Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

What does it take to truly master self-storage management? In this episode, we give a preview of our upcoming session at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo on Friday morning, where they’ll break down the essential skills every great manager and owner needs to succeed. We will expand on these four core areas: ✅ Managing Yourself – Building discipline, consistency, and strong leadership habits ✅ Managing Your Message – Mastering marketing, brand communication, and first impressions ✅ Managing Your Tenants – Delivering excellent customer service and building strong relationships ✅ Managing Your Facility – Staying on top of maintenance, security, and operational details You’ll also hear why ongoing education is critical in a fast-evolving industry. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned owner, it’s important to stay sharp, stay current, and invest in learning—because your competitors are doing just that. 🎧 Listen now for a sneak peek at what it takes to level up your management game—and why you don’t want to miss this year’s ISS World Expo! Register today - Management Mastery Workshop at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

So, you’ve got the land and a feasibility study in hand—now what? In this episode, we walk through the critical next steps before breaking ground on a new self-storage facility. From layout decisions to customer flow to operational planning, this conversation is packed with practical advice for developers and future owners. Topics covered include: Designing with the Customer in Mind – How your layout impacts customer experience, from unit accessibility to traffic flow Operational Planning – Will you have an on-site manager or run it remotely? Your answer should shape your design and tech choices Avoiding Common Layout Mistakes – Keypad placement, truck access, and avoiding bottlenecks at entrances and exits Technology & Automation – What systems do you need to run your facility smoothly, how should they factor into your build, and how do they relate to each other? Whether you’re brand new to the industry or planning your next site, this episode helps you think through what matters most before you build—customer experience and operational strategy. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Fresh off the Self Storage Association (SSA) Spring Conference & Expo in Orlando, we break down key legislative updates and share our top takeaways from the event. New and Pending Legislation – Updates on non-monetary defaults, unsigned leases, and the push to remove outdated newspaper advertising requirements Why Industry Self-Regulation Matters – The risks of government overreach, rent control legislation, and why letting the market decide is best for the industry The Power of Networking – How peer-to-peer learning and hallway conversations can be just as valuable as formal education sessions Education & Exposure – Why attending industry events is essential for staying current with trends, discovering new tools, and growing your business Trade Show Highlights – Cool finds, must-know vendors, and tips for getting the most out of the expo floor Plus, we explain why events like SSA and ISS are so valuable—and how you can find one near you using the ISS events calendar - Click here for the Inside Self Storage Events Calendar 🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead of industry changes and find out why making space in your schedule for these conferences is one of the smartest moves you can make! Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Five years ago, Gabfest kicked off the Gabfocus webinar series to bring expert insights and real-world strategies to the self-storage industry. Now, in our 70th webinar episode, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for storage operators: How to Dominate Your Local Market. In this special episode, Tommy and Melissa sit down with industry expert Stephanie Tharpe to discuss how a strong local presence can set your facility apart from the competition. Topics covered include: Identifying Your Target Market – How to map out where your tenants are coming from and which local businesses can drive referrals Engaging with Your Community – The value of sponsoring local events, supporting charities, and partnering with businesses Grassroots Marketing Tactics – Direct mail, flyers, local events, and other effective ways to build brand recognition Referral Programs – How to structure incentives for customers and local businesses to spread the word Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO – Why local photos, keywords, and backlinks matter for conversions Converting Leads into Tenants – How to position your facility against REITs and online price wars From networking with local businesses to running promotions that actually drive results, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you own your market and increase occupancy. Guest: Stephanie Tharpe , President, A+ Management Group Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

With so many self-storage management software options available, how do you choose the right one for your facility? We unpack the key features and must-haves for 2025, helping you navigate the software landscape to find the best fit for your business. Online Rentals & Payments – How to streamline the tenant experience with electronic signatures, ID collection, and insurance selection Pricing & Revenue Management – The importance of value pricing options to stay competitive in online rate wars Reports & Data Tracking – Why reports matter (even if you don’t check them daily) and how they impact occupancy, sales, and future buyers Tenant Communication Tools – Texting capabilities, chatbot integrations, and record-keeping for seamless interactions Website & SEO Integration – What to look for in a software that enhances your online presence and booking experience Gate Access & Security – Compatibility with access control systems, late-to-lien automation, and other key integrations Support & Training – What kind of support, training, and updates you should expect from your provider Choosing the right software can mean the difference between a smooth operation and daily headaches. 🎧 Listen now to our other "Best Self Storage Episode" by clicking here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Pricing your self-storage units isn’t just about setting a number and hoping for the best—it’s about staying informed and adapting to market conditions. In this episode, we break down why keeping an eye on your local competition, regional trends, and even seasonal factors is essential for optimizing your rates and specials. Topics covered include: Market Research Tactics – How to track competitor rates using AI, rate-scraping services, or manual calls Comparing Apples to Apples – Why it's crucial to compare similar unit sizes and property types Rate Adjustments & Local Development – How new construction, economic shifts, and population changes impact pricing The Role of Specials & Discounts – When to offer promotions and when to hold firm on pricing Seasonal Pricing Factors – How college schedules, moving trends, and local events should influence your rates Whether you're using technology or old-school research methods, staying ahead of market trends ensures your pricing remains competitive and profitable. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

A consultant shows you the path you need to walk, but a mentor walks the path with you. In a business as nuanced and unique as self storage, enlisting a mentor can be the difference between a successful business venture and one that never makes it through lease up. As the industry evolves, new investors often face overwhelming decisions about facility design, technology, and operations, while experienced operators struggle to modernize outdated systems and marketing strategies. We tackle this topic from both perspectives: Common mistakes new owners make when setting up a facility How outdated practices can hold long-time owners back The role of mentorship in navigating technology, pricing, and marketing Where to find a mentor and why expert guidance saves time and money Plus, we share a few key recommendations you don't want to miss. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this rebroadcast of our February 20, 2025 webinar, John Chang from Marcus & Millichap provides an in-depth analysis of the self-storage industry's economic landscape in 2025. With inflation stabilizing, interest rates remaining high, and occupancy trends shifting, John breaks down key market forces shaping the industry and what operators should be prepared for. Topics covered include: The impact of economic uncertainty on self-storage Pricing strategies, rate wars, and competitive pressures Market saturation, construction slowdowns, and regional trends How younger tenants are changing length-of-stay patterns The growing role of technology and AI in operations and marketing Investment insights: Is now a good time to buy, sell, or expand? If you’re a self-storage owner, investor, or operator looking for expert insights into what’s ahead, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Guests: John Chang, Marcus & Millichap Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Self-storage isn’t just for life transitions anymore—more and more small business owners, gig workers, and entrepreneurs are using storage units to run and grow their businesses. From Etsy sellers and antique dealers to pharmaceutical reps and lawn care companies, these customers have unique needs and can be some of the longest-staying tenants. In this episode, we explore how self-storage operators can attract and serve business customers effectively. We discuss marketing strategies beyond the traditional "4Ds," including digital advertising, social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, and pricing models that work for business users. Joining us is Jamie Boros, Business Development Manager at StorSuite, who shares her insights on why business owners are an untapped market for self-storage and how facilities can position themselves as the perfect solution for their storage needs. Plus, we throw in a few moving and cruising recommendations. Guest: Jamie Boros from StorSuite Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Today we dive into figuring out your self storage story- the characters, the plot, and the target audience. It's only after those pieces are in place that an effective story can be told, and your business is no different. But that's only half of the journey. Once you've figured out your story, you have to tell it, and often words just aren't enough. We discuss several examples of storytelling in our industry and dive into figuring out the "why" of your business. A good story will set you apart from your competition and may bring surprising results. Plus, we end with a few recommendations, including an unorthodox marketing campaign we hope someone tries. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions