Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

We talk a lot about amenities in self storage—security cameras, clean units, keypads, gates—but what about you? The manager is one of the most important amenities at a facility, and often one of the most under emphasized. Appearance, attitude, and professionalism can either enhance or hurt your facility's image. What you wear and what you support during company time all sends a message about your business. Is it the message you want to send? Is it the message your organization wants to promote? We cover: ✅ Why your personal presentation matters just as much as your property's ✅ How to think about yourself as part of the customer experience ✅ Tips for keeping a clean, professional appearance without losing personality Digital curb appeal and property curb appeal get a lot of attention these days. But don't forget that sometimes it's the personal curb appeal that makes or breaks the final sale. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

AI is transforming the self-storage industry—from smarter security cameras and chatbots to automated rate comparisons and call evaluations. But how much is too much? In this episode, we take a balanced look at the role of artificial intelligence in storage operations and explore where it helps—and where it may be hurting more than helping. We discuss this balance regarding: Where AI Works Well – Data-driven tasks like rate comparison, call scoring, and tech enhancements (security, chatbots, drones) Where AI Falls Short – Creative work like content writing, marketing voice, and brainstorming where human insight is still essential AI and Customer Experience – The risk of losing personal touch when AI replaces too much of your team's interaction Practical Use Cases – Evaluating vendors, optimizing marketing campaigns, and using AI to improve—not replace—your systems How to Avoid Overuse – Guidelines for keeping your business human-centered while still embracing new tools Use AI strategically, not automatically. People still matter most in self storage success. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this special on-location episode from Boerne, TX, we're joined by the team from On the Move—Jim, Sherry, CJ, and Stacie—to unpack their biggest takeaways from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, the industry's largest event. From expert-led education sessions to lively vendor conversations, this episode dives into: Why Good Questions Matter – How smart, thoughtful questions from vendors and operators can lead to better decisions and stronger operations Key Expo Education Highlights – Risk management, marketing, and operational insights that left a lasting impression New Vendors to Watch - Software providers that might be worth a first or second look The Value of Trade Shows – The importance of continuing education, even if you can't attend a national self storage event Top Regional Trade Show Recommendations – Hear our go-to suggestions for great local events that still deliver big value

In this quarterly Legal Chat, self storage attorneys Scott Zucker and Carlos Kaslow tackle the toughest legal challenges operators face in 2025. From military tenants and bankruptcy stays to lean sale objections and law enforcement searches, this conversation dives deep into the real-world scenarios that take storage owners out of the office and into the courtroom. Whether you're a new facility owner or a seasoned operator, this episode will give you clear legal context and practical strategies to protect your business. Topics Covered: When storage owners are forced to go to court Navigating military tenant protections (SCRA) Handling bankruptcies the right way State-specific rules on lien sale objections Search & seizure: When to cooperate with law enforcement You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 5 on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What separates the good from the truly great in self-storage management? In this episode, Melissa and Tommy are joined by Mark Green from The Jenkins Organization to explore what top-performing managers do differently—and how their daily habits, communication, and customer care lead to higher occupancy and better results. Together, they dive into key areas of successful management: First Impressions Matter – From Google Business Profile and curb appeal to phone etiquette and in-person greetings, learn how to wow customers before they ever sign a lease Converting More Leads – Proven techniques for identifying customer needs, recommending the right units, and closing the deal—both in person and over the phone Overcoming Objections – How to respond when you don't have the size a customer needs or when you're more expensive than a REIT down the road Standout Customer Service – Tips for smooth move-ins and move-outs, exceeding expectations, and turning great experiences into reviews and referrals Daily Excellence – Actionable habits and sales skills any manager can use every day to boost performance Plus more Mark-isms than we can count, like-    "Just be yourself, unless you're a jerk."    "Don't give them what they expect. Give them what they want."    "Know the difference, show the difference, be the difference." If you want to become the kind of manager that owners rave about and tenants never forget, this episode is full of ideas and inspiration you can put to work immediately. *There were a few audio issues with Mark's mic that clear up at the 19:20 spot in the podcast, so hang in there Guest: Mark Green, The Jenkins Organization Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What does it take to truly master self-storage management? In this episode, we give a preview of our upcoming session at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo on Friday morning, where they'll break down the essential skills every great manager and owner needs to succeed. We will expand on these four core areas: ✅ Managing Yourself – Building discipline, consistency, and strong leadership habits ✅ Managing Your Message – Mastering marketing, brand communication, and first impressions ✅ Managing Your Tenants – Delivering excellent customer service and building strong relationships ✅ Managing Your Facility – Staying on top of maintenance, security, and operational details You'll also hear why ongoing education is critical in a fast-evolving industry. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned owner, it's important to stay sharp, stay current, and invest in learning—because your competitors are doing just that.

