PODCAST · business
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
by Melissa Huff, Josh Huff
Listen in as we gab about the self storage industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen bring in nationally recognized speakers, leaders of companies, and top experts to help you maximize your self-storage business, optimize your management team, and prepare for what's ahead.Brought to you by the team at Lighthouse Storage Solutions.
Episodes
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Who Are Your Customers? - Self Storage Fundamentals Part 2
Before you can market to your customers, you have to know who they are. Part 2 of Self Storage Fundamentals picks up where last week left off. Part 1 was about where your renters come from. This one is about the people themselves. We walk through building a buyer persona, which works a lot like a...
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Where Do Your Renters Come From? - Self Storage Fundamentals: Part 1
We're back, and we're kicking off something we've wanted to do for a long time. Self Storage Fundamentals is a twenty part series on how to run a storage facility well, built from our conference sessions, our seminars, and our own policy and procedures manual. Five units, twenty parts, and a new...
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Stop Stealing From Yourself: The Money Owner-Operators Leave on the Table
The person quietly costing your storage facility the most money might be the owner. It's rarely cash out of the drawer. It's income that never shows up because you're too close to your own operation to see it. Josh and Melissa dig into the ways owner-operators steal from themselves every month...
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Fighting Crime From Within - Plus BIG 3PM News from Lighthouse
Last episode we tackled crime from without, break-ins and unwanted guests. This time we flip it around and look at what happens inside your own office. Sometimes it's an employee skimming cash, but a lot of the time it's just money quietly leaking out while nobody's watching. Drawing on eighteen...
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Fighting Crime From Without - Break-ins and Unwanted Guests
Crime at a storage facility isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. You don't have to be in this business long to deal with a break-in, some trespassing, vandalism, or worse. In this episode, Josh and Melissa kick off a two-part series on fighting crime at your facility, starting with the...
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Secret Shopping Secrets
Josh and Melissa recently went undercover, visiting several self-storage facilities near one of their managed properties in Southern California to see how the competition was showing up. What they found was equal parts encouraging and eye-opening. The tours were genuinely enjoyable. Several...
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We Got Goats- Why Goats Matter In Self Storage
This one starts with goats… and ends with better business decisions. Josh and Melissa share the story behind their recent decision to bring goats onto their property to tackle a growing poison ivy problem. For a long time, they stuck with the status quo. The problem was annoying, but not quite...
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ISS World Expo Takeaways and What It Means for Self Storage
Josh and Melissa are back from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo and sharing their biggest takeaways from one of the industry's largest events. AI was everywhere, with vendors continuing to integrate it into their platforms. At the same time, we are seeing the rise of agentic AI in other...
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Self Storage and a Can of Corn: Lessons from the Hospitality Industry with Lee Creech
What can self storage operators learn from the hotel industry? Quite a bit. In this episode, Josh Huff and Melissa Huff sit down with Lee Creech to talk through how hospitality principles apply directly to self storage. Lee shares how his background in hotels shaped the way he thinks about…
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Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
As the self storage industry heads into another busy season and with ISS World Expo around the corner, Josh and Melissa take a step back to talk about something simple but often overlooked. What is the core of your business and are you still focused on it? With AI and new tools dominating...
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Keeping Your Vendors Accountable
Are your vendors actually doing what you're paying them to do? After a short break to get settled into our new role alongside Haviland Storage Services, Melissa and Josh are back on the podcast addressing a topic that affects every single operator. We all rely on vendors. Landscaping, software,...
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Storage Academy, The Show, and Joining Forces with Haviland
In this special announcement episode of the Gabfocus Podcast, Josh and Melissa Huff share three major updates that will shape the future of the self storage industry as a whole. Joining Forces with Haviland Storage Services Sue Haviland joins the show to talk about partnering with Lighthouse...
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When Is It Time For Third Party Management?
In this episode, Josh and Melissa tackle one of the most common decisions self-storage owners face: should you partner with a third-party management company (3PM)? This honest conversation explores when it makes sense, when it doesn't, and what you need to consider before handing over the keys....
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Lessons Learned in 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, what have we learned and what should we be ready for in 2026? In this special year-end Gabfocus LIVE episode, we reflect on the highs and lows of the self storage industry in 2025 with three seasoned professionals. We break down trends in occupancy, rates, technology,...
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Self Storage Goals for Every Facility
As we wrap up the year, Josh and Melissa close out the podcast season with a forward-looking conversation on setting the right goals for 2026. In this episode, we focus on the importance of establishing SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—that actually move the...
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Overcoming Customer Objections
Every self storage manager hears objections from customers—but how you respond can make the difference between a lost lead and a new tenant. In this episode, we into the art of overcoming customer objections with empathy and strategy. Through practical role-playing and real-world examples, we...
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Self Storage Finances 101 with Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian
Understanding the financial side of self storage is critical—whether you're just getting started or already scaling your portfolio. In this rebroadcast of our popular webinar, we're joined by Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian to break down the financial fundamentals every owner and operator should...
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Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage Part 2
In this practical follow-up episode, Josh and Melissa dive deeper into real-world ways self-storage operators can use AI to improve their daily workflow, marketing, and operations. They break down: The right way to write a useful AI prompt How to use AI to build a social media calendar Using AI…
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2025 Storage Legal Update with Joe Doherty
In this rebroadcast of our live webinar, attorney Joe Doherty joins Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen to unpack the most pressing legal topics facing self storage owners and operators in 2025. From website privacy lawsuits and predatory ADA claims to evolving lien laws and tenant disputes, this…
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Self Storage State Associations 101 - and Updates From Lighthouse
In this special episode, Melissa and Josh reflect on a big moment: being featured on the cover of Modern Storage Media's October issue! 🎉 They share what it means to be recognized and the exciting shifts happening behind the scenes at Lighthouse Storage Solutions. Melissa opens up about her…
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Who Are Your Customers?
Do you really know who's renting your storage units? In this episode, Josh and Melissa Huff dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of effective self-storage marketing: creating clear, specific buyer personas. Understanding your customers is the first step to attracting more of them—and...
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Choosing the Right Management Fit with Brad North
Whether you're a hands-on owner-operator or a passive investor looking to scale, finding the right management style can make or break your self-storage success. In this episode, guest host Brad North walks us through the various management setups—from on-site managers and remote tech-driven...
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Auditing Your Self Storage Facility
None of us would go a year between oil changes for our cars. I can't even go 6 months without descaling my Keurig. But how long has it been since you did a tune-up of your self storage facility? The word "Audit" has gotten a bad wrap over the years, but it is one of the most essential things you...
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Remembering the Fallen - Never forget 9/11 - Never Forget Charlie Kirk
Another generational event has happened, and it's worth taking a break from self storage to talk about. The events of yesterday, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, remind us of the last great generational tragedy from 24 years ago today. In both cases, evil individuals plotted and carried out...
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Getting a Self Storage Education (Even If You Missed the SSA Show)
If you're like us, you didn't make it out to Vegas this year for the Self Storage Association 50th Anniversary Conference. But don't despair! We have tons of other ways to find the education, networking, and vendor updates you need to keep your business competitive. Whether it's in-person events,...
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Disaster Prep & Recovery with Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin
Today we focus on something every self storage operator hopes they never have to face—but absolutely need to be ready for: disasters. When the worst happens, every decision matters. Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin join Tommy and Melissa to share real stories from their own crisis...
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Legal Landmines: ADA, Arbitration, & Antitrust in Self Storage - Legal Chat Episode 6 with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker
As the self storage industry moves further online, legal risks are evolving fast. In this Legal Chat episode, Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker break down the biggest legal challenges operators face today—and how to prepare for them. Key topics include: Website accessibility & ADA lawsuits Deceptive...
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Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage with Jennifer Barroqueiro
AI is everywhere in the self storage world—but how can operators actually use it day-to-day? In this episode, Jennifer Barroqueiro from All-Purpose Storage joins Josh and Melissa Huff to share real, practical ways managers and owners can leverage AI to save time, improve communication, and boost...
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Future-Proofing with Upgrades & Expansions: with Nigel Kreft
Is your self storage facility ready for the future—or falling behind? In this episode, Nigel Kreft from Elevate Structures joins Tommy Nguyen and Melissa Huff to talk about how to keep your property competitive, profitable, and positioned for growth through the right upgrades and expansions. We...
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Incentivizing Your Managers
Your facility manager isn't just an employee—they're running your multi-million-dollar business. Are you training, empowering, and compensating them to reflect that responsibility? In this episode, we cover: What NOT to incentivize (and why the wrong goals can hurt your bottom line) How to…
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Run It Like You're Selling It
Whether you plan to sell next year or in 20 years, one thing is certain: you won't own your self storage facility forever. So how do you ensure it's gaining—and retaining—value? In this episode, we explore what it means to steward your storage asset with the future in mind. We break down three…
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Social Media is Back! - How AI and META are Changing How People Find Self Storage
How's your social media presence? Do you post once a month? Once a year? If your Facebook page or Instagram profile are low priorities, it might be time for a change. A HUGE update from META dropped today. Posts on social can now be indexed on Google. Plus, Google is launching AI Mode to go along...
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Making Tech Work For You with James Hatfield & Michael Brevdeh
We sat down with James Hatfield from LiveSwitch and Michael Brevdeh from Cubby to unpack how self storage operators can make the most of their technology—whether you're working with what you already have or considering your next big upgrade. We dive into: The essential tech tools every facility...
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The Essential Signs For Your Facility
Clear, intentional signage isn't just for looks—it can shape the entire customer experience, reduce confusion, and cut down on unnecessary phone calls. In this episode, we break down the essential signs every facility should have and why they matter. We cover: Why your main sign should be simple...
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How to Beat the Low Intro Rates
One of the biggest questions we get asked is, "How can I compete with my competitor down the street who is offering the same unit as me but for 50% less?" Low intro rates are a strategy many large companies are using, but don't worry. You have options other than bottoming out your prices and…
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Real Life VS Running a Business - Can Your Self Storage Business Run Without You?
Sometimes real life just smacks you in the face. That was our week, and it happens to us all. If you run a small business, like self storage, it can hit a little different. What happens to your business if you get that call or text that forces you to focus all of your attention on something else?...
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Dealing with Dead Tenants
What do you do when a tenant passes away while renting a storage unit? This was the opening question AI came up with... Hopefully, no one has ever passed away in your office while renting a unit, but dealing with an existing tenant who has died happens more often than you think. This is one of…
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Optimizing Occupancy with Andrew Sherrard
In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Sherrard, owner of Reliable Storage in Seattle, to talk all things occupancy—and not just how full your units are, but how well your business is performing overall. In this rebroadcast of the May 29 webinar, we break down the three types of occupancy (yes,...
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Personal Curb Appeal - Seeing Yourself As a Self Storage Amenity
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...
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When AI Isn't the Answer
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…
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ISS Takeaways with the On the Move Crew
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…
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Bankruptcy, Military Tenants, Search and Seizure - Legal Chat with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker
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...
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What the Best Managers Do (That Others Don't) with Mark Green
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...
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Become a Master Manager - Inside Self Storage Preview
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...
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Before You Build - Key Considerations As You Design Your Self Storage Facility
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...
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New Self Storage Legislation and More From the SSA Spring Show
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…
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Owning Your Local Market with Stephanie Tharpe
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...
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The Best Self Storage Software - 2025 Edition
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...
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How The Market Impacts Your Rates
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...
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The Power of Self Storage Mentorship
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Listen in as we gab about the self storage industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen bring in nationally recognized speakers, leaders of companies, and top experts to help you maximize your self-storage business, optimize your management team, and prepare for what's ahead.Brought to you by the team at Lighthouse Storage Solutions.
HOSTED BY
Melissa Huff, Josh Huff
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast have?
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast currently has 178 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast about?
Listen in as we gab about the self storage industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Josh Huff tap into a...
How often does Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast release new episodes?
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast publishes regularly with 178 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast?
You can listen to Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast?
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast is created and hosted by Melissa Huff, Josh Huff.
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