Onsite Storage Was At The Top Of This Tree Farmer’s Wish List

In 2019, former police officer Steve Rhodes and his wife Vicki retired on the same day, marking the start of a long-anticipated adventure. With a motorhome and a map, they set off from Washington State, bound for Washington, D.C., to meet their newest granddaughter. The journey, carefully planned for months, represented their leap into a new chapter of freedom and exploration. But shortly after they arrived, COVID-19 swept across the nation, halting their travels and forcing an unexpected pivot.

The couple managed to arrive just in time for the birth, but as the pandemic rapidly escalated, their plans came to an abrupt end. Hotels closed, state and national RV parks shut down, and stay-at-home orders left the country on pause. Left with little choice, Steve and Vicki turned back toward Washington State, not knowing that their cross-country journey’s early end would spark a new vision: starting a family Christmas tree farm.

“Vicki and I had both grown up in California, but we’d always wanted a simpler life, something outdoors where we could build a legacy for our grandchildren,” Steve explained. With the pandemic keeping them closer to home, they redirected their energy into developing a "U-Cut" Christmas tree farm in Northwest Washington. “It wasn’t what we’d initially planned, but we found ourselves with time to dive into the project fully,” he added.

Onsite Storage For Entreprenuers And Businesses

A Growing Dream Takes Root Today, R&R Christmas Tree Farm sprawls across 41 acres in Arlington, WA, with about 3,000 Douglas and Noble fir seedlings planted and thriving. Though still only 18 inches tall, these trees will grow over the next five to eight years, requiring attentive care until they reach the perfect height for harvest. From soil preparation to nurturing young saplings, the couple quickly realized how much they had to learn and how much equipment they needed to manage the farm effectively.

The Search for Portable, Durable Storage

As their farm took shape, Steve and Vicki faced a new challenge: how to keep essential tools and equipment safe, secure, and easily accessible on the property. They needed storage that could withstand the elements, especially since the farm is located just an hour south of the Canadian border, where weather conditions can be especially harsh.

After an extensive six-week search, they found the ideal solution: a 40-foot decommissioned shipping container from Eveon. “Eveon’s prices were unbeatable, and having secure, watertight storage onsite saved us from the hassle of frequent trips to an offsite storage unit,” Steve said. The container quickly proved its worth, providing ample, protected storage space for their equipment in an easy, accessible location.

Why a Shipping Container Was the Perfect Solution

Shipping containers like the one Steve and Vicki purchased offer a range of advantages for those in need of flexible, durable storage:

• Weather-Resistance: Made to withstand the rigors of ocean travel, shipping containers are watertight and able to protect valuable equipment from rain, snow, and wind, which is essential for areas with harsh climates.

• Security: With a solid steel construction, shipping containers offer a high level of security, deterring theft and providing peace of mind for property owners.

• Convenience and Accessibility: Unlike traditional storage units located offsite, a container brings storage right to the work location, cutting down on travel time and making tools and equipment easily accessible.

• Long-Term Durability: With little maintenance, these containers last for years, offering a reliable solution that grows with the business.

Today, the R&R Christmas Tree Farm is steadily growing, with Steve and Vicki fully invested in this labor of love. Their container has even inspired neighbors to explore similar portable storage solutions. “We couldn’t be happier with the choice,” Steve reflects. "The container has been invaluable in keeping us organized and focused on building our farm."

As they work toward their goal of creating a sustainable, family-centered business, Steve and Vicki are reminded that sometimes, the detours in life can lead to something even better than what they’d planned. And thanks to the right storage solution, they’re able to focus on what really matters: building a legacy for future generations.

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