The Do More Podcast

We just wrapped the 2026 Fall Storage Rebellion Insiders Retreat — which I honestly think is the highest-level self-storage mastermind in the world — and it was a proper shakeup for how I’m running things. I’m fresh off flying into Austin, catching up with about 30-ish operators, and living proof that a tight, vetted group beats a packed conference where you never see the same face twice. The form...

The main point is that our team evolved from a scrappy, me-and-a-helper setup into a structured, scalable crew that lets me focus on acquisitions and company leadership instead of day-to-day firefighting. I walk through who we rely on now — an attorney, CPA/bookkeeper, and insurance agent (outside but vital) — and show how bringing operations in-house — a district manager running ops, two full-tim...

I'm using AI across my self-storage business to speed up marketing, underwriting, operations, and even the call center — that's the main point. I walk through how we lean on ChatGPT and Claude for everything from brainstorming promos and getting alerts when competitors change rates to running quick underwriting checks by feeding in spreadsheets so the AI can spot blind spots I might miss. I explai...

I'm landing more deals this year than I ever have, and the short version is: it comes down to mindset—consistency, a tight buy box, and actually taking action—plus a handful of tactical tweaks that make the pipeline productive. I talk about consistency like it's brushing your teeth: do it often and well, don't hop around tasks, and you'll build momentum instead of excuses. Knowing your buy box mea...

Speed is the single most important competitive advantage I lean on in business — especially in self-storage deals — and being fast often wins me the first look and the contract. I talk about real examples: a facility I’d chased for seven years finally came up and because I answered a broker’s email and call within minutes, I put in strong offers before others even woke up; that kind of responsiven...

Chris Long rents dirt to contractors — literally: fenced, gated yard spaces leased month-to-month, which he calls “self-storage for contractors.” We dig into how the model works (secure yards with keypad or smartphone locks, appropriately sized lots for trailers and equipment, and simple online signups) and why it’s attractive: B2B tenants, predictable cash flow, and a gap between no-frills Craigs...

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of marketing for your storage facilities, and trust me, there's a lot to unpack. The big takeaway? A lot of folks are just tossing marketing strategies out there and hoping something sticks—like spaghetti on a wall, but less appetizing. I share insights from my own experiences, especially in small-town Ohio, where you might be the only player in the game y...

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of storage performance over the years, and let me tell you, it's been quite the rollercoaster ride! I’ve been crunching numbers from my portfolio since 2019, and I’m ready to spill the beans on how my facilities stack up against trends in both smaller and larger markets. Spoiler alert: the demand in your area can make all the difference! We’ll chat about e...

Stabilization in self-storage is a topic that often raises more questions than answers, and today we're diving into what it really means. Picture this: you've got a self-storage facility, and you're wondering if it's truly stabilized. This term essentially refers to when a property has hit its market potential—boasting stable occupancy, predictable income, and normalized expenses. However, we argu...

Today, we're diving into the shifting landscape of self-storage appraisals with our good buddy, Matt Bilger from Colliers International. The big takeaway? Self-storage appraisals are taking a hit compared to the booming years of 2019 and beyond, thanks to rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Matt breaks down how the pandemic paused everything, then a flood of cheap money led to a wild a...

Kenny Buelterman is here to chat about his journey from a 20-year banking career to becoming a full-time self-storage investor, and trust me, it’s a ride worth tuning into! He shares how he made the leap from W-2 life to financial freedom, the challenges he faced during the transition, and how he found his groove in the storage space. We’ll also dive into his new venture, a postcard business that...

Dreaming big isn’t just about setting ambitious goals—it’s about creating a vision for the life you actually want. In this episode, we dive into why big dreams matter for entrepreneurs, leaders, and really anyone looking to make an impact. Success looks different for everyone. Maybe your dream is building a business empire, creating financial freedom, or simply having more time with the people you...