So, you've got the land and a feasibility study in hand—now what? In this episode, we walk through the critical next steps before breaking ground on a new self-storage facility. From layout decisions to customer flow to operational planning, this conversation is packed with practical advice for developers and future owners. Topics covered include: Designing with the Customer in Mind – How your layout impacts customer experience, from unit accessibility to traffic flow Operational Planning – Will you have an on-site manager or run it remotely? Your answer should shape your design and tech choices Avoiding Common Layout Mistakes – Keypad placement, truck access, and avoiding bottlenecks at entrances and exits Technology & Automation – What systems do you need to run your facility smoothly, how should they factor into your build, and how do they relate to each other? Whether you're brand new to the industry or planning your next site, this episode helps you think through what matters most before you build—customer experience and operational strategy. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Fresh off the Self Storage Association (SSA) Spring Conference & Expo in Orlando, we break down key legislative updates and share our top takeaways from the event. New and Pending Legislation – Updates on non-monetary defaults, unsigned leases, and the push to remove outdated newspaper advertising requirements Why Industry Self-Regulation Matters – The risks of government overreach, rent control legislation, and why letting the market decide is best for the industry The Power of Networking – How peer-to-peer learning and hallway conversations can be just as valuable as formal education sessions Education & Exposure – Why attending industry events is essential for staying current with trends, discovering new tools, and growing your business Trade Show Highlights – Cool finds, must-know vendors, and tips for getting the most out of the expo floor Plus, we explain why events like SSA and ISS are so valuable—and how you can find one near you using the ISS events calendar - Click here for the Inside Self Storage Events Calendar

Five years ago, Gabfest kicked off the Gabfocus webinar series to bring expert insights and real-world strategies to the self-storage industry. Now, in our 70th webinar episode, we're diving into one of the most important topics for storage operators: How to Dominate Your Local Market. In this special episode, Tommy and Melissa sit down with industry expert Stephanie Tharpe to discuss how a strong local presence can set your facility apart from the competition. Topics covered include: Identifying Your Target Market – How to map out where your tenants are coming from and which local businesses can drive referrals Engaging with Your Community – The value of sponsoring local events, supporting charities, and partnering with businesses Grassroots Marketing Tactics – Direct mail, flyers, local events, and other effective ways to build brand recognition Referral Programs – How to structure incentives for customers and local businesses to spread the word Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO – Why local photos, keywords, and backlinks matter for conversions Converting Leads into Tenants – How to position your facility against REITs and online price wars From networking with local businesses to running promotions that actually drive results, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you own your market and increase occupancy. Guest: Stephanie Tharpe , President, A+ Management Group Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

With so many self-storage management software options available, how do you choose the right one for your facility? We unpack the key features and must-haves for 2025, helping you navigate the software landscape to find the best fit for your business. Online Rentals & Payments – How to streamline the tenant experience with electronic signatures, ID collection, and insurance selection Pricing & Revenue Management – The importance of value pricing options to stay competitive in online rate wars Reports & Data Tracking – Why reports matter (even if you don't check them daily) and how they impact occupancy, sales, and future buyers Tenant Communication Tools – Texting capabilities, chatbot integrations, and record-keeping for seamless interactions Website & SEO Integration – What to look for in a software that enhances your online presence and booking experience Gate Access & Security – Compatibility with access control systems, late-to-lien automation, and other key integrations Support & Training – What kind of support, training, and updates you should expect from your provider Choosing the right software can mean the difference between a smooth operation and daily headaches.

