Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

Clear, intentional signage isn’t just for looks—it can shape the entire customer experience, reduce confusion, and cut down on unnecessary phone calls. In this episode, we break down the essential signs every facility should have and why they matter. We cover: Why your main sign should be simple and brand-driven—no phone numbers required The one sign every facility needs How to guide tenants effectively with keypad instructions and move-out signage The importance of directional signs for large or awkwardly laid-out facilities What to include (and what to avoid) with security signage The difference between professional, purposeful signage and visual clutter Seasonal tips for amenity signs that highlight climate control, RV/boat parking, and more We were inspired for this topic by our recent consulting project for Access Storage and recorded this on location from their rustic red barn in French Lick, Indiana (during a heat index of 106°!). Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Discover strategies to tackle the challenge of competing against low introductory rates in self-storage. Learn how effective target marketing and unique promotions can set your business apart. Emphasize the importance of rate guarantees and clear communication to enhance your appeal. Customer feedback is key; it shapes growth and strengthens your online presence. Plus, explore how urgency and AI can streamline marketing efforts, making it easier for customers to find the right storage solution swiftly.

Sometimes real life just smacks you in the face. That was our week, and it happens to us all. If you run a small business, like self storage, it can hit a little different. What happens to your business if you get that call or text that forces you to focus all of your attention on something else? If you have to step away, will your business survive? Today we focus on some simple practices that can help you handle those real life moments and still keep your business going. Planning margin in to your schedule, automation, and using tech are just a few of the areas we touch on. But the most important takeaway - if you are faced with the choice of real life or your business, always choose real life. The broken gate will still be there in the morning. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What do you do when a tenant passes away while renting a storage unit? This was the opening question AI came up with... Hopefully, no one has ever passed away in your office while renting a unit, but dealing with an existing tenant who has died happens more often than you think. This is one of the most uncomfortable but critical situations self storage operators face—and getting it wrong can come with serious legal consequences. In this episode, we break down the must-know legal and practical steps operators need to take when a tenant dies. They cover everything from probate considerations to next-of-kin contact, and how to avoid common missteps that could land your business in hot water. Key topics include: Legal obligations when a tenant dies Understanding your lien rights in these situations Why having a secondary contact in your lease matters When to hold off on selling the contents of a unit Practical advice on handling the emotional side with surviving family Steps you should take before this ever becomes an issue If you’ve never dealt with this situation before, you probably will. Death is a part of life, and hopefully your business can be a part of the solution rather than adding to the stress. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Andrew Sherrard, owner of Reliable Storage and former CMO of T-Mobile, shares his insights on optimizing occupancy. He dives deep into the three types of occupancy and reveals that low performance isn't just about rates. Learn how missed calls and poor scheduling could be major leaks in your strategy. Sherrard discusses smart rate strategies, the pros and cons of promos, and emphasizes retaining the right tenants over just filling spaces. His rapid-fire tips offer practical, cost-effective ways to enhance performance and boost occupancy.

We talk a lot about amenities in self storage—security cameras, clean units, keypads, gates—but what about you? The manager is one of the most important amenities at a facility, and often one of the most under emphasized. Appearance, attitude, and professionalism can either enhance or hurt your facility’s image. What you wear and what you support during company time all sends a message about your business. Is it the message you want to send? Is it the message your organization wants to promote? We cover: ✅ Why your personal presentation matters just as much as your property’s ✅ How to think about yourself as part of the customer experience ✅ Tips for keeping a clean, professional appearance without losing personality Digital curb appeal and property curb appeal get a lot of attention these days. But don't forget that sometimes it's the personal curb appeal that makes or breaks the final sale. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

AI is transforming the self-storage industry—from smarter security cameras and chatbots to automated rate comparisons and call evaluations. But how much is too much? In this episode, we take a balanced look at the role of artificial intelligence in storage operations and explore where it helps—and where it may be hurting more than helping. We discuss this balance regarding: Where AI Works Well – Data-driven tasks like rate comparison, call scoring, and tech enhancements (security, chatbots, drones) Where AI Falls Short – Creative work like content writing, marketing voice, and brainstorming where human insight is still essential AI and Customer Experience – The risk of losing personal touch when AI replaces too much of your team’s interaction Practical Use Cases – Evaluating vendors, optimizing marketing campaigns, and using AI to improve—not replace—your systems How to Avoid Overuse – Guidelines for keeping your business human-centered while still embracing new tools Use AI strategically, not automatically. People still matter most in self storage success. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this special on-location episode from Boerne, TX, we're joined by the team from On the Move—Jim, Sherry, CJ, and Stacie—to unpack their biggest takeaways from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, the industry's largest event. From expert-led education sessions to lively vendor conversations, this episode dives into: Why Good Questions Matter – How smart, thoughtful questions from vendors and operators can lead to better decisions and stronger operations Key Expo Education Highlights – Risk management, marketing, and operational insights that left a lasting impression New Vendors to Watch - Software providers that might be worth a first or second look The Value of Trade Shows – The importance of continuing education, even if you can’t attend a national self storage event Top Regional Trade Show Recommendations – Hear our go-to suggestions for great local events that still deliver big value 🎧 Plus, stick around for a fun bonus segment with the Huff Girls, who share their unique (and entertaining) impressions of the self-storage industry and what giveaways might appeal to a younger crowd. Guests from On the Move: CJ Stratte, Jim Ferguson, Stacie Maxwell, and Sherry Miller Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this quarterly Legal Chat, self storage attorneys Scott Zucker and Carlos Kaslow tackle the toughest legal challenges operators face in 2025. From military tenants and bankruptcy stays to lean sale objections and law enforcement searches, this conversation dives deep into the real-world scenarios that take storage owners out of the office and into the courtroom. Whether you're a new facility owner or a seasoned operator, this episode will give you clear legal context and practical strategies to protect your business. Topics Covered: When storage owners are forced to go to court Navigating military tenant protections (SCRA) Handling bankruptcies the right way State-specific rules on lien sale objections Search & seizure: When to cooperate with law enforcement You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 5 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

What separates the good from the truly great in self-storage management? In this episode, Melissa and Tommy are joined by Mark Green from The Jenkins Organization to explore what top-performing managers do differently—and how their daily habits, communication, and customer care lead to higher occupancy and better results. Together, they dive into key areas of successful management: First Impressions Matter – From Google Business Profile and curb appeal to phone etiquette and in-person greetings, learn how to wow customers before they ever sign a lease Converting More Leads – Proven techniques for identifying customer needs, recommending the right units, and closing the deal—both in person and over the phone Overcoming Objections – How to respond when you don’t have the size a customer needs or when you're more expensive than a REIT down the road Standout Customer Service – Tips for smooth move-ins and move-outs, exceeding expectations, and turning great experiences into reviews and referrals Daily Excellence – Actionable habits and sales skills any manager can use every day to boost performance Plus more Mark-isms than we can count, like-    "Just be yourself, unless you're a jerk."    "Don't give them what they expect. Give them what they want."    "Know the difference, show the difference, be the difference." If you want to become the kind of manager that owners rave about and tenants never forget, this episode is full of ideas and inspiration you can put to work immediately. *There were a few audio issues with Mark's mic that clear up at the 19:20 spot in the podcast, so hang in there Guest: Mark Green, The Jenkins Organization Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions