307. Then vs. Now: How the Self Storage Industry Changed

The self storage industry is changing once again. A new cycle has already emerged, and we’re back to a familiar era of lower occupancy—but with it come better deals to be found. The market is drastically different from when we first started in the 2000s. Still, whether you’re a brand-new self storage investor or a massive private equity firm, the fundamentals remain the same. 

AJ and Conner are walking through the evolution of our self storage business. From a couple of partners and a few small facilities to hundreds of employees and huge self storage projects. We scaled from nothing to over $300M in self storage, but the processes we used can be applied and repeated even by the smallest operator! 

We’ll reveal the business “ecosystem” that makes up our self storage holdings, how self storage is changing, what’s coming down the pipeline, and answer YOUR questions on the show with topics like how to lease-up fast, uncover competitor occupancy rates, and get financing.

For more on finding, buying, and running storage facilities, check out AJ’s new book Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0. 

What you’ll learn in today’s show:

• The new stage of the self storage cycle we’re entering
• Buying opportunities as many ill-prepared self storage investors leave the market 
• The “ecosystem” of a successful self storage business (what we’re doing)
• How to raise occupancy at your self storage facility, even if it’s brand new
• Why we always “secret shop” at other self storage facilities before we build/buy 

🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 

🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207

📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest