Growing with Nesta: Business Insights from Paul Smith Motors

Local car business Paul Smith Motors are specialists in repairs, body checks, and car sales in Deansgrange, South Dublin, and have had office space with Nesta since September 2022.

They’ve been so successful that in February 2023, they transferred to a larger business storage unit at the Nesta Deansgrange facility.

We spoke with the owner of Paul Smith Motors, Daryl Smith, about his experience running the business at Nesta Deansgrange.

How Has Self Storage Benefitted Your Business?

“Having office space at Nesta has created a professional brand image for Paul Smith Motors,” says Daryl. 

It has also brought organisation to the day-to-day running of the business.  

How Do You Use Your Unit?

According to Daryl, their unit provides a physical, professional, and comfortable space for their valued customers, visitors, and employees, which communicates their values and ethics to all. 

“We use our office as a central hub for all our day-to-day running of Paul Smith Motors,” says Daryl.

What is the Business’s Greatest Achievement to Date?

Daryl explains that their greatest achievement as a small family business was staying afloat after the pandemic. They have even managed to expand their business by adding two extra workshops (three now in total) and secured a central office despite many other businesses going under.

This was thanks to them remaining positive and investigating many ways to continue to grow their business during this time. 

If There is One Thing You Wish You Had Known Before Starting Your Business, What Would it Be?

“There are incredible highs and lows,” Daryl explains. “I suppose set boundaries from the start, be focused on your business but don’t compromise when it comes to your family time or your well-being, and take time off without feeling guilty!”

What is the Biggest Challenge Your Company Has Overcome?

“We have had many a challenge the past few years,” says Daryl. “Firstly, with my father stepping down and me having to take the lead, which was a big challenge, but I persevered and pushed through.” 

Paul Smith Motors also moved premises and expanded the business during this stressful time. 

“We needed to revise our team and find the right team to continue to improve the high-quality customer service we offer to new and existing customers, while also competing with big type dealerships, fluctuating demand consumer preferences, environmental obligations, technological advancements, and increased costs,” explains Daryl. 

They overcome these challenges by finding several alternative channels, increasing availability, analysing their pricing — making it competitive without dropping their standards — and still offering family-friendly customer service.

Where Do You See Your Business in Five Years?

“We hope to expand more, having Nesta as our head office, with five more premises,” says Daryl. “We will achieve this by reviewing new revenue models, new products, and more advanced technologies, and having the highest value of service to offer our customers!” 

“We want to reinforce, refresh, and reaffirm our branding and marketing efforts regularly and continue to maintain and uphold our promise by delivering on it.”

What Drives You? 

“I do what I do because I love it and have loved cars from when I was a child,” states Daryl.

“I am privileged to work in an industry that I am so passionate about.”

He also says that success motivates him to do a good job, knowing that hard work and perseverance help to achieve this as well as having the same vision and values as the business he represents.  

Nesta’s Business Storage Solutions

At Nesta, we offer premium business storage units and office space in six prime locations across Dublin, with easy access and ample on-site parking available. We specialise in providing businesses with secure space without the costly overheads and long, restrictive leases. 

If you are looking to grow your business or expand your office space, request a quote from us today!