Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
Melissa Huff, Josh Huff, Tommy Nguyen
Listen in as we gab about the self storage industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen bring in nationally recognized speakers, leaders of companies, and top experts to help you maximize your self-storage business, optimize your management team, and prepare for what's ahead.
Brought to you by the teams at Lighthouse Storage Solutions and StoragePug.
Brought to you by the teams at Lighthouse Storage Solutions and StoragePug.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 15, 2023 • 6min
Lighthouse Announcement
We're excited to announce the launch of Josh's new company- Lighthouse Storage Solutions. He is focussing on marketing for vendors in the self storage industry. As for your regular "all things self storage" chat, we're taking a little pause to let everyone breathe after ISS, but we'll be back next week at the usual time. Host: Josh Huff
Apr 6, 2023 • 39min
Cause Marketing
Ready for a dive into the world of cause marketing? We're going to talk about the importance of telling your company's story and connecting with your customers on a deeper level. We'll define cause marketing and share practical tips on how to implement it in your business. It's essential to understand why cause marketing matters today and how it can impact your company, your employees, and the community you serve. So, tune in and learn how to make a difference while building a strong and loyal customer base. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Learn more about StorageGives
Mar 30, 2023 • 1h 20min
Marketing in Slow Markets
Join Heather McCombs, Stacie Maxwell, Tommy Nguyen, and Josh Huff in this exciting podcast episode as they share their expertise on marketing your self-storage business in slow markets. They reveal the importance of hiring managers with a concierge-like personality and making friends with your competition. We highlight the importance of getting entrenched in the community and sponsoring local events to build a positive image for your business. Plus diagnosing your market, maintaining marketing strategies, physical marketing, and even some old school tactics. This was a rebroadcast of the monthly Gabfocus webinar for March '23. Guests: Heather McCombs & Stacie Maxwell Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Josh Huff
Mar 23, 2023 • 37min
Hot Takes from SSA New Orleans
Ready for a knowledge drop? We recap the SSA Spring Show in New Orleans and share our top takeaways, including insights from Archie Manning. We discuss the dangers of perfectionism and the importance of focusing on progress, the changing demographics of self-storage renters with the influx of millennials, and the critical role of employee management in placing the right people in the right positions. Plus, as always, recommendations at the end. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff
Mar 16, 2023 • 52min
SSA Shenanigans with Chad, Max, and Alonna
Some very special guests joined us before the recent SSA show in New Orleans to swap self storage stories. People storing rocks? Hook-ups? Drug busts? We get into all the facility shenanigans, plus hit on a few state associations and discuss the place of social media in the industry. And don't forget the recommendations at the end. Guests: Chad Lundberg, Max Vallotton, & Alonna Ross Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff
Mar 9, 2023 • 25min
Mastering Phone Calls
The phone is still a major source of communication with our self storage customers. Are you asking the right questions? Are you actively listening? From effective selling techniques to striking the right balance of friendliness and professionalism, we cover it all (or at least most of it). Learn how to evaluate phone calls and identify key indicators that can help you close the deal and make a good impression with potential and current tenants. Hosts: Melissa Huff & Josh Huff
Mar 2, 2023 • 44min
Reputation Management
This week we dive into the world of reputation management, exploring the importance of reviews and customer follow-up. What messages are you sending out? Should you always respond to reviews? What should I look for in a reputation management company? Learn the strategies and tools you need to manage your self storage facility's reputation effectively. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff
Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 12min
The State of the Industry with John Chang
John Chang (Marcus & Millichap) joins us on this rebroadcast of our recent webinar and shares his expert insights on the current state of the self storage industry in relation to the broader economy. We explore the future of the economy and identify key economic indicators to watch for self storage operators. Is it time to buy or sell your facility? Will Public Storage acquire Life Storage? Will we avoid a recession? Tune in to hear John's predictions and gain valuable insights on navigating the economy in the self storage industry. Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Affordable Storage Guys Management
Feb 16, 2023 • 56min
Florida Man Crashes Podcast
It's the episode you've been waiting for! Tommy, Stephanie, and Julio join us to share some of the wildest stories from their self storage experiences. From snakes to suspicious employees, Disney swag to daring break-ins, we've got it all! Recorded live at the Florida Self Storage Conference in Orlando, tune in to hear the craziest self storage stories from the Sunshine State. You won't want to miss this! Crazy stories start at 15:40 Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Special Guests: Tommy Nguyen, Julio Otero, and Stephanie Tharpe
Feb 9, 2023 • 24min
Tools of the Trade
On today's episode, we delve into the top applications we use to manage marketing, operations, customers, and the team for our 30 self storage facilities. From Adobe Creative Suite to Google and Monday.com, discover the benefits of these programs and how they help us streamline processes and improve operations. Plus, we give a shout out to our new at-home bartender. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Featured Applications: Adobe Creative Suite, Monday.com, Google (Ads, Analytics, Business Suite, etc.), Birdeye, Envato, and more...
