How do you keep a build space?

[MARS_James]

This is not a request about finding a new space but more for information from teams who keep partnerships with outside companies/groups that give them a space (preferably year round).

We are about to move to our 6th space in 6 years so we have been lucky to always find a new one but we would love to not have to move again.

So please tell me what you give the owners of the space to let you stay.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by MARS_James

So please tell me what you give the owners of the space to let you stay.

We give them recognition and respect.

One of our perpetual team goals is "happy sponsors". Our shop is at one end of the local power company's warehouse. We list them as a team sponsor on our web site, our t-shirts, and in our pit at competitions. We try to keep our workspace clean and stay out of areas that aren't "ours".

[team4384]

We totally agree with Alan Anderson... keep your sponsor happy, especially the one who provides shelter (+ utilities)! Pre- and Post season, we keep our T-shirts, which screams out the company logo. Also, we have the team banner displayed in the workshop round the year except during competitions.

Having not to move is priceless!

[Garret]

We are in the same situation that you are in, its also our 6th Space in 6 years, we built out of garages for most of those years. We built out of a sponsor this past year. We are only now moving because they are selling the building, they were planning to allow us to continue prior to that.

What you have to do varies for each sponsor, but Alan is correct that the best way to keep sponsors of any kind, especially ones that give you space, is to keep them happy, treat them with respect, and keep them feeling involved. Also you should make sure the team's activity does not inconvenience the company in any way, this goes for build space and services, we have managed to keep the same service sponsors for many years.