Why "Pro-Storage" is the Next Big Niche in CRE

As an investor, you know that the most commoditized businesses are the hardest to win in. In this episode, I sit down with Joe Downs, CEO of the Bellrose Group, to discuss how he is reinventing commercial real estate with "Pro-Storage." We explore a unique hybrid asset class that sits perfectly between traditional self-storage and small-bay flex space, designed specifically for modern small businesses. In this episode, we cover:

Moving Beyond the Commodity: Why traditional self-storage is now a well-documented, commoditized market and how to find the "niches within the niche." The "Contractor Storage" Origin Story: How a plumbing facility became the "Petri dish" for a scalable national brand. The Superior Tenant Profile: Why Pro-Storage tenants (contractors/small businesses) are more reliable and rarely miss payments compared to residential users. Defining the Specs: The exact dimensions required, including 14-foot ceilings and 12.5-foot doors built for highway-legal vehicles. The "Hybrid" Advantage: How this model offers business-friendly, month-to-month flexibility without the high construction costs of NNN flex space. Partnership vs. Landlord Mindset: Why Joe chooses a gross lease model to act as a business "incubator." Lender Acceptance: How banks are reacting to this new asset class and why proof-of-concept is everything. The "Future Self" Mindset: The book by Dr. Benjamin Hardy that is currently shaping Joe's vision. 🔗 Connect with Joe Downs: Email: joe@belroseam.com Website: https://www.belroseam.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to the channel!