Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

Another generational event has happened, and it's worth taking a break from self storage to talk about. The events of yesterday, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, remind us of the last great generational tragedy from 24 years ago today. In both cases, evil individuals plotted and carried out deadly killings against people and ideals they disagreed with. Innocents lost their lives, children were left without parents, wives were widowed, and our nation was shaken to its core. But even amidst the sorrow, hope was there. Perhaps this most recent event will also bring the unity that comes in the aftermath of death. Charlie knew that his death was a possibility. He got threats all the time. So why did he keep speaking out, engaging in dialogue and seeking cultural change? He did it because he was driven by something deeper, something more important than his own life. He knew he was fulfilling a calling given to him by God. He burned bright in that calling and wasn't shy about declaring where his true hope was anchored. He had the hope of Christ, and he wanted others to share in that hope, in the joy of a life lived according to principles he found in scripture. We share in that same hope, rooted in Jesus, and look forward to the day when we will see Charlie again. Podcast Resources: Psalm 11 Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Missed the big trade show in Vegas? Don't fret! Discover valuable alternatives like webinars, podcasts, and essential articles to stay informed in the self-storage industry. The hosts dive into the importance of networking and learning through engaging events. They share recommendations for industry podcasts and highlight quality resources that promote genuine knowledge. Plus, hear about exciting upcoming events and tips to maximize your self-storage education—all while enjoying a budget-friendly glass of wine!

Today we focus on something every self storage operator hopes they never have to face—but absolutely need to be ready for: disasters. When the worst happens, every decision matters. Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin join Tommy and Melissa to share real stories from their own crisis experiences—fires, floods, and more—and the lessons they’ve learned the hard way. We cover: What to do (and avoid) in the first 24–48 hours after disaster strikes How to support distressed staff and tenants Dealing with insurance gaps, communication breakdowns, and repair delays How to prep your facility now: checklists, safeguards, and budgets What disasters aren’t typically covered by insurance Tips for multi-site operators and high-risk areas like flood zones The top 3 pieces of advice our guests would give to every operator Disasters don’t wait. This episode gives you the tools to prepare, respond, and recover stronger. This webinar originally aired on August 21, 2025 . Watch the YouTube replay- Disaster Prep & Recovery Webinar Guests: Kevin Leebrick (NoDa Self Storage) & Scott McLaughlin (Sentry Self Storage Management) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

As the self storage industry moves further online, legal risks are evolving fast. In this Legal Chat episode, Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker break down the biggest legal challenges operators face today—and how to prepare for them. Key topics include: Website accessibility & ADA lawsuits Deceptive Trade Practices and Drip Pricing Mandatory arbitration vs. class action exposure Disclosing fees and exclusions online Online contracts (click-wrap, scroll-wrap) and enforceability Oregon’s wage theft law and its impact on construction projects Revenue management & antitrust concerns—especially around RealPage Why transparency, documentation, and education are your best legal defenses Carlos and Scott offer real-world examples, recent cases, and clear takeaways to help you reduce risk and protect your facility. You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 6 on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Jennifer Barroqueiro from All-Purpose Storage shares her insights into harnessing AI in the self-storage industry. She discusses how AI can streamline communication, manage emails, and respond to customer reviews efficiently. Jennifer highlights practical uses, like scraping competitor rates for pricing strategies and creating unique branding elements, including their mascot, Roy the goat. The conversation emphasizes the balance between utilizing AI to save time while maintaining originality and brand voice.

Is your self storage facility ready for the future—or falling behind? In this episode, Nigel Kreft from Elevate Structures joins Tommy Nguyen and Melissa Huff to talk about how to keep your property competitive, profitable, and positioned for growth through the right upgrades and expansions. We discuss: When and why to upgrade or expand (from occupancy struggles to prepping for a sale) How to time improvements around seasons, customer impact, and ROI The upgrades that deliver the biggest return (and the ones that matter long-term, even with delayed ROI) Expert tips for roofing, fencing, gates, access systems, and landscaping How to decide between raising rates, expanding, or acquiring Common construction pitfalls and how to avoid them What to know about budgeting, vendors, and scheduling before breaking ground The three upgrades every operator should prioritize: security, functional doors, and quality roofing Whether you’re battling competition, planning to sell, or simply want to keep your facility thriving, this episode will help you make smart decisions that pay off now—and years down the road. This webinar originally aired on July 24, 2025 . Watch the YouTube replay- Webinar of this Episode Guest: Nigel Kreft (Elevate Structures) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Explore the crucial role of facility managers in the self-storage industry as they navigate the complexities of compensation and incentives. Discover what strategies to avoid and learn how to align pay with business goals effectively. The importance of training and setting clear expectations emerges as key factors for success. Hear about maintaining operational efficiency and optimizing revenue while fostering strong relationships with tenants. Plus, enjoy the lighter side of travel experiences that bring a smile!

Whether you plan to sell next year or in 20 years, one thing is certain: you won’t own your self storage facility forever. So how do you ensure it’s gaining—and retaining—value? In this episode, we explore what it means to steward your storage asset with the future in mind. We break down three key areas that directly impact your facility’s long-term value: ✅ Up-to-date procedures that ensure smooth operations and make your facility attractive to buyers or successors 📈 Revenue management strategies to drive consistent growth and uncover missed income opportunities 🛠️ Capital improvements that actually pay off and keep your facility competitive in the market For those preparing to exit the industry or just wanting to build a stronger business, this episode offers practical ways to protect and grow the value of your facility—starting today. Episode resources: Policies and Procedures Episode Don't forget to subscribe to Lighthouse Storage Solutions on YouTube to get alerts for our upcoming video podcast. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Social media is making a comeback in the self-storage industry! A recent META update allows business posts to be indexed by Google, boosting visibility. With Google enhancing search through AI, unique, quality content is crucial. The discussion highlights the importance of tailored, location-specific marketing to engage customers effectively. Social platforms, including Reddit, are now influential in search results. Plus, the hosts dive into the versatility of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for enhancing your online presence.

James Hatfield from LiveSwitch and Michael Brevdeh from Cubby bring their tech expertise to the self-storage industry. They delve into essential tools every facility should have and reveal often overlooked features that can boost operations. Listeners gain insights into automating workflows while understanding which tasks should remain personal. The duo also discusses the signs that indicate a tech upgrade is due and explores emerging trends like AI and smart tools, ensuring operators are well-equipped for the future of storage management.