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LAUREL — James Simpson is turning his passion for rural economic development into action with the opening of Orion Self Storage, the first business in Laurel’s newly established industrial district.
A 2024 graduate of Hillsdale College in Michigan, Simpson earned his degree in economics with honors and participated in the Kehoe Project, a prestigious program that cultivates entrepreneurial and leadership skills in undergraduate students. While at Hillsdale, he developed a strong interest in small business development and investing in rural communities — an interest now taking shape through real-world projects in northeast Nebraska.
Orion Self Storage offers modern, secure storage units, and will soon offer U-Haul drop-off services, and dedicated parking for campers and trailers, serving both residential and commercial needs. Simpson, who grew up in Wayne, sees this facility as a foundational step in broader regional development.
“When you invest in tangible infrastructure like this, you’re saying you believe in the future growth and prosperity of the community,” Simpson said.
Self-storage facilities provide key benefits to communities. They help residents manage space and transitions, support local entrepreneurs with flexible storage solutions, and contribute to the overall economic ecosystem by strengthening infrastructure.
“I hope this project inspires others to invest their time, resources, and creativity into Laurel and other towns across northeast Nebraska,” he said.
Orion Self Storage is now open and accepting customers for both short and long-term storage. For more information, visit www. orionselfstorage.com or call (402) 833-5225. The facility is located on U.S. Hwy 20 in Laurel across from the Recycling Center.
