Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

In this rebroadcast of our live webinar, attorney Joe Doherty joins Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen to unpack the most pressing legal topics facing self storage owners and operators in 2025. From website privacy lawsuits and predatory ADA claims to evolving lien laws and tenant disputes, this session is packed with practical legal insight. You’ll learn: What 2025’s biggest legal trends mean for your facility Key updates on rent control, website compliance, and arbitration How to handle tenant death, gate damage, and unit disputes Legal pitfalls to avoid—and what issues may be overhyped What’s coming in 2026 and how to prepare now Don’t miss Joe’s answers to real owner-submitted legal questions and his top 3 legal tips for every storage operator. Watch the YouTube replay- 2025 Storage Legal Update Guest: Joe Doherty, Legal Counsel for the Self Storage Association Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Join Melissa and Josh as they celebrate their recognition on the cover of a leading industry magazine! 🌟 They discuss the inner workings of state self-storage associations, shedding light on affiliate versus independently run models. Melissa shares her decision to step back from state management to focus on the growth of Lighthouse Storage Solutions. The duo also dives into the important role of the Self Storage Association in national and state-level support, along with updates on exciting upcoming events and their commitment to industry education!

Do you really know who’s renting your storage units? In this episode, Josh and Melissa Huff dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of effective self-storage marketing: creating clear, specific buyer personas. Understanding your customers is the first step to attracting more of them—and retaining them longer. We break down how to analyze your current rent roll to identify customer patterns, segment renters into meaningful categories (happy vs. sad customers), and craft profiles that can guide your marketing, sales messaging, and customer service. 💡 Key Highlights Why buyer personas are essential for self-storage marketing The difference between “happy” customers (e.g., new homes, hobbies) and “sad” customers (e.g., divorce, downsizing, death) How to read your rent roll to uncover your core audience Practical walkthroughs of two buyer personas: Alice: A recently divorced mom of two teens navigating transition Mike: A 50-year-old side hustler growing a cornhole board business How to tailor your marketing and facility experience to each persona Plus… the October surprise you’ve been waiting for 👀 Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this discussion, Brad North, a seasoned 36-year self-storage industry veteran and CEO of Advantage Consulting and Management, shares invaluable insights on choosing the right management fit for your facility. He explores various management styles, including owner-operator, third-party, and hybrid models. Brad highlights the importance of effective customer service, operational efficiency, and transitioning between management types. He also emphasizes key indicators to watch for when re-evaluating your operations and offers tips for auditing performance. Perfect for both hands-on owners and passive investors!

Regular audits of self-storage facilities are key to smooth operations and risk management. Discover why treating audits like routine car maintenance can prevent major issues down the line. Learn to recognize red flags that may signal the need for an audit, like spikes in credits or unexplained break-ins. Regularly auditing can save you from theft and legal troubles while ensuring everything runs efficiently. Embrace the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as maintaining vigilance is essential for success.

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.