The Best Ever CRE Show

JF 3863: IOS Storage, SBA Financing, and the Power of Partnerships Ft. Christopher Long

Apr 2, 2025

Christopher Long, CEO of Long Yards, details his journey in transforming a contractor's solution into a $12 million industrial outdoor storage business. He discusses innovative land acquisition strategies and the benefits of SBA financing for development. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional franchising to flexible partnerships, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in this niche. Listeners discover modern storage solutions designed for contractors and the extensive market potential across North America.

33:15

Episode guests

Christopher Long

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Long Yards effectively addresses contractor storage needs through industrial outdoor storage solutions that optimize space utilization and security features.

The transition from a franchising model to flexible joint ventures allows Long Yards to foster collaborative partnerships, reducing risks and enhancing investment success.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Innovative Industrial Storage Business Model

12min

Innovative Business Partnerships

6min

Modern Storage Solutions for Contractors

9min

Exploring Market Potential and Strategic Location Choices

3min

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Christopher Long, CEO of Long Yards. Christopher shares how he scaled Long Yards from a contractor’s solution to a $12 million industrial outdoor storage (IOS) business serving contractors and service-based businesses. He explains the evolution from a franchise model to flexible joint ventures, offering a unique blend of land ownership and lease strategies backed by SBA financing. The conversation dives deep into ideal land characteristics, scaling logistics, and why partnering with Long Yards reduces risks and accelerates success in this niche real estate space.