The Business of Self Storage: AJ Osborne on Growth, Technology & Investing

Is the self-storage industry rising up to become a lucrative commercial investment option? In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with AJ Osborne, founder of Cedar Creek Capital, to break down the realities of the self-storage industry and how the business is evolving in today’s economy. AJ shares insights from his extensive background in investing and entrepreneurship, explaining how experienced operators are redefining success, managing risk more strategically, and using technology and data to make smarter decisions in an increasingly competitive market. The conversation also tackles some of the biggest misconceptions about self-storage including whether it’s truly a recession-resistant asset class, and what separates strong operators from everyone else. In this episode, we discuss: AJ Osborne’s background and path into self-storage investing How the self-storage industry has evolved over time Why experienced operators are changing how risk and success are measured How technology and data are improving investment and operational decisions Common myths about the self-storage business Whether self-storage is really easy or recession-proof What investors and entrepreneurs should understand before entering the industry Whether you're a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or simply curious about one of the fastest-growing sectors in commercial real estate, this episode offers a practical and insightful look into the business of self-storage.