Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

We open up the Facebook mailbag today, grabbing some popular questions from various self storage groups. As Melissa says, there are no bad questions, but there are some questionable answers. We hit on three common issues that had a few of those questionable responses: What do you do about someone who won't setup auto pay? What are the do's and don'ts for social media posts? How many times do I put...

In this special rebroadcast episode, we take you back to a recent webinar where Anthony Krupa from the Self Storage Networking and Acquisitions Group hosted Josh and Melissa as guest speakers. Join us as we delve into their fascinating self storage journeys, tracing their origins, and exploring their current ventures with  Lighthouse Storage Solutions and Melissa's Management & Consulting . Discov...

This is a rebroadcast of the insightful "Storage Tech Summit" webinar from our monthly Gabfocus. Featuring Chuck Gordon, the CEO of Storable, and Raheem Amer, the President of Mini Mall Storage, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the world of self storage technology. Discover the state of storage tech, the latest trends and innovations, and the impact of automation on the i...

In this second installment of our maintenance series, Melissa and Josh navigate through the integral aspects of marketing and operations for your self-storage facility. Discover how routine attention to your digital tools like your website and Google utilities can ensure they remain effective marketing instruments. But it's not just about marketing: they'll also shed light on operational maintenan...

How are you maintaining your self storage facility? This is part one of a series, focussing on the importance of maintenance, but not just mowing and cleaning. Maintenance is important for employees, operations, and marketing too. But, in this episode, we start with the importance of routine maintenance for your self-storage property. Discover how sticking to a schedule, utilizing a checklist, and...

Who's ready to play "That's Not Self Storage!" Josh and Melissa dive into various storage options and determine whether they qualify as self storage or not. From a traditional 10x10 storage unit to more unconventional options like valet parking and safety deposit boxes, the duo breaks down each option and explains why it does or does not fall under the self storage category. Throughout the episode...

Industry experts Adam Steckler (StorageMart) and Drew Pearson (Pearson Partners) share their thoughts on evaluating, managing, and growing storage facilities. They emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making, with Adam highlighting the use of scorecards to monitor performance and guide improvements, while Drew discusses the significance of key metrics, such as lead-to-lease conversion...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful self storage auctions? We cover a ton, from the importance of following state lien laws, to balancing business with compassion, to tips about avoiding auctions all together. But don't worry, it's not all serious business - we'll also throw in some auction humor to keep you entertained. And if that's not enough, we'll give you the inside scoop on Jo...

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

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 com...

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 even...

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 positio...

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...

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 goo...

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

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 w...

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 mi...

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...

What stats do you use to measure your success in self storage? Do they look sexy, but lack substance? If a stat only backs up what you want to see, it could mean trouble for your business. Every stat has a story behind it and understanding that story can make all the difference. Today we look at the examples of occupancy rates and website traffic to find what is truly "sexy" about our stats. Quote...

It's important to count the cost before you start any project. That's the goal behind feasibility studies in self storage. Will I make money? What does my competition look like? Can I afford to run this? What are the red flags and green lights? All of these questions and more are answered with a feasibility study. We get into all the details of what it is, why it's important, and where you can get...

Special guests Adam & Megan Armstrong join us today to give us the inside scoop on owning and operating self storage. We get into the lessons learned, what has given them success, what has given them heartburn, and things to consider if you are thinking about owning and/or operating your own facility. Plus, some key recommendations at the end of the episode. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Guests:...

A fake manager, a domestic dispute, and an afternoon rendezvous highlight the tales in this first volume of storage stories. So pour yourself a drink (if you're not at work), sit back, relax, and enjoy a few fun and crazy stories we all can relate to if you've been in self storage for a minute or two.  Plus a few more recommendations at the end of the episode. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Do you have the street smarts to keep your self storage facility secure? We've all heard about cameras, locks, and gates. But even "secure" facilities can have security problems if people see an opportunity to make trouble. How can you limit those opportunities and go beyond the hardware to increase the safety of your facility? We'll get into all that and more. Plus, stick around for our recommend...

As the calendar turns, most of us will set all sorts of goals for the new year. But are your goals SMART? Josh & Melissa break down some important categories to make sure your goals are effective in bringing success to your self storage business. Goals need to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable... tune in to hear all about the importance of SMART goal setting for 2023. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa...

What is your "main thing" heading into 2023? If it isn't your customer, it probably should be. It's easy to get distracted from our main thing, whether through pet projects, a focus on revenue, or being stat driven. But at the end of the day, the customer pays the bills and is a fantastic source of free advertising. Happy customers make life easier and business more profitable. Plus, Josh and Meli...