Students of Storage

Chris Michaels turned to self-storage in 2019 while broke and behind on bills, and closed his first wholesale deal about a week after he started. Today he leads The Storage Rebellion, the community he first joined as a beginner. In this episode he sits down with host Tully Hannan to talk about what it actually takes to buy your first facility in a market that is far more competitive than the one he started in.The core message is simple. Studying the business is not the same as doing the business, and the people around you are what move you from one to the other. Chris makes the case that you learn the fundamentals, then put them into practice by taking real action, and you do it faster when you are surrounded by other investors walking the same path.Chris is practical about how deals get found today. He walks through sourcing on Google Maps, TractIQ, listing sites, brokers, and even Facebook Marketplace, then explains why fewer, deeper relationships beat blasting hundreds of mailers. He also covers the conversations most new investors dread, the follow-up cadence that keeps you top of mind, and the deal-killers he looks for when he walks a property.If you have been consuming storage content for months without making a move, this conversation is a clear nudge toward action, plus a reminder that the right room can carry you further than any amount of solo research.Key Takeaways:(1:25) Broke to first deal in about seven days(8:44) Take action before you feel ready: escaping the information-overload trap (10:47) Find the deal first, and the money will follow(11:05) How to have seller conversations without selling yourself(14:37) The follow-up cadence that turns a "not now" into a future deal(17:36) Inside The Storage Rebellion's three groups and why community matters (22:15) The day-after-closing checklist for a new facility(26:32) Deal-killers to look for on a property walk: roof, water, drainage, access, security(31:58) Where to find deals today: Google Maps, TractIQ, brokers, and Facebook Marketplace(37:43) You rise to the level of your environment(40:19) Why 30 solid relationships beat 600 mailers Resources Mentioned:The Storage Rebellion | Websitehttps://thestoragerebellion.comCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to "Students of Storage." Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.#SelfStorage #SelfStorageInvesting #CubbyStorage #BusinessGrowth #StorageRebellion

Owners do not hand over their facilities lightly. What earns that trust is not a pitch, it is operational excellence delivered every day by a team that follows through. In this episode JC Reed lays out how a third-party manager builds an operation owners want to stick with, from the systems that hold up at scale to the attention to detail that sophisticated owners notice.JC spent 12 years at Public Storage, rising to senior regional vice president over 80 to 100-plus locations across Washington, Hawaii, and Idaho. He later helped build the platform at Store Space, spent time at BlueGate Storage under Madison Capital Group, and now leads operations and revenue management at All-Purpose Storage, which has grown past 87 facilities as it expands into third-party management. He brings the operational discipline of a national REIT to a fast-moving, entrepreneurial team.This is a practical conversation for owners, operators, and managers. JC explains what makes Public Storage's execution so hard to replicate, why systems that run three stores fall apart at twenty, how he rebuilt a broken collections process, and how a remote-management model keeps unmanned sites looking as sharp as staffed ones. He is candid about what actually differentiates a manager over the long term: talent, care, follow-through, and living your core values. It is not just a number to his team, and that is why owners keep handing over the keys.Key Takeaways:(4:52) Why retail and franchise backgrounds build operators who can coach, develop, and hold a team accountable(12:43) The operational excellence JC saw at Public Storage and works to replicate: SOP discipline, ROI on every decision, and reliance on data(16:33) Why scaling breaks what works: systems that run three stores fall apart at twenty, and at eighty without real process(21:22) Rebuilding a broken collections and auction process from over 20% down to industry-leading, within state lien law(24:17) Revenue management as an operational discipline: ancillary income like solar, truck parking clubs, and protection plans(26:11) Know who you are: pricing to your facility's life cycle and position in the market(29:01) Testing and iterating on rate increases instead of guessing(31:41) What actually differentiates a third-party manager: talent, care, and follow-through(32:17) A remote-management model that keeps unmanned sites looking sharp, and onboarding that earns owner trust(34:46) Why technology and AI have become table stakes for operating at scale(39:21) JC's why: family, the people he works with, and the owners who entrust their assetsResources Mentioned:All-Purpose Storage Management | Websitehttps://www.allpurposemanagement.com/JC Reed | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jc-reed-74977518/Cubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to "Students of Storage." Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.#SelfStorage #ThirdPartyManagement #CubbyStorage #BusinessGrowth

Brett Copper, partner and president of Copper Storage Management, joins Matt Engfer to share how he helped build one of the industry's first third-party remote management companies and what scaling it taught him about growing a business the right way.Brett grew up in self storage. He spent childhood summers auditing facilities with his father, worked at CubeSmart out of college, and ran feasibility studies and due diligence projects for years before launching Copper Storage Management in 2019. He saw that remote management was possible long before the software or the industry was ready for it.Then COVID hit, and Copper was one of the only management companies that could operate with no one in the office. The portfolio exploded to nearly 200 stores in a matter of months. In this episode, Brett is candid about what that breakneck growth cost him, why he deliberately shrank the business to around 120 stores, and how learning his true cost to operate turned Copper into a healthier, more profitable, and more resilient company.He also breaks down the trends that reshaped self-storage technology, the five things he looks for when evaluating a facility to add value, and why a diversified base of small owners protects the business better than a few large clients ever could.This is a practical conversation about disciplined growth, operations, and what it really takes to build a storage business that lasts.Key Takeaways:(0:00) Intro(3:06) Who Brett is and what Copper Storage Management does(5:10) Growing up in a self-storage family(9:01) The origin story of Copper Storage Management(15:22) COVID and the explosion to nearly 200 stores(17:50) Copper's remote and hybrid management model(19:40) What's next, and the cost of scaling too fast(24:08) How technology transformed self storage(30:49) Five things that make or break a storage deal(38:03) Why a diversified client base lowers riskResources Mentioned:Copper Storage Management | Websitehttps://copperstoragemanagement.comBrett Copper | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-copper-750672171/Cubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to "Students of Storage." Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.#SelfStorage #StorageInvesting #Entrepreneurship #CubbyStorage #BusinessGrowth

Karl Graham, Co-Founder of Luminous Capital, joins Matt Engfer to share his journey from oil and gas exploration to building a growing self-storage platform across the heartland.After spending a decade making high-stakes investment decisions in a volatile and capital-intensive industry, Karl realized he wanted something different. He wanted to build a business where execution, discipline, and team performance had a greater impact than external forces. That shift ultimately led him into self storage.In this episode, Karl walks through how Luminous Capital scaled from individual syndications to launching a fund, why geographic focus creates a real operational edge, and how disciplined underwriting and risk management have shaped their growth. He also shares how his team is leveraging data, marketing, and AI. This includes analyzing tens of thousands of customer calls to improve sales performance and building more advanced revenue management systems to stay competitive in today’s market.This conversation is a practical look at what it takes to build and operate a successful storage business today and why the days of easy storage are behind us.Key Takeaways:(0:00) Intro(2:19) Karl’s background in oil and gas and transition to self storage (13:34) Why he chose self storage over other real estate asset classes(24:12) Why geographic focus creates a competitive advantage(28:22) How Luminous operates remotely with local teams(33:20) How Luminous creates value for self-storage businesses in today’s market(36:33) Growing the Operation and Taking Next Steps(42:36) Using data and AI to improve operations and sales(49:10)  Revenue management, pricing strategies, and AI agentsResources Mentioned:Luminous Capital | Websitehttps://www.luminouscapital.comCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Jeff Greenberger, a nationally recognized self-storage attorney and founder of Late2Lien, joins Matt Engfer to explain why lien enforcement isn’t dangerous—but getting it wrong absolutely is.With more than 30 years of experience serving the self-storage industry, Jeff walks through the real legal risks operators face when notices, timelines, disclosures, or documentation aren’t handled precisely. From evolving state statutes and California’s increasingly complex disclosure requirements to tenant tactics pulled straight from Reddit, this episode exposes how small operational missteps can quickly turn into lawsuits.Jeff also shares why “compliance is king,” how technology can remove human error from the lien process, and how Late2Lien was built to take responsibility off managers’ plates while protecting owners from liability. The conversation blends legal insight, real-world examples, and practical guidance that every operator—large or small—can apply immediately.Key Takeaways:(0:00) Intro(1:47) Jeff's story(4:56) Shaping the legal landscape of self-storage(7:52) Current legal issues Jeff’s clients are facing(11:12) Making sure clients are limiting risk and exposure to litigation(12:24) CA & PA Bills impacting rates and lien statutes(19:46) Reddit threads creating risk for self-storage owners: Credit Cards(22:31) Reddit threads about change of address scams (26:14) How does Late2Lien work?(33:28) Late2Lien helps avoid the sale(34:54) How Cubby and Late2Lien work together  Resources Mentioned:Late2Lien | Websitehttps://www.late2lien.comJeff Greenberger | Self Storage Lawhttps://www.selfstoragelegal.com/Cubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorage #SelfStorageLaw #StudentsOfStorage

