Is Your Space Working for You—Or Against You?
Space has become one of the most undervalued commodities in today’s urbanizing world. As cities swell and apartments shrink, individuals and businesses are left scrambling to find practical solutions for their growing storage needs. From remote workers juggling home-office setups to entrepreneurs managing product inventory in tight rooms, the demand for flexible, secure, and nearby storage is skyrocketing.
As cited by First Research, the self-storage market is projected to reach over $70 billion by 2028, driven by shifting work habits, urban living, and e-commerce growth. Yet in Latin America, the concept is still emerging—and ripe for disruption. What if people could access extra space as easily as ordering a coffee? What if storage weren’t an inconvenient warehouse on the edge of town, but part of your neighborhood ecosystem?
This vision drives Arie Rezepka, Founder and CEO of Akikb Minibodegas, a trailblazing self-storage company based in Chile. With a mission to make space more accessible and stress-free, Arie has transformed a personal pain point into a fast-growing network of neighborhood self storage that serve over 8,000 customers monthly. His model isn’t just solving a logistical problem—it’s changing the way people live and work in urban environments.
So, how did Arie go from solving his own moving dilemma to becoming one of Latin America’s most innovative business leaders? Let’s explore his journey, the strategy behind Akikb’s meteoric rise, and how his vision is reshaping the future of urban living—one square meter at a time.
The Genesis of a Game-Changing Idea
Arie Rezepka’s entry into the self-storage industry wasn’t born from a textbook or market study—it was born from firsthand experience. “The idea came from a personal need I encountered while moving to a smaller home. I realized that there were very few flexible and secure storage options nearby. That sparked the question: What if we could bring storage closer to where people actually live and work?” he recalls.
From that simple yet profound realization, Akikb Minibodegas was born. Unlike traditional storage providers located in industrial zones, Akikb embraced a decentralized model that prioritized proximity, accessibility, and community integration. “Our goal from day one was to make storage accessible to everyone, everywhere,” Arie Rezepka says. “That meant designing a network of self-storage facilities distributed throughout cities, not on the outskirts.”
The Early Struggles: Navigating a Nascent Industry
Starting a self storage business in Chile over two decades ago wasn’t easy. The industry was still in its infancy, and public awareness of what self-storage entailed was limited. “Educating the market was one of our biggest challenges,” Arie Rezepka reflects. “People didn’t understand the value of having an extra space outside the home or office. It was a cultural shift.”
Another early hurdle was building trust. In a market where consumers were unfamiliar with the idea of storing personal or business items off-site, trust and transparency became the bedrock of Arie’s approach. The company invested heavily in security infrastructure and user-friendly digital platforms, ensuring customers felt confident and informed every step of the way.
“We focused on doing things differently from the start—customer-centricity, transparency in pricing, and a strong focus on security were non-negotiable,” he adds.
Leading with Purpose: Innovation, Trust, and Culture
Arie Rezepka’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in authenticity, trust, and continuous evolution. “I believe in empowering people, not micromanaging them,” he explains. “At Akikb, we’ve created a culture where ideas are welcomed, feedback is constant, and learning never stops.”
Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s integrating IoT-enabled security systems, or exploring sustainable energy sources, Akikb stays ahead of the curve through a mindset of proactive improvement. “Every time we solve a small customer pain point, we evolve. And if we’re not evolving, we’re falling behind,” Arie says.
He sees leadership as a dual responsibility—to guide the business strategically and to cultivate a team that believes in the mission. Under his stewardship, Akikb has built a culture where agility meets accountability, and where experimentation is encouraged rather than punished.
What Sets Akikb Apart?
In a world where competitors often race to offer the lowest price, Akikb Minibodegas has instead doubled down on value. Its distributed network model, customer-first philosophy, and user-friendly digital tools differentiate it in a crowded market.
“Convenience is everything. Our locations are always close to people’s homes or businesses. That alone changes the game,” says Arie. But it doesn’t stop there. Akikb also offers flexible rental terms, transparent pricing, and 24/7 access with advanced security features, ensuring that every customer interaction is seamless and trustworthy.
“We’re not just renting out space—we’re providing peace of mind,” he emphasizes.
Riding the Wave of Industry Evolution
The self-storage industry is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by urban densification, e-commerce growth, and changing consumer lifestyles. Arie Rezepka sees these changes not as threats, but as opportunities. “People are living in smaller homes, working remotely, and shopping online more than ever before. All these trends create more demand for flexible storage solutions.”
To adapt, Akikb is investing heavily in smart technology and incorporating AI-driven insights to understand customer behaviors and optimize its space offerings. “Our mobile app now lets users locate, book, and access storage units seamlessly. Soon, we’ll integrate predictive analytics to recommend storage plans based on user patterns,” he shares.
