Peter Korbel of StoreMe Tells About On-demand Luggage Storage and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic

First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times? 

Peter Korbel: I am doing great despite the uncertainty in the world. I based in New York City, and the city has done an incredible job in containing and handling the virus. 

Tell us about you, your career, how you founded StoreMe.

Peter Korbel: My career is pretty diverse but has been primarily in the startup world over the past years. I have done everything from food trucks to coworking, to tech, to startup consulting.

How does StoreMe innovate? 

Peter Korbel: We are the modern-day extension of luggage storage in train stations, but with our service, you can walk into a business, from a retail store to a hotel, and store your luggage on-demand by the hour or day. Our customers really love the service.

How the coronavirus pandemic affects your business, and how are you coping? 

Peter Korbel: It’s hurt our business significantly. Fewer people traveling means less luggage to store. Eventually, travel will bounce back, and so will StoreMe. Things are starting to pick-up in certain cities on the Coasts, which is a great sign. 

Did you have to make difficult choices, and what are the lessons learned? 

Peter Korbel: I had to cut costs and reduce staffing, which is never fun. Most things in life are not permanent, so it’s always important to be on your toes because the change could be around the corner. 

How do you deal with stress and anxiety? How do you project yourself and StoreMe in the future? 

Peter Korbel: I run every single day without fail–healthy body, healthy mind. We are an innovative startup that likes to have fun and solve problems at the same time. Thus far, it’s been working well, and I have no plans to stop in the near future.

Who are your competitors? And how do you plan to stay in the game? 

Peter Korbel: We have a number of them in the US and overseas. Competition is good. It builds market awareness. We are all spending marketing dollars to do this, which is especially helpful in a new industry like ours.

Your final thoughts? 

Peter Korbel: You better be passionate about the business you plan to start. If not, you will eventually give up. Starting a tech startup can be a very difficult undertaking, so you better have endurance. 

Your website?

www.getstoreme.com