Pricing your self-storage units isn't just about setting a number and hoping for the best—it's about staying informed and adapting to market conditions. In this episode, we break down why keeping an eye on your local competition, regional trends, and even seasonal factors is essential for optimizing your rates and specials. Topics covered include: Market Research Tactics – How to track competitor rates using AI, rate-scraping services, or manual calls Comparing Apples to Apples – Why it's crucial to compare similar unit sizes and property types Rate Adjustments & Local Development – How new construction, economic shifts, and population changes impact pricing The Role of Specials & Discounts – When to offer promotions and when to hold firm on pricing Seasonal Pricing Factors – How college schedules, moving trends, and local events should influence your rates Whether you're using technology or old-school research methods, staying ahead of market trends ensures your pricing remains competitive and profitable. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

A consultant shows you the path you need to walk, but a mentor walks the path with you. In a business as nuanced and unique as self storage, enlisting a mentor can be the difference between a successful business venture and one that never makes it through lease up. As the industry evolves, new investors often face overwhelming decisions about facility design, technology, and operations, while experienced operators struggle to modernize outdated systems and marketing strategies. We tackle this topic from both perspectives: Common mistakes new owners make when setting up a facility How outdated practices can hold long-time owners back The role of mentorship in navigating technology, pricing, and marketing Where to find a mentor and why expert guidance saves time and money Plus, we share a few key recommendations you don't want to miss. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this rebroadcast of our February 20, 2025 webinar, John Chang from Marcus & Millichap provides an in-depth analysis of the self-storage industry's economic landscape in 2025. With inflation stabilizing, interest rates remaining high, and occupancy trends shifting, John breaks down key market forces shaping the industry and what operators should be prepared for. Topics covered include: The impact of economic uncertainty on self-storage Pricing strategies, rate wars, and competitive pressures Market saturation, construction slowdowns, and regional trends How younger tenants are changing length-of-stay patterns The growing role of technology and AI in operations and marketing Investment insights: Is now a good time to buy, sell, or expand? If you're a self-storage owner, investor, or operator looking for expert insights into what's ahead, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Guests: John Chang, Marcus & Millichap Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Self-storage isn't just for life transitions anymore—more and more small business owners, gig workers, and entrepreneurs are using storage units to run and grow their businesses. From Etsy sellers and antique dealers to pharmaceutical reps and lawn care companies, these customers have unique needs and can be some of the longest-staying tenants. In this episode, we explore how self-storage operators can attract and serve business customers effectively. We discuss marketing strategies beyond the traditional "4Ds," including digital advertising, social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, and pricing models that work for business users. Joining us is Jamie Boros, Business Development Manager at StorSuite, who shares her insights on why business owners are an untapped market for self-storage and how facilities can position themselves as the perfect solution for their storage needs. Plus, we throw in a few moving and cruising recommendations. Guest: Jamie Boros from StorSuite Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Today we dive into figuring out your self storage story- the characters, the plot, and the target audience. It's only after those pieces are in place that an effective story can be told, and your business is no different. But that's only half of the journey. Once you've figured out your story, you have to tell it, and often words just aren't enough. We discuss several examples of storytelling in our industry and dive into figuring out the "why" of your business. A good story will set you apart from your competition and may bring surprising results. Plus, we end with a few recommendations, including an unorthodox marketing campaign we hope someone tries. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

We're back for part 2 of the self storage SEO discussion that began on last week's episode. There were so many unanswered questions that needed a response: What if you have multiple locations? Do you use 1 website, 1 Google Profile? How do you get in the Map Pack if your not already? Should my website list every single chain restaurant near my facility? When is it worthwhile to mention a landmark or other business in my content? What if people don't have Google accounts? What metrics should we prioritize to accurately measure the ROI of our SEO efforts, particularly in driving move-ins and reducing customer acquisition costs? Can you advise on how to ask customers and the frequency for reviews after rate increases have been given across multiple facilities? How do you get people to follow your Facebook page? As voice search usage increases, how can self-storage businesses adapt their SEO strategies to capture leads from queries like 'storage near me' or 'affordable storage units nearby'? For the longest time we have heavily focused on Google Ads thinking it was the primary lead driver. However are you all saying it is actually organic/SEO? How do you measure how well your website is doing compared to other facilities? Does SEO have to cost a lot? We are paying an outside company a lot of money a month to put us at top. Would it be worth it to do it ourselves to save money? Yes, we tackle all of these, plus give a few recommendations at the end for furthering your self storage education. Listen to Last Week's SEO Episode - SEO 101: How To Rent More Units Online Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What is SEO, why does it matter, and how does it work for self-storage specifically? Today we tackle search engine optimization basics and discuss the impacts of the REITs, AI, and changes to expect in the coming year. Do you need to still be on page 1 of Google? What metrics should you pay attention to? Who and how do you target your ideal customer? David, the SEO expert from StoragePug, joins the webinar to answer these and many other questions to make sure you are on the right track. This is a re-broadcast of the January 23, 2025 webinar. Guests: David Austin, StoragePug Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