Strategic Growth: What’s Next?
Looking to the future, Akikb Minibodegas is poised for major expansion. Currently operating in Santiago, and Viña del Mar, the company plans to enter new neighborhoods in those cities.
Additionally, Akikb is open to strategic partnerships and acquisitions that can amplify its reach and impact. “We’re not just expanding for the sake of size. We want to do it in a way that reinforces our mission and delivers value to customers,” he notes.
Leading in Uncertainty: Risk, Decisions, and Vision
In an era marked by volatility and disruption, Arie’s approach to decision-making is both strategic and human-centric. “I believe in data, but I also trust my instincts. A good leader knows how to listen to customers, to the team, and to the market.”
For Arie Rezepka, risk isn’t something to fear; it’s something to manage. “We make calculated bets. We don’t jump blindly, but we don’t wait forever either. Timing is everything,” he says.
This mindset has allowed Akikb to remain nimble and resilient through economic fluctuations, a global pandemic, and evolving consumer expectations.
A Milestone Moment: From Idea to Industry Leader
| Akikb Minibodegas: Milestones & Market Leadership | |
| 20th Branch Opened | A symbolic milestone representing a wider presence in Santiago and community integration. |
| Customer Base | Over 8,000 total customers are currently served. |
| Occupancy Rate | Consistently exceeds 80% across all locations. |
| Revenue Growth | Achieving double-digit year-over-year revenue growth. |
| Expansion in 2024 | 8 new branches opened in Santiago.Expanded to 126,000 m² of total leasable space. |
| Upcoming in 2025 | 5 new branches planned.Will add 28,000 m² of new storage space. |
| Market Share | Currently holds 34% market share in Chile’s self-storage sector. |
Technology as a Catalyst for Experience
Technology has been integral to Akikb’s success. From remote access control systems to AI-enabled chatbots, the company is constantly upgrading its tech stack to enhance customer experience.
“Our goal is to make the process as easy and intuitive as possible,” Arie Rezepka explains. “You should be able to find, book, and manage your storage unit from your phone in seconds—and with total security.”
He also highlights plans to introduce digital inventories, and advanced telemetry for business clients. “We’re building the future of storage, and that future is digital,” he adds.
Sustainable Success: Building for the Long Haul
For Arie Rezepka, sustainability isn’t just about eco-friendliness—it’s about building a business that can endure. Akikb’s long-term strategy is centered on responsible growth, reinvestment, and operational efficiency.
“We design every new site with environmental impact in mind—whether it’s energy-efficient lighting, smart temperature controls, or low-impact construction materials,” he says.
More importantly, the company is committed to creating shared value—supporting local communities, offering employment opportunities, and contributing to urban resilience.
Parting Thoughts from a Visionary Leader
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Arie doesn’t hesitate: “Start with a real problem, not a trend. Build trust first, scale later. And never stop listening to your customers, your team, and your own intuition.”
Under Arie Rezepka’s leadership, Akikb Minibodegas has become more than a storage company—it’s a movement toward smarter, more flexible urban living. With innovation as its compass and customers at its core, Akikb is not just watching the future unfold—it’s helping shape it.
And Arie? He’s just getting started.
An Open Letter to Purpose-Driven Founders
By Arie Rezepka, Founder & CEO, Akikb Minibodegas
To those ready to build something meaningful, especially in industries yet to be transformed—I offer a few hard-earned insights from my own entrepreneurial journey.
When I founded Akikb Minibodegas, it wasn’t because I wanted to ride a trend or capitalize on hype. It started with a real problem: a lack of accessible, nearby storage in urban areas. What began as a personal frustration became a mission—to make space simple, secure, and available to all.
So here’s my first piece of advice: start with purpose. Build your business around a problem that keeps people up at night. If you’re not solving something real, the momentum won’t last. But if you are—your mission will pull you forward, even when things get hard (and they will).
Second, surround yourself with believers. Find people who see the vision, who challenge you with insight, and who carry the mission with the same fire you do. No great company is built alone.
Next, stay close to the problem. As we grew, I never lost sight of the core need we were addressing. Listening to our customers—truly listening—has shaped our evolution more than any market report ever could.
And lastly, remember this: if Plan A fails, the alphabet has 25 more letters. Flexibility is survival. We’ve pivoted, reimagined, and rebuilt many times—and that resilience is why we’re still standing today.
To future builders, innovators, and disruptors: lead with conviction, stay grounded in the problem, and don’t be afraid to rewrite the playbook. The world doesn’t need more noise—it needs thoughtful solutions.
Sincerely,
Arie Rezepka
Founder & CEO, Akikb Minibodegas
