The Good, Bad, & the Ugly of Self Storage

Peter Smyth, co-founder of White Label Storage, discussed the company's unique approach to third-party self-storage management. White Label focuses on tech-first, remote management, building their own tools to reduce costs and improve efficiency. They manage 300 facilities across 43 states, with 75% being unmanned. Smyth emphasized the importance of a balanced revenue management strategy, avoiding...

In this episode Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss tax strategies for self-storage investors with Heidi Henderson, Chief Marketing Officer at Engineered Tax Services. Heidi explains various tax incentives, including cost segregation, which can accelerate depreciation and reduce tax liabilities. She also covers the benefits of being a real estate professional, which allows for more deductions. Th...

John Lindsey, founder of Lindsey Self Storage Group , discussed his journey into the self-storage industry, starting in 1969 with his father. He highlighted the impact of rate hikes and elections on the market, noting a significant increase in transactions in 2025. Lindsey emphasized the importance of conservative development strategies, especially in oversaturated markets. He advised first-time b...

Mike and Dylan discuss strategies for self-managed storage facilities with Rick Beal and Megan Smith of Atomic Storage Group . Rick emphasize the importance of fundamental marketing practices, such as optimizing Google business profiles and using quality backlinks. They highlight the need for efficient lead conversion through AI-based phone software and personalized customer service. The conversat...

Katharine Lau, founder of Stuff Storage and Sidney AI, discussed her journey from hotel development to transforming underutilized office spaces into tech-enabled self-storage facilities. She highlighted the company's growth from 25 units in a basement to 30 locations in seven major cities, emphasizing the use of revenue-sharing leases and technology to scale operations. Kat introduced Sidney AI, a...

Tommy Nguyen , co-founder of StoragePug, discussed the evolving self-storage industry at the ISS show, highlighting positive energy and tech advancements, including AI. He emphasized the importance of accurate Google Business Profiles, unique content on websites, and effective concessions like 50% off the first two months. Tommy advised focusing on Google Ads over platforms like SpareFoot, stressi...

Kale Leavitt, CEO of Storage Reach , discusses the importance of online reviews for self-storage businesses. He highlighted that only 1% of customers leave reviews without prompting, while 70% are willing to if asked. Storage Reach automates review requests, integrating with management software to target move-ins, current tenants, and move-outs. The platform achieves a 33-35% review conversion rat...

James Hatfield, an entrepreneur and educator in the self-storage industry, discusses the integration of technology to enhance self-storage operations. His company, LiveSwitch , specializes in high-quality video and communication solutions. James shares his journey from reinventing the 911 phone call to entering the self-storage space. He highlights the benefits of using LiveSwitch for remote manag...

Brett Copper, President of Copper Storage Management, discussed the evolution and success of their remote management model, which has managed over 250 facilities across 39 states. Copper Storage Management's remote model saves payroll costs, averaging $600 monthly for under 500 units, compared to $50,000-$60,000 for traditional management. They use a tech stack including Storable, Swivl, Call Pote...

In Episode 12 of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss Everbright Coatings with Jackie Belau from the company. Everbright Coatings , a family-owned business, has been in the market for over 30 years, initially for architectural use but now primarily for self-storage. The product restores and protects roll-up doors, siding, and other metal surf...

In this special episode, we welcome our very first guest—Michael Bailey, a commercial airline pilot turned RV storage developer. Fresh off building his first facility in Cameron Park, California, Michael shares the raw, real-life journey of starting 1776 RV Storage from scratch. From zoning and CEQA hurdles to financing, permitting delays, and construction curveballs, this episode dives deep into...

In episode 10 of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss strategies for attracting new customers to self-storage facilities. They emphasize the importance of a Google Business Profile, SEO, and maintaining accurate online listings. They also highlight the significance of drive-by traffic, using signage, and leveraging existing customers through re...

In this episode of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the importance of designing office and residential spaces in self-storage facilities. They emphasize the shift towards smaller, automated office layouts, with a focus on self-service kiosks and advanced access control systems. The conversation highlights the benefits of automation for stre...

In Episode 8 of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss storm water management and landscaping in California. They explain the importance of capturing and managing storm water to prevent flooding and pollution, highlighting the use of detention ponds, retention ponds, underground detention systems, and permeable pavement. They also discuss the aes...

In episode seven of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the importance of security in self-storage facilities. They emphasize the need for robust fencing, with chain link being common but municipalities preferring more aesthetic options like wrought iron or aluminum. For gates, sliding gates are recommended for their reliability and space effi...

In this episode of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the exciting phase of erecting buildings in a self-storage development. They highlight the importance of organizing materials efficiently, using a forklift or reach lift, and planning the layout to avoid moving materials twice. They detail the construction process, including the use of Cor...

In this episode of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the critical importance of underground utilities in self storage development. They detail the procurement and installation of drainage inlets, the use of high-density polyurethane pipes for storm water drainage, and the safety precautions required during trenching. They also cover the coor...

In this episode of "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the critical importance of a strong foundation in self-storage facilities. They detail the preparation steps, including soil compaction and the use of 4-6 inches of base rock, and the necessity of proper grading and compaction testing. They explain the use of 2x6 or 2x8 form boards, the im...

In this episode of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the importance of rough grading in self-storage development. Rough grading sets the foundation for proper drainage and construction, and selecting the right grading company is crucial, considering experience, portfolio, and local knowledge. The cost per square foot for rough grading typi...

In this episode of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Self Storage," hosts Michael and Dylan Cunningham discuss the complexities of the entitlement and permitting process for building a self-storage facility. They emphasize the importance of checking zoning, environmental assessments, and city general plans. They highlight the need for early consultation with the planning department and the signif...

Join Mike Cunningham and his son Dylan as they dive into the world of self-storage investment, development, and operations. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, Mike shares how he got started by building a 107,000 sq. ft. self-storage facility in 2006—and how he navigated the challenges of the 2008 recession. Whether you're a first-time real estate investor or a seasoned self-storage op...