When is the last time you looked through your self storage operations manual, assuming you have one in place? Is it still fully applicable and relevant? Are you using it to train new employees or is it so out of date it just collects dust on the shelf? Today we talk best practices for optimizing your operations manual. These documents should be regularly used tools to run your business. If they aren't serving you well, we go over several ways to turn that around and make them a valuable piece of your operation. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

A new year is here and change is in the wind! Is it time to get into TikTok? Do you need to pivot to AI search? Maybe a billboard strategy or having a manager available 24/7 is what you need. As more and more options for doing self storage become available, what do you need to be doing as a business owner or operator? As with most things, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Self storage has been around for a while, and the basics are still the basics. Yes, there are more options, but the core of what we do isn't changing at all. Join us as we kick off 2025, leaning into what works and keeping an eye on what's coming. Listen to the SMART Goals Episode from 2022 Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Welcome to Episode 4 of Legal Chat. This virtual "Power Hour" covers a variety of topics and questions sent in from self storage owners and operators around the country. Today it's all about costs, data protection, and un-signed leases. Is it okay to pass along costs to your tenants? How long should you hold on to your tenants information once they vacate their unit? What if your tenants refuse to sign a new or updated lease? Carlos and Scott tackle these topics on this quarter's episode. You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 4 on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

"The sky is not the limit, demand is the limit for what we can do in self storage." This is just one of the nuggest from our end of the year review. What was your toughest challenge this year? What are the weaknesses you identified in your business? What worked? What didn't? What trends are you expecting in 2025 for self storage? We look back on 2024 and peak ahead at 2025 with our special owner, operator, and broker guests who join Tommy and Melissa on our final webinar episode of the year. This is a re-broadcast of the 12/19 webinar. Guests: Matthew Roberts (Southern Storage), Alexis Ducharme (Stop-N-Go Storage Management), and Jane Sauls (Sauls Storage Group) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

