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Superior Storage
Revitalizing Downtown One Unit at a Time

When Zach Labonte first laid eyes on the old Superior Bakery building in the heart of Thompson,  he saw more than a vacant property – he saw potential. With a background in real estate and a passion for revitalizing distressed properties, Zach envisioned transforming the long-empty building into something the town needed: a modern, secure, and flexible self-storage facility.

That vision became Superior Storage, a thriving business that now serves individuals and small businesses throughout Thompson and neighboring communities. Located at 72 Main Street in the Downtown Mill Redevelopment District, the facility offers secure storage units and dedicated spaces for businesses to manage inventory, equipment, and more.

“The building itself was the original attraction for me,” Zach explains. “Being in the center of town and having a footprint big enough to develop into a self-storage facility drew me to Thompson.”

It wasn’t just the building that sealed the deal – it was the town’s welcoming and supportive approach to development. Early conversations with the First Selectman and Town Planner made it clear that Thompson was ready to invest in its own revitalization. Zach worked closely with local officials to leverage tax incentives for improving distressed properties. He also mentioned recent zoning updates that allow more flexibility for development, including a greater mix of uses and options to build on smaller parcels. “This is a unique and forward-thinking policy for the region,” Zach commented.

With help from the town and the building department, which coordinated timely inspections, Zach and his team completed the entire transformation in just eight months – from purchasing the building to opening for business. The interior was completely renovated: old equipment was removed, electrical and plumbing were replaced, and new flooring, windows, and doors were installed. What once stood as a vacant relic of the past was reborn as a symbol of community progress.

Since opening, Superior Storage has made a concerted effort to embed itself in the community. From sponsoring the local Little League to supporting youth racing at Thompson Speedway, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to local growth. Zach and his team have also invested heavily in marketing, using radio ads, Facebook, print media, and local business associations to reach a wide audience.

With a five-mile target market, Superior Storage serves not only Thompson but also nearby towns like Putnam and Southbridge, as well as Dudley, Webster, and Charlton in neighboring Massachusetts. Its central location and highway accessibility make it an attractive option for both residents and businesses.

Superior Storage has also attracted a variety of commercial clients. One uses its space for storing tools and materials for an epoxy flooring business. Another handles Amazon drop shipments directly at the facility. A local carpenter even transformed a storage unit into a showroom for custom cabinets, taking advantage of available power and internet.

“Our goal is simple,” Zach says. “When our customers succeed, we succeed.”

Superior Storage stands not just as a business, but as a catalyst for community revitalization and smart, sustainable development.

Looking ahead, Zach and his wife Becca – who co-own a real estate investment company – are actively seeking more properties to restore in the area. “We want to keep the momentum going and make the town better, one building at a time.”