Interviewer (introduction): Today I had the good fortune of interviewing Ellie Walton the Director of Business Development at Global Portable Buildings. Now, I have talked to a lot of container companies and they don't get more friendly or knowledgeable than Ellie. Furthermore, I am here to tell you their new line of Shipping Container Homes is top notch. In fact I think I am going to purchase two of their 40ft Genesis for my land in Hawaii. If I add a nice Bamboo or thatch exterior I will have a nice Hawaiian Bungalow that is incredibly secure, incredible inexpensive, and something that can easily last several hundred years. Enough, rambling about me lets get on with the interview!
Interviewer: Can you give me a little background about Global Portable Buildings?
Ellie Walton: Global Portable Buildings, Inc. (GPB) was the brainchild of Chuck Bradley, Sausalito businessman and entrepreneur. Mr. Bradley started Big 4 Rents in 1965, which ultimately became one of the largest equipment rental companies in the U.S., and later was sold to Hertz Equipment Rentals. He started GPB in 1999. For the past seven years, we have manufactured several hundred units and Mr. Bradley has been working on perfecting the fine details and quality of our GPB models. We began actively marketing our units within the past six months.
Interviewer: Would you consider Global Portable Buildings a Container: Manufacturer, Converter, Reseller?
Ellie Walton: Yes, a manufacturer converting new containers.
Interviewer: Does Global Portable Buildings have a specific industry they are concerned with, like for example: Military, Oil and Gas, Storage, Shipping & Transportation, Shipping Container Homes?
Ellie Walton: Yes, we have interests in all of those with the exception of Shipping & Transportation and with the addition of Mining, Emergency Housing, Building and Construction. In fact, one of our more innovative storage solutions is our 8' x 10' steel, foldable storage units. 16 storage units, folded, can fit on one 40’ flatbed truck for shipping.
Interviewer: Can you give us the specs on a couple of your top container models including price ranges?
Ellie Walton: Our top container models are the new 8' x 20' and new 8' x 40' Essential models. Units range in price: From: $7,460 FOB Asia, for our new 8' x 20' Genesis model, which has AC volt electrical system (breaker panel, 3 light fixtures wall receptacles, phone hookup, wiring, etc.), windows, entrance door, two inches of rigid insulated finished walls/ceiling, vinyl floor covering and utility room; To: $14,140 FOB Asia, for our new 8' x 40' Essential model, with all that the Genesis model has plus bathroom (bathroom wall with sliding pocket door, shower, sink, and toilet, cabinet, plumbing, etc.), kitchen (6' counter top, sink with faucets, cabinets, plumbing, etc.), and bedroom/office (includes wall with door, closet with shelves and sliding closet doors). We also offer a solar system for both the 8' x 20' and 8' x 40' units for an additional charge.
Interviewer: What major hurdles if any does Global Portable Buildings have reaching the market?
Ellie Walton: Right now, lack of exposure. We are currently revising our web site, and will begin a targeted internet marketing campaign. This will greatly increase our exposure.
Interviewer: The two biggest concerns I have found with potential Shipping Container Home owners are insulation and zoning. Can you comment on GPB experiences with these concerns?
Ellie Walton: Insulation: We have two inch rigid insulation in the walls and ceiling, rated R-15. Zoning: We have not had a situation with zoning. Our units are mainly used on private property. There has not been an issue on construction sites because the units are not permanent. Being under 400 square feet, our container houses and buildings do not fall under "HUD" regulations.
Interviewer: Have any of the Container homes you provide been taken through the permit process?
Ellie Walton: We have not gone through the permit process. However, our units are built to R.V. and Park Trailer Codes (ANSI 119.2 and ANSI 119.5 for Health and Safety). However, we do not have axles under the units.
Interviewer: What distinguishes Global Portable Buildings from its competitors?
Ellie Walton: We manufacture from new containers only. We have the means to produce in large quantities. We also have many units stocked: over 100 at our Santa Rosa, CA facility ready for immediate domestic shipment; and over 200 at our manufacturers ready for immediate international shipments.
Interviewer: And finally, why would people buy directly from GPB than from a Chinese manufacturer?
Ellie Walton: GPB has tremendous buying power and positive relationships with our manufacturers in Asia. GPB has been researching and developing the product for seven years and has completed several hundred units. Our units have several proprietary designs and unique components.
You may reach Ellie Walton at:
Ellie Walton
Director of Business Development
Global Portable Buildings, Inc.
3000 B Dutton Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Phone: (888)547-0840
Fax: (888)577-8649