You're paying hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to get website visitors, walk-in traffic, and phone calls to rent self storage units. But what if you're not there to answer the phone? Too many voicemails and missed calls turn into missed opportunities if you aren't connecting with customers in the moment. But is a call center the right solution? Sherry Miller from XPS Solutions joins us as we talk tackle these questions and more: Are call centers essential for running a self storage business? What services should a good call center provide? Do domestic vs international agents make a difference? What are red flags to keep in mind when choosing a provider? Plus, we have several great recommendations and another Christmas bonus track at the end. Guest: Sherry Miller, XPS Solutions Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Cameras and gates and wasp spray, oh my! Yes, these are all great ways to keep the trash off your property and to give your security a boost. Security is top of mind for most self storage tenants. It consistently ranks in the top 3 for what is most important to our customers. What security do you need for your facility? Do you really need a gate? What about cameras and lighting? From locks to access hours, good managers to AI, cameras to wasp spray, we cover a ton as we break down what it takes to keep the trashy people off your self storage property. Plus, some bonus content towards the end as we approach the end of the year. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Happy Thanksgiving! As 2024 begins to wrap, we reflect on what makes us most thankful in the self storage industry. From trade shows to business opportunities to our crazy travel schedule, there's a lot to think back on. Yes, we give several specific shout-outs to vendors and individuals who have impacted us, plus some bonus content about our favorite Thanksgiving foods. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and this episode brings you some smiles and helps set the table for the holiday season ahead. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Melissa Stiles from Storage Asset Management brings her expertise managing marketing for over 600 self storage locations to the group as we dive into digital marketing. What tactics work for lease up, large stores, small stores, or stable properties? When is it time to change things up? What should your budget look like? We explore social media, Google Ads, Analytics, Business Profiles, and competing with other operators in your market. Plus, we reveal the most underutilized marketing tactic in self storage. This is a re-broadcast of the 11/21 webinar. Guest: Melissa Stiles, Storage Asset Management  Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What's obvious to you might not be so obvious to others. We swim in the self-storage world, so things like month-to-month leases, drive-up access, online rentals, and pest control might not seem like amazing amenities to highlight. However, the average customer doesn't know the standard self-storage package. Handicap access or the fact that they are the only ones with a key to their unit might be the selling point that brings you the rental over your competitor. Your competitor has those things too, but if you're the only one advertising that you don't require a security deposit, maybe customers will start think that you have the edge over your competition. Today we take a deep dive into all things obvious, plus share some holiday themed recommendations. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Welcome to Episode 3 of Legal Chat. This virtual "Power Hour" covers a variety of topics and questions sent in from self storage owners and operators around the country. Today it's all about disasters. With the recent hurricanes hitting the southeast, it's important to understand the legal challenges. Here are a few of the topics covered: Tenant Communication During and After Disaster Allowing Access After a Disaster Handling Tenants' Property During Clean-Up What if you don't have flood coverage? Remedies for Tenants Who Won't Vacate Ability to Create a Contract Without a Signature Using Units for Non-Storage Needs You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 3 on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Your Google Business Profile accounts for almost 50% of the ranking factors that impact when you'll show up in Google's search results. This free tool is constantly updated and is often the first intro customers have to your business. This profile is a free tool available to every self storage business owner. Are you making the most of every feature? Every box you check on this profile sends positive signals to the most powerful search engine on the planet. Today, we cover some of the newer features you should look into. Parking, online hours, videos, and social profiles are just a few of the updates we touch on. Plus, we highlight a few things to avoid when making your updates. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Are you tired of hearing "Well, I'm not an attorney, but..."? Worry no more- we have one of the best self storage attorneys in the country joining the webinar today. Scott Zucker has decades of experience in the industry. Today, he updates us on the top changes in 2024, laws from other industries that are impacting self storage, and what's coming in 2025. From pricing strategies, to evictions, to non-monetary defaults, we cover a wide range of legal best practices. Plus, several questions for our amazing audience. This is a re-broadcast of the 10/17 webinar. Guest: Scott Zucker, Self Storage Legal Network  Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many self storage owners across the southeast experienced one of the D's that drive rentals in our industry- Disaster. Whether it's a hurricane, tornado, fire, burglary, or some other form, disaster hits us all. Are you prepared? The best plan is one that's in place before disaster strikes, but even in the midst of a tragic event like Hurricane Helene there are positive things you can do both for your business and community. How can you be prepared? What should that plan look like? What are some wise (and some unwise) decisions to consider when the power is out, internet is down, flooding is coming, and tenants need their goods? We cover all of this as we look ahead to whatever disaster may be coming next. Resources: SSA Emergency Preparedness Manual Force of Nature MSM Article Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions  

Customer service makes all the difference. You can have a fantastic self storage facility with a great location that is beautifully clean, but if your customer service is terrible you won't rent a unit. Lee Creech joins the webinar today to share his tips, tricks, and basic principles from his years of experience working in the hotel industry as well as self storage. He explores the art of simply talking with people and the importance of learning about your customers. From difficult conversations, to dealing with deliquent payments, to enforcing the rules, we cover all the elements it takes to provide exceptional customer service. Guests: Lee Creech, Northshore Pellissippi Storage Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

There is a question in the self storage industry that brings to light just about everything you need to know about a tenant. Will they rent long term? Will they pay their bill? Are they a business owner? Are they a security risk? Do they need climate control storage? One simple question unlocks the door to all of these answers. This question changes the dynamic of a conversation and shifts the control from potential tenant to the manager.  So what is this all important question? You'll have to listen to find out. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Are you even doing trade shows right? There's a right way to do a trade show, and then there's just wasting your time and money. This is just one of many topics we cover as we return to the mics and gab all about the recent Self Storage Association Fall Conference in Las Vegas a few weeks back. We learned alot, from Google updates, to data analytics, to AI do's and don'ts. Plus, we share some of our tips for vendors looking to get more people visiting their booths. We've got some praises as well as pet peeves to hand out. We hope you find our insights... insightful, and that you make plans to head to a trade show in the near future. And if you do plan on going to one, make sure you do it right. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

The Fall Conference season officially kicks off this week with the SSA Fall Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. With more shows than a person possibly attend over the next few months, how to do you know what is the right show for you? How do you get the most out of your trade show? And should you even attend one? We discuss a few of our tips and tricks for navigating show season, a few things to consider as you think about going to a show, and a few essentials to pack while you travel. This episode is short and sweet, because it's show time. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Matt Enger, co-founder of Cubby Storage, joins us to talk about his journey into self storage. From his beginnings storing artwork, to the development of Cubby, he has used his tech background to increase efficiency and enhance the customer experience in a variety of industries. We also dive into self storage software, which has become integral to running just about every facility in the country. What are the needs owners have? What should software do? We cover this and a ton more as we examine his origin story. Guest: Matt Engfer, Cubby Storage Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Experts from 6Storage, Storable, Storage Commander, and Storeganise join us to talk all about software. Good self storage software can make all the difference for both the customer experience and the manager/owner. What functionality should software have? How should it interact with security, call centers, and payment portals? What are the pain points operators are trying to overcome? And of course, what's coming in the next few years? From integrations, to customer interactions, to management needs, our guests overview what you should be looking for in a software system. Guests: Jason Palmer (Storable), Alyssa Winkelman (6Storage), Steve Smith (Storage Commander), and Jack Colemanzo (Storeganise) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Tommy Nguyen, founder of StoragePug, shares his origins both in the US and in self storage. From his humble beginnings coming to America from Vietnam, to his early days in tech after UT, to the beginnings of his company StoragePug, we hear all about his amazing journey. He discusses his personal story, the heart behind StoragePug, and his thoughts on the self storage industry's past and future. Guest: Tommy Nguyen, StoragePug Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What data matters in self storage? Where do you get it? James McLean from Radius+ joins Tommy and Melissa to discuss all the analytics you can handle. It can be hard to sort through all the available data out there from your website to your online profiles to your management software. We discuss the tools that are available and the key data to keep track of to keep your business competitive and successful. Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Guest: James McLean with Radius+ Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Welcome to Episode 2 of Legal Chat. This virtual "Power Hour" covers a variety of topics and questions sent in from self storage owners and operators around the country. Today we cover the recently passed legislation regarding non-monetary defaults, the ability to enforce unsigned leases, properly disclosing fees, force-placing tenant insurance, laws against junk fees, legal tips for taking over a troubled facility, and much more. You can watch this episode over on their YouTube channel- Legal Chat Episode 2 Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this special 100th episode, we revisit our very first topic from two years ago- work life balance. Whether you own a business or just work for one, the motivation behind your work ethic drives everything you do, from the amount of time you spend with your family to the effort you put into your job. We discuss our own work life balance, the "Why" behind Lighthouse Storage Solutions, and some things to consider as you examine the relationship between your personal and professional endeavors. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

