built, that were based on my design.
After examining the sample shelters, I decided on a manufacturer who best matched my needs. I selected the name Rock Solid Shelters for our new brand. I wanted a name that was fitting for our product, with a reference to our location in the Granite State. Features that make Rock Solid Shelters unique are the extreme frame design, which is intended to stand up to the worst weather. I also included fabric that is one of the thickest used by any shelter manufacturer. The first order was received four months later.
We promoted our new product line, by attending many local shows and fairs throughout New England. Since Rock Solid Shelters inception, I have added several new products. One is an open-sided shelter or carport.
Greenhouses will be introduced Spring 2018. Both products featuring the Rock Solid super frame I will continue to improve our current product line and create new items in the years to come. I welcome customer feedback and suggestions.
One suggestion was to include a small pedestrian door on our larger shelters, to eliminate having to open the large entry doors every time access inside was needed. This suggestion is being added to our RV shelters. Business has grown substantially, as our product has gained public awareness. My wife Dee accompanies me to all of the shows and is valued part of the sales team. Installations are overseen by our sons Josh and Jacob.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any business owner will agree that there are always challenges. Keeping our business based out of our home was a big help. I am available for customers more frequently. Costs are also reduced by not paying for commercial space. We have been fortunate, by moving to a large commercial property that will allow us to expand and still be home-based.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Over The Top Shelters – what should we know?
OTTS is known for quality Outdoor Storage Solutions. We offer superior products at a good price, with outstanding customer service. I am most proud of our own product line- Rock Solid Shelters. These products have turned out better than I had hoped. What sets up apart from the competition is the level of quality that our products offer. When customers first see our products in person, the most common comment is WOW this shelter is amazing!
How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
Obviously, continued year over year growth is the number one indication of success. I get great satisfaction, every time I see one of our shelters in a customer’s yard.
Contact Info:
- Address: 376 Dover Road (Rte 4), Chichester, New Hampshire 03258
- Website: www.OverTheTopShelters.com
- Phone: 603-731-9030
- Email: Corey.fitz@overthetopshelters.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Overthetopshelters
- Other: www.RockSolidShelters.com
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