
Self Storage Investing
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 15, 2024 • 45min
Scaling Smart: Self-Storage Strategies for Maximum Returns
Send us a textEver wondered how to turn a sleepy self-storage facility into a bustling profit powerhouse? Unlock the hidden potential of self-storage with the expert insights from Peter Smyth on the Self-Storage Podcast. Scott and Peter explore the nuances of tailoring management strategies to individual needs, enhancing customer experience, and sustaining growth in a challenging economic landscape. Peter discusses the competitive edge and strategic advantages of White Label Storage management, emphasizing how to transform overlooked or mismanaged facilities into profitable ventures. Through real-world case studies, he illustrates the importance of leveraging technology, effective revenue management, and customized services to optimize operations. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR00:58 - Creating a White Label Storage Brand10:48 - Revenue Management and Cost Reduction Strategies15:17 - Logical Pricing Parameters19:15 - Balancing Quality and Cost ReductionLeave a positive rating for this podcast with one click GUEST: PETER SMYTHPeter’s LinkedIn | White Label Storage LinkedIn | X | Facebook |Website | Email CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram

Jul 8, 2024 • 47min
How a Family Business Became a Self-Storage Leader
Send us a textIt was all about cold calls in the early days. Rachel Parham of Noah's Ark Development remembers her dad making call after call to manage a portfolio of over 400 facilities. Nothing wrong with good, honest, nose to the grindstone hard work. And it paid off. Rachel emphasizes the importance of due diligence, market studies, and experienced partnerships while discussing the challenges and opportunities in today's market. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:05:14 - A Family Affair15:37 - Strategic Site Selection18:27 - Adapting to Market Demands24:00 - The Power of TechnologyLeave a positive rating for this podcast with one clickGUEST: RACHEL PARHAM | President Noah’s Ark DevelopmentWebsite | Facebook | Learn Self Storage Videos | Blog | Invest in Noah’s Ark CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jul 1, 2024 • 44min
The Booming Boat and RV Storage Market
Send us a textTom Dunkel, Chief Investment Officer at Belrose Storage Group, discusses the increasing demand for boat and RV storage in the US. He explains that the production of RVs and boats is outpacing the creation of storage spaces, with homeowners’ associations and municipalities often restricting parking in residential areas. Dunkel suggests that this demand, coupled with the low maintenance and high margins of such facilities, makes boat and RV storage an attractive investment. However, he acknowledges that raising capital for these projects can be challenging due to investor unfamiliarity with the asset class and current economic uncertainties. Despite these challenges, Dunkel remains optimistic about the future of boat and RV storage, seeing it as a long-term growth opportunity.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR13:04 Growing Demand for Boat and RV Storage15:17 Operational Ease16:18 Future Growth Prospects28:14 Challenges in Raising CapitalLeave a positive rating for this podcast with one clickCONNECT WITH Tom DunkelWebsite | X | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | InstagramFollow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jun 24, 2024 • 35min
REPLAY – Top FAQs From Self-Storage Newbies
Send us a textThis is an episode first published in September 2023. It’s one of our most popular.In this episode Scott discusses the current state of the Self-Storage industry and why it’s attracting new investors. With other asset classes experiencing a downturn, Self-Storage remains a lucrative investment option. Scott explains how self-storage thrives during economic downturns as businesses and individuals downsize, leading to increased demand and rental rates. He also highlights the benefits of investing in self-storage during a recession and the opportunities it presents. This episode provides valuable insights for those interested in entering the self-storage market or looking for alternative investment options. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 1:25 Why Self-Storage during economic downturns 8:26 A solid plan for getting started in Self-Storage 10:14 The vital importance of writing a business plan 23:00 How to really understand cashflow CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Leave a rating for this podcast with one clickGUEST: Doug DownsWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram

Jun 17, 2024 • 33min
Banking on Self-Storage: A Guide to Smart Financing
Send us a textWhat are the banks looking for right now when it comes to loans?In this episode, Scott warms up the conversation with proven strategies for securing self-storage loans amidst a challenging economic climate.He explains the evolving lending environment, the criteria lenders use to assess loan applications, and provides actionable strategies for presenting strong loan requests. Scott emphasizes the importance of having a solid business plan, understanding market conditions, and shopping loan requests to multiple lenders. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR05:46 - Qualifying for a Loan: Key Criteria10:58 - Creating a Compelling Business Plan18:38 - Conventional Loans vs. SBA Loans27:37 - Improving Profitability and OperationsLeave a positive rating for this podcast with one clickCONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | InstagramFollow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jun 10, 2024 • 52min
Turning Self-Storage Ads into Occupancy
Send us a textMeet the software turning self-storage ads into occupancy boosters!In this episode, Scott interviews Jason Zickler, co-founder of Adverank, about how their specialized software is changing paid advertising for self-storage operators. Jason explains how Adverank's innovative algorithm provides precise budget recommendations to maximize occupancy without overspending. The discussion includes a live demo of the software, showcasing its real-time data integration with property management systems and Google Ads, and highlights successful case studies, including a remarkable turnaround for a struggling facility. Listen For:01:34 - Adverank Overview14:12 - Adverank Demo23:12 - PPC Ad Shortfall Explained41:04 - Real-World Success StoriesCONNECT WITH GUEST: JASON ZICKLERWebsite | Email | LinkedIn | 317-698-1309CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jun 3, 2024 • 27min
9 Ways to Make Money in Syndication Fees
Send us a textSyndicating self-storage deals just got trickier – here’s how to stay ahead.In this episode, Scott dives into the evolving landscape of the self-storage industry, emphasizing the challenges brought by rising interest rates, construction costs, and stricter lending practices. Scott outlines nine key fee structures in syndication, offering practical advice on balancing compensation and investor satisfaction. He provides valuable insights on how syndicators can adapt, including the importance of maintaining investor confidence and effectively managing fees.Listen For:03:32 - Fee Structures Explained19:31 - Competition and Returns21:05 - Balancing Fees and Incentives22:32 - Handling Investor PressureCONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | InstagramFollow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us a rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

May 27, 2024 • 46min
Beyond the Box: Pro Storage Explained
Send us a textImagine the booming world of self-storage evolving into something even more specialized and lucrative. In this episode, Scott Meyers chats with Joe Downs of the Belrose Storage Group about the emerging niche of "pro storage" – a unique blend of contractor and RV/boat storage. They explore the untapped potential of this market, the challenges of zoning and site selection, and the high demand driven by shifting consumer trends. Joe shares insights from his journey, emphasizing the importance of strategic location and the growth opportunities in this promising sector.Listen For:02:38 - The Birth of Pro Storage12:38 - The Demand for Contractor Storage24:55 - Overcoming Municipal Challenges34:50 - Demographics and Site SelectionCONNECT WITH GUEST: JOE DOWNSLinkedIn | Website CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | InstagramFollow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us a rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

May 20, 2024 • 37min
From Traditional to Self-Directed: A Wealth-Building Journey
Send us a textTurn your savings into a wealth-building machine.Scott Meyers introduces Donnell and Angelique Stidhum, a dynamic duo dedicated to empowering individuals through financial literacy. They share their journey and strategies for leveraging self-directed 401(k)s, real estate investments, and other financial tools to achieve financial security and freedom. Highlighting the importance of community and clear goals, the Stidhums provide a roadmap for transforming traditional retirement accounts into a powerful wealth-building machine. Tune in to discover how to take control of your financial future and achieve your dreams.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR1:31 The Importance of Financial Literacy2:17 Donnell and Angelique's Self Directed Journey17:48 The Power of Self-Directed Investing19:33 Setting Clear Financial GoalsLeave a positive rating for this podcast with one clickGUESTS: Donnell and Angelique StidhumEmail | Website | You Tube | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok CONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | InstagramFollow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us a rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

May 13, 2024 • 39min
Breaking Ground: The Next Steps in Self-Storage Site Development
Send us a textSite development is critical! In this episode, Scott shares the essentials of developing the perfect location for your self-storage business. From understanding zoning regulations and gaining community support to identifying red flags like environmental challenges and wetlands, he emphasizes the importance of due diligence and strategic planning. Scott highlights the critical role of market studies, feasibility assessments, and proactive consultation to ensure profitability and mitigate risks. He also discusses how a well-thought-out exit strategy and understanding the lender environment can lead to higher returns and a successful project.Listen For:03:45 - Zoning Approval Process and Key Considerations09:09 - Zoning and Height Restrictions28:39 - Financing Challenges and Current Lending EnvironmentLeave a rating for this podcast with one clickCONNECT WITH USWebsite | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | InstagramFollow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.