The future of tenant communication is video. Face time, snaps, zoom, google meet, and a host of other options have grown this tech in person to person communication, but we haven't seen it hit its stride in the self storage space... that is until Live Switch decided to enter our industry. It's not often we're blown away by a new piece of tech that enters the self storage space, but today is an exception. James Hatfield joins us to talk about the origins of Liveswitch, how it's already working with major organizations (Adobe, NFL, Department of Defense, etc.), and how it's changing the way we talk with our tenant and co-workers in self storage. And the best part of it all is the simplicity with which anyone can use this tech. Plus, we dive into some of the charitable work connected to Liveswitch (linked below) and think about the future of how this tech will impact self storage. *Live Switch is not a sponsor of this episode Guest: James Hatfield, CRO of Live Switch Charitable Organization from the episode: Inmates to Entrepreneurs Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Snakes, birds that attack, glow in the dark tenants... we've got a few fun stories from our recent travels to share on this lighter 4th of July special episode. There is never a dull day in self storage, and we are extremely thankful for the freedom to work in this industry and build our business. Despite the strange circumstances, tempermental technology, or aggessive animals, we wouldn't trade our time in this industry for anything. Enjoy the fun stories and feel free to share a few of your own with us. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Get ready for one of our most entertaining podcasts of the year. Aaron Harwell from SpiderDoor joins Tommy and Melissa to talk about self storage security. Aaron has experience both as a self storage owner and the owner of a self storage security company and talks about what has (and hasn't) worked for his facilities and what led him to the many unique solutions SpiderDoor provides. From lasers, to attack dogs, to gates, and just about everything in between, we hit on all the security you should look into for your facilities. Plus, Aaron reveals his top 2 must have security features every facility needs to be using today. Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Guest: Aaron Harwell with SpiderDoor Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Up next in our series on "Dealing with Problem Tenants" are our business operators. This is a tricky category as many of our business tenants are our best tenants. They follow the rules, pay on time, and stay forever. But there's a difference between a business that stores with you and one that operates on your property. How can you discover this problem business before you rent to them? What are the red flags to watch for? As with the other types, so many problems can be avoided with an active manager and clear guidelines in your lease. We discuss all the angles of this important tenant type, plus give a brief update on StorageGives towards the end. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Theft is one of many security issues facing every self storage facility. Preventing it should be a top concern. Sadly, one of the sources of theft is our own tenants. For most of your renters, you have nothing to worry about. But what about that one bad apple? How can you "thief-proof" your facility? Better yet, how can you head off a thief before they ever become a tenant? Today, we tackle the next problem tenant on our list, the Thief. We go over very practical ways to prevent them from renting, recognizing them on the property, and keeping your property safe. From curb appeal, to police presence, to unit alarms (plus several funny stories), we explore this issue like Danny Ocean explores a casino. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Tenants are the life blood of our business. Most of the time, and with most of our tenants, the relationship is great. But every once in a while you get that one tenant... Today we tackle the first of many problem tenant types: The Complainer/Bully. This is the tenant who knows your business better than you do and always has a "helpful" suggestion. You may call this person a "Karen" or a complainer, but sometimes they take it too far. How do you deal with a tenant like this? How do you respond when a complaint turns into hostile behavior in person or online? Thankfully, there are several practical things you can start doing today to help deal with your problem self storage tenants. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

There is a common denominator every self storage business shares that is often under-valued and under-utilized: the customer. Building customer loyalty is the final step in the sales funnel. But too often, companies are so focused on getting customers, they don't know how to truly enlist them to continue building their business. Today we gab about the customer and how to utilize them in your sales process. Yes, asking for reviews is a part of it, but there is so much more, from regular communication to referral programs to going for repeat business from past tenants. Take advantage of this free final stage in marketing and enlist your customers. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

The self storage laws in Georgia were recently updated to include new provisions for non-monetary defaults and unsigned lease agreements. But along with these changes are best practices to protect both the facility owner and the tenant. While some practices are now legal, owners must be careful to implement them in the right way. We break down some of the changes, what this means for the industry, and how they can really benefit your business. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Increasing occupancy is top of mind for most self storage operators. Advice is plentiful, from upping your ad spend to dropping your rates. But what really works? Luke Westbrooks joins the webinar to discuss what has and hasn't worked for the portfolio under his care. You won't be surprised by the bottom line- it's all about the customer experience. Your customer interaction has a direct impact on their desire to rent with you or recommend you to others. The gabfocus team work through communication, move-ins, billing, collections, and more as they tackle this important topic. Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Guest: Luke Westbrooks Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions  

After more lunches, sessions, trade show seminars, podcasts, and webinars than we we can count, we've finally cracked the code and figured out the most important thing in self storage. It's not your website, location, class, security, software, or curb appeal, although all those elements relate to it. At the end of the day, self storage is a business, and you can't have a successful business if you don't make money. So where does our money come from? *Spoiler Alert*...Customers. We often think about the customer experience, but have you thought about your actual customers? What do they want? What are they looking for? What can they handle? That's our topic for today as we unpack the common customer themes we've seen from dozens of operators and dozens more educational sessions. If you know your customer, you'll know how to please them, utilize them, and ultimately earn money from them. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Curb appeal isn't just about what you see. It's about what others see when they visit your property, whether in person or online. The right curb appeal can attract a great tenant leading to long term healthy arrangement. But the reverse is also true. Negative curb appeal can keep good tenants away or attract the wrong kind of tenant. So, what are the essentials? How do you manage your curb appeal? We are excited to have Jane Sauls, broker and self storage owner, join the show to talk all about curb appeal and specifically how it impacts marketing. She drives home the three "R"s that are the foundation of her facility, showing the value of being Real, Relatable, and Reliable. Guest: Jane Sauls (Sauls Storage Group and Little Vine Storage) Host: Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions and StoragePug