

Self Storage Investing
Scott Meyers, Stories and Strategies
This is the Self Storage Investing podcast, where we share the knowledge and skills from the industry’s leading investors, developers, and operators to help you launch and grow your self-storage investing business. What made them a success? Built their wealth? What was their mindset and mentality as they entered the space and found room for business growth? Led by podcast host Scott Meyers, the ORIGINAL SELF STORAGE EXPERT, we have a track record spanning two decades having successfully acquired, converted, developed, and syndicated over 4 1/2 million square feet of self-storage properties nationwide. Discover the secrets to building wealth and creating a thriving business mindset through our insightful episodes with leading experts. We delve into topics such as navigating recessions and market crashes, as well as the lucrative world of real estate investing through self storage. Join us as we explore strategies, tactics and insider tips that will propel your self storage investing journey toward prosperity. Get ready to unlock the potential of this lucrative (recession-proof) industry and embark on a path to financial freedom.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2023 • 44min
The Rise of Spartan Construction Management - Aaron Saunders
Send us a textAaron Saunders is the President of Spartan Construction Management. In this episode he shares the development of the company conceived as an in-house entity to fulfill Spartan Investment Group’s pressing need for reliable and aligned contractors to a nationwide phenomenon within just three years. WHAT TO LISTEN FORThe transition from being comfortable with a regular paycheck to recognizing the value of ownership How the construction company grew from a small team to incorporating bigger rolesHow SCM recognized market gaps and opportunitiesThe importance of aligning with investor expectations ABOUT AARON SAUNDERSAaron is the President of Spartan Construction Management with over 16 years experience. He comes from a construction family and has been in construction since graduating high school. He has Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (a degree he paid for by working… construction) and is a certified PMP. He lives in Golden, Colorado. CONNECT WITH AARONEmail aaron@spartanbuilt.comWebsite https://spartanbuilt.com/ Calendly link https://calendly.com/aaron-spartanbuilt/30min CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvesting Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvesting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing

Aug 28, 2023 • 28min
Understanding the Last Ten Feet, Not just the Last Mile – Anne Mari Decoster
Send us a textIn this episode we meet the new President and COO of Kingdom Storage Investors and Self-Storage Investing, Anne Mari Decoster. She’s lived a professional life thinking forward. In her first role out of post secondary school she was part of an analytics team that predicted the economic demise of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It also studies how technology was changing and would impact consumers. For example, it was becoming clear batteries were getting smaller and more powerful which would ultimately lead to the smaller smart phones we use today.She uses that mindset to think about self-storage in the future. Imagine a driverless vehicle going to a smart access facility, the gate opens, then closes. The vehicle drives up to a unit and the door opens and pre-packaged boxes with barcodes help manage which boxes are needed. But what happens next? It’s not the last mile of automation investors need to understand… it’s the last ten feet. WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy it’s so important to watch for regulatory changes that can impact business feesWhy using technology to meet consumer demands is critical and how that changes your investment approachWhy the independent software code developer is more valuable than everWhy Open API is so importantThis episode was recorded live at the Self-Storage Mastermind in July 2023 in Keystone, CO. ABOUT ANNE MARI DECOSTERPresident and COO Kingdom StorageGraduate Georgetown UniversityBackground in business with companies of all sizes from Fortune 500 to small business. CONNECT WITH ANNE MARI DECOSTERannemari@selfstorageinvesting.comOn Instagram @annemariedecoster On LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-mari-decoster-14185a35/ CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvesting Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvesting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jul 10, 2023 • 26min
Navigating an Uncertain Market: One Investor’s Approach – Travis Baucom
Send us a textTravis Baucom was rocking it. He’d grown a fund to over 400 homes but suddenly realized he needed to pivot. That’s when he made the move into self-storage and has never looked back. In this episode Travis shares some of his strategies, particularly in an uncertain market. WHAT TO LISTEN FORThe approach Travis takes to managing sellers’ expectationsA key strategy for acquisitions and developments in the forward marketTravis’ marketing approach working with brokers closely and forming a relationshipThe need for creativity and tighter evaluation when there is market uncertainty ABOUT TRAVIS BAUCOMTravis is the CEO of Balcomie Capital, a boutique firm for high-net-worth and high-income individuals. Having started his journey in private markets in 2012, Travis has successfully been involved with over $5 million in AUM through acquisition, development, repositioning, disposition, asset management, and strategic planning. CONNECT WITH TRAVIS BAUCOMWeb site http://www.investinstoragedeals.com/ Email: travis@balcomiecapital.com Phone: (254) 292-3376 (Text)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis_baucom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Travis-Baucom/8359225/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TravisBaucom?s=20 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisbaucom/ CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvesting Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvesting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/ Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.

Jul 3, 2023 • 42min
A New Way to Generate Interest through Passive Investment – Travis Smith, Founder Tribevest
Send us a textAbout 15 years ago Travis Smith went on a fishing trip with his brothers. They couldn’t actually afford to go on the trip, but they went. They talked about financial freedom and collectively expressed the path each brother was on wasn’t going to get them there. They wanted to invest in real estate, in private markets, but didn’t know how to start. So, the brothers committed to starting an LLC, opened up a business bank account and began with just $500… WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy crowdfunding wasn’t the answerWhy Tribevest focuses on the passive investorWhat is the Super LP?Introducing Fund Manager Tribe ABOUT TRAVIS SMITHTravis is the Founder and CEO of Tribevest, a platform that makes it easy and safe to invest as a group and do deals together. He started his career with Morgan Stanley but realized the most direct path to wealth and financial freedom wasn’t through Wall St or as an individual. The path is as a group, as a tribe. Travis is obsessed with building a platform that standardizes, streamlines, and ultimately de-risks group investing. CONNECT WITH (TRAVIS)Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tribevest Twitter - https://twitter.com/tribevest IG - https://www.instagram.com/tribevest/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribevest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travissmithmovethechannel Website: https://www.tribevest.com/proVideo: https://youtu.be/Jw-EzSXZNgs CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvesting Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvesting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/ Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.

Jun 26, 2023 • 51min
Simplifying Self Storage: Leveraging Partnerships for Faster Growth – Sean Graham
Send us a textThe self-storage business model is refreshingly simple compared to the complexities of managing multifamily apartment complexes. As Scott has said (and trademarked) “No tenants, No toilets, No trash.” By offering straight-forward shed rentals the investment potential becomes easy to grasp. But trying to handle every aspect of the business alone, from raising capital to property management can be challenging. In this episode Sean Graham shares his thoughts on finding trusted partners who excel in areas when he admits he falls a bit short. WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy Self-Storage is becoming Sean’s biggest focusThe benefit of partnerships and syndications to leverage other people’s expertiseWhy building relationships and finding the right partners is the most effective way to scale your businessHow to identify low-value tasks and find affordable virtual assistants ABOUT SEAN GRAHAMSean is the founder of Maven Equities focused mostly on mid-market opportunities in growing suburban locations with under-supplied markets. The sweet spot is ground-up development. CONNECT WITH SEANEmail Sean sean@mavenequities.com CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvestingTwitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvestingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/ Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.

Jun 19, 2023 • 42min
Putting Out Fires and Making Fire Investments – Tim Lyons
Tim Lyons, co-founder of Cityside Capital and New York City firefighter, discusses trust and due diligence in real estate investing. Topics include the overwhelming options available, being actively passive, and the value of transparency and over-communication. They also talk about current opportunities, retirement goals, and the supportive community in the self-storage industry.

Jun 12, 2023 • 42min
Turning Pro Using Outside Consultants to Uncover Blind Spots - Russ Sorrells
Send us a textFor Russ Sorrells, business success comes down to four main areas of focus: being sure you have the right people and looking after them, having a clear purpose and mission, developing the right playbooks to execute the strategies, and performance. People, Purpose, Playbooks, and Performance. The Four P’s that drive success. WHAT TO LISTEN FORReal tips for how to grow and scale your self-storage businessHow to go from chaos and complexity to simplicity and prioritizationAvoiding the “Accidental Culture”Why “People” is the best investment you can make ABOUT (RUSS SORRELLS)Russ is the founder of Own Your Category and founder of Capital Equipment Sales Mastery. He has 27 years’ real world business experience and has owned and operated multiple seven figure businesses with more than 500 capital projects closed. CONNECT WITH (RUSS)Russ@ownyourcategory.comWebsite https://www.ownyourcategory.com/ CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvestingTwitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvestingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.

Jun 5, 2023 • 48min
Learning to Lead as You Scale Your Portfolio - Eric Brewer
Send us a textSuccess started for Eric Brewer making $7 an hour as a lot porter – parking Mercedes and Toyotas a local new car franchise. Good thing he wore that double breasted suit to the interview. But hard work, listening to his dad, and some good contacts led to more and more opportunities. Eventually he came to realize, he was good at selling. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why some of the best sales managers, aren’t actually very good at selling How building a culture leads to success The power of decentralized command Accepting your team’s mistakes as part of the path to perfect execution ABOUT (ERIC BREWER) Since 2006, Eric has done over 3,000 residential real estate deals in Pennsylvania and Maryland. His experience covers a wide range of deal types and strategies including novations, wholesaling, flipping, construction, director-to-seller marketing, turnkey rentals, and property management. CONNECT WITH (ERIC) Website https://brewermethod.com/home Email info@brewermethod.com CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvesting Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvestingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/ Subscribe so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.

May 30, 2023 • 24min
Company Success From An Executive’s Perspective - Ken Lange
Send us a textGet to know how it’s done at the executive level with Ken Lange, as this episode’s C-suite conversation tackles the function and management metrics utilized to keep a company’s operation at its peak. Stay tuned to grasp the knowledge to develop your team’s competency and achieve all your objectives! WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy values are crucial in finding quality partnerships What role does a CFO do in maneuvering company progressThe importance of checking your properties’ financials regularlyConservativeness: How it can help you in self-storage investingA business leader’s daily duty can nurture long-term successABOUT KEN LANGEAs the CFO of TriCore Investment Group, Ken is responsible for the organization's strategic financial leadership and its affiliated companies. He leads all financial-related activities through his extensive experience and practical communication skills. Ken Lange has established a stellar reputation for economic efficiency and intuitive real estate understanding. Ken is a native of Kissimmee, Florida, and his professional development began in information technology and sales. He was later attracted to the real estate industry, where he felt he could leverage his professional skill sets and build himself as an entrepreneurial leader.CONNECT WITH KENWebsite: TriCore Investment GroupLinkedIn: Kenneth LangeCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvestingTwitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvestingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/Subscribe so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.

May 23, 2023 • 30min
Introducing C-PACE Financing with Jason Schwartzberg
Send us a textToday, Jason Schwartzberg reveals a powerful program you can use for your following self-storage projects. Get to learn the distinct features of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing and how to access the benefits it offers by tuning in to this episode. Dial in!WHAT TO LISTEN FORA breakdown of the C-PACE financing programCommercial projects that are suitable for C-PACE financingWhy it's a great idea to include C-PACE financing in your capital stackHow to apply C-PACE financing to a self-storage reposition project More solutions offered by MD Energy Advisors for your real estate dealsABOUT JASON SCHWARTZBERGJason is a leading energy entrepreneur who co-founded MD Energy Advisors to help commercial property owners reduce energy costs and maximize profitability. He also co-founded PointClickSwitch, a platform that assists residential customers in deregulated energy markets with comparison shopping. Before starting his company, Jason was a development manager for A&R Development and an economic development officer for Baltimore Development Corporation. He holds an MBA from Loyola University Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College. CONNECT WITH JASONWebsite: MD Energy Advisors: https://www.mdenergyadvisors.com/ LinkedIn: Jason Schwartzberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schwartzberg-9335161b/ Email: jason@mdenergyadvisors.com CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfstorageinvestingTwitter: https://twitter.com/SelfStorageGuyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottameyers/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SelfStorageInvestingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_storage_investing/Subscribe so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast.