Kale Leavitt, CEO of StorageReach, joins Matt Engfer to break down why Google Reviews have become one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—drivers of growth in self-storage.Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in storage marketing, Kale explains how reviews impact far more than reputation. From organic rankings and paid search performance to leasing velocity and customer trust, reviews now touch every part of the renter’s decision-making process. He shares what he learned while helping grow SEO services from zero to nearly 1,500 facilities, and how those lessons led to building StorageReach as a review-first platform designed specifically for self storage.In this episode, Kale walks through the mechanics behind quality, quantity, and consistency in review generation, why “spikes” hurt more than they help, and how automation allows operators to generate steady reviews without overwhelming tenants. The result is a practical, system-based approach to turning reviews into measurable business performance.Key Takeaways:(0:00) Intro(1:34) Kale's story(4:16) The beginning and growth of StorageReach(7:11) Marketing lessons learned from the early days(9:00) The MVP of StorageReach and getting Google reviews(11:41) Checking the boxes of getting reviews and seeing results(14:44) Effective ways to get positive review and avoid negative reviews(19:56) Working alongside Google(22:21) What’s next for StorageReachResources Mentioned:Kale Leavitt | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kale-leavitt-9063488b/StorageReach | Websitehttps://storagereach.comCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorageReviews #StorageMarketing #StudentsOfStorage

Magen Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Atomic Storage Group, joins Matt Engfer to share how disciplined execution, strong fundamentals, and a people-first mindset have fueled one of the fastest-growing third-party management companies in self storage.Magen walks through her unconventional path into the industry—from accounting and consulting to development and ultimately building Atomic Storage Group into a national platform. She explains why marketing is often the first indicator of operational health, which metrics truly matter in a property audit, and how consistent execution across marketing, operations, and customer experience creates long-term success.Rather than chasing shortcuts or shiny tools, this episode reinforces a simple truth: doing the basics well, every day, at scale is what separates average operators from great ones.Key Takeaways:(0:00) Intro(3:13) Magen's story(7:14) The metrics that matter in a property audit(9:23) How do you compete in today's market(10:18) Managing all aspects of the facility(12:37) Doing it well everyday - it's all about execution(15:34) Building an effective team(18:07) A diverse group of managed properties(19:16) The secret is, there is no secret - hard work and a great team make the difference(20:56) The growth and future of Atomic Storage Group and self storage(25:46) What's ahead for Cubby in 2026Resources Mentioned:Magen Smith | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/magensmithcpaAtomic Storage Group | Websitehttps://atomicstoragegroup.comCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorageManagement #StorageMarketing #StudentsOfStorage

Self-storage attorney Scott Zucker and Luke Shardlow, CEO of AI Lean, join host Matt Engfer for a deep dive into one of the most critical—and risky—parts of operating a storage facility: the lien process. Together, they discuss the legal responsibilities operators carry when enforcing tenant liens, why accuracy and documentation matter more than ever, and how technology can help reduce human error, avoid legal pitfalls, and keep operators fully compliant.Scott highlights the newest challenges around SCRA protection, bankruptcy filings, returned mail, and changing state laws, while Luke explains how AI Lean’s platform automates verification, mailing, tracking, and recordkeeping to protect operators at every step.Whether you’re a new operator or managing a large portfolio, this episode gives you the practical tools and insights you need to navigate liens with confidence—and avoid costly mistakes.Key Takeaways:(01:47) Speaker Introductions(09:14) Understanding SCRA compliance and military verification.(10:09) The Power and Responsibility the go along with the lien process(15:20) Technology considerations for staying SCRA compliant(19:30) How bankruptcy impacts the lien timeline.(21:28) Complications that come from deceased tenants(23:00) What operators should look for in a lien-processing partner(26:53) Don’t be afraid to cancel the sale(29:58) Solutions to avoiding a cancelled or illegal sale(36:00) Final lessons learnedResources Mentioned:Scott Zucker | Websitehttps://wzlegal.comAI Lean | Websitehttps://www.ailean.comSelf Storage Legal Networkhttps://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Self-Storage-Legal-NetworkCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to the Cubby Podcast. Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorage #SelfStorageLienLaw #AILean #SelfStorageLegal #CubbyStorage #StorageOperations

Gabe Thayn, Co-Founder of Marketing.Storage, joins Matt Engfer to share how data, transparency, and true partnership—not vendor relationships—drive marketing success for self-storage operators. With nearly 20 years of experience leading digital marketing at companies like Extra Space Storage and Adigma, Gabe has helped shape how the industry approaches SEO, paid search, and performance measurement.In this episode, Gabe explains why understanding and tracking your data is the foundation of every effective marketing strategy. He outlines the three core pillars of SEO—technical structure, content, and backlinks—and how to optimize each one for local impact. Gabe also breaks down what it takes to achieve accurate attribution, measure true ROI, and turn marketing insights into more rentals.For operators and owners looking to make smarter marketing investments and build stronger partnerships, this episode offers a clear roadmap for turning data into performance.Key Takeaways:(01:44) Gabe’s journey from tech and gaming into marketing.(07:00) Lessons learned from leading paid media at Extra Space Storage.(10:30) Leaving Extra Space and using Google data in the hotel industry and beyond(13:00) Agencies vs Firms - the importance of partnerships and beginning Marketing.Storage(16:00) The foundation underneath Marketing.Storage - partners, not clients(18:00) Why you need a marketing partner vs DIY - SEO Tips(20:35) The three pillars of SEO: technical, content, and backlinks.(24:50) Practical local backlink strategies for storage facilities.(29:05) How you can generate more rentals- Measurement and analytics(35:36) Using data to make smarter marketing and investment decisions(37:44) The difference between vendors and partners in marketing success(41:00) Why communication and accountability lead to better results Resources Mentioned:Gabe Thayn | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-thayn/Marketing.Storage | Websitehttps://www.marketing.storageCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorageManagement #StorageMarketing #StudentsOfStorage

Frank Certo, COO of The Storage Mall, shares how leadership, consistency, and culture drive performance across one of the fastest-growing third-party management companies in self-storage. From hockey coach to sales trainer to operations leader, Frank brings decades of experience building high-performing teams that think like owners.He discusses the evolution of The Storage Mall, which has grown to more than 60 managed properties since 2022, and breaks down the three pillars that guide their operation—Customer Experience, Revenue Management, and Compliance. Frank also unpacks how empowering managers, developing culture, and creating consistency across every customer touchpoint translate into stronger results and happier tenants.Key Takeaways:01:40 From hockey rinks to self-storage: Frank’s career journey.08:37 Lessons from Guardian Storage and early industry relationships.17:23 Launching The Storage Mall and scaling quickly through partnership.20:19 Business Development of The Storage Mall with Alex Herbs25:00 What makes The Storage Mall Different - Defining the Why28:09  Retaining and developing top talent through strong culture.32:45 Building Operations: The Customer Journey and Beyond 38:21 Consistency across Website, Phone, and Property Experience40:58 Empowering managers to act like owners.44:55 Shifts in industry strategy—from occupancy to revenue performance.Resources Mentioned:Frank Certo | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fjcertoThe Storage Mall | Websitehttps://www.thestoragemall.com/Cubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorageManagement #TheStorageMall #StudentsOfStorage

Melissa Stiles, Chief Marketing Officer of Storage Asset Management (SAM), shares her journey from answering a blind ad to leading one of the largest third-party management companies in self-storage. Overseeing marketing, revenue management, business development, and communications, Melissa has helped SAM grow from 32 stores to nearly 600.In this conversation, she explains how her team evolved into a full-service, agency-style structure with specialists in SEO, paid ads, social, and local marketing. Melissa dives into strategies that drive lease-ups, from influencer partnerships and community events to data-driven revenue management models. She also discusses how AI is reshaping SEO, what makes local marketing still matter, and why reputation and relationships remain central to SAM’s success.Key Takeaways:(2:47) Melissa’s Journey to become CMO and the growth of SAM(6:11) Developing the marketing team(9:45) Key questions to making a great hire(11:42) Case study for building a marketing strategy for a self storage facility(14:28) Strategies for a successful for lease up(17:24) When should you expect stabilization(18:27) Getting found with AI in the lease up process(21:32) The advantages of scaling up for a brand(23:50) Using data to impact operations(26:18) Revenue management tactics(27:53) The pride of making a real world impactResources Mentioned:Melissa Stiles | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/melissastiles/Storage Asset Management | Websitehttps://www.storageassetmanagement.comStorage Sense | Websitehttps://www.storagesense.comCubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.com/Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorageMarketing #StorageAssetManagement #StudentsOfStorage

Tyler Suchman, founder of The Storage Agency, shares how local SEO, Google Ads, and a partner-first approach drive smart, sustainable growth in self-storage. With a background spanning sports media, music, and tech startups, Tyler has built a marketing agency serving over 300 facilities nationwide. He walks us through aligning marketing spend with operator goals, cleaning up a facility’s online footprint, leveraging Google reviews, and building trust-based client relationships that last.Key Takeaways:(02:12) From sports radio to self-storage marketing.(06:45) Choosing self-storage as a niche and how they partner with clients.(11:03) Aligning marketing spend with client stabilization goals.(13:36) What an agency should do(16:38) Small operator case study(18:14) The nuts and bolts of local SEO and cleaning up your “web footprint