Are you playing offense or defense in your business? That’s the big question we tackle today, drawing inspiration from the thrilling moments of the World Cup. Just like Argentina turned up the heat in the final minutes of their semifinal match, we discuss the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in business. Whether you’re in self-storage or any other industry, it’s essential to ask...

Comparison is the thief of joy, and this week, we're diving deep into why that saying rings truer than ever—especially in the world of real estate investing. I've been hearing about investors losing deals left and right. It's like a weekly soap opera, and you won't believe the twists and turns! We chat about how those flashy numbers you see on social media can mess with your head and why focusing...

Today, we're diving into the hidden costs of being nice in business, and trust me, it's a bit of a doozy. We've got five main points that highlight how being too accommodating can actually hurt your bottom line. Who knew kindness could come with such a price tag, right? We'll cover everything from avoiding rent increases to the pitfalls of keeping underperforming employees around. You might think...

Getting ahead in life is all about consistency and working when no one’s watching, and today we’re diving into just that! I’m no expert—just someone piecing together life lessons and experiences, hoping you’ll take away something valuable along the way. I’ve noticed a trend, especially in youth sports, where kids seem to depend on trainers to push them, missing out on learning how to hold themselv...

We've just wrapped up closing on our 19th self-storage facility, and let me tell you, it's been quite the ride! This time, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of how we snagged this latest gem in Ohio—yep, Ohio again! I'll take you behind the scenes of our journey, from negotiating terms to the thrill of closing day, all while navigating a few bumps along the way. The big takeaway? It's all about k...

Ben Golden joins us to share his journey from the fast-paced software world to owning self-storage facilities and launching his reputation management platform, Revy. We dive into his unique approach to sales, where he emphasizes the value of building relationships rather than simply closing deals. Ben's story is all about finding the perfect balance between professional ambition and family life, a...

If you've been scratching your head wondering why so many commercial real estate deals are falling apart, you're not alone! Today, we're diving into the top reasons behind this unsettling trend, with a special focus on self-storage and multifamily properties. It turns out that investing is often a bit of a gamble—speculation is part of the game, and sometimes even the best underwriting can't predi...

Does unit count really matter in the world of real estate? Spoiler alert: yes—but maybe not for the reasons you think. In today’s episode, I’m diving into why unit count shouldn’t be just a bragging point or an ego boost, but rather a crucial metric for scaling your business effectively. We’ve all seen people flaunting their million-dollar portfolios, but let’s be honest—numbers alone don’t tell t...

Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked but crucial topic of focus in our lives and businesses. It’s easy to think that being busy equals being productive, but let me tell you—many people are just spinning their wheels! We’ll unpack the recent drama in the real estate world involving a well-known investor who reportedly lost a staggering $15 million on a deal, and how a lack of focus—particu...

Rob Dubroc is our guest today, and he's here to share his journey from aerospace to self-storage—and trust me, it's a wild ride! After a series of unexpected career twists, Rob found himself in the self-storage industry, and boy, does he have some insights to share about scaling a business in this niche. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of how he went from flipping houses to managing a portfolio o...

Youth sports have taken a wild turn, and I’m here to spill the tea! Today, I’m diving into how the landscape of kids’ sports has shifted from equal playing time to a cutthroat level of competition that even third graders are feeling. I’m sharing my own experiences as a dad navigating this new world with my young athletes—my son, who’s knee-deep in soccer and basketball, and my daughter, who’s flip...

Buying based on cap rate? That’s a no-go, folks! In today’s chat, we’re diving into why you should steer clear of cap rates when considering your next commercial property purchase. First off, let’s break it down: a cap rate is essentially the return you’d expect on an all-cash investment. But let’s be real—most of us aren’t shelling out cash for these properties like we’re at a garage sale. I’ll s...

When did it become cool not to work? That’s the burning question we’re tackling today, and trust me, it’s a juicy one. We’ve all seen those folks flaunting their four-hour workweeks and endless vacations, but what about the hard workers who are grinding away? It seems like the pandemic turned the working world upside down, and now some people are celebrating a carefree lifestyle instead of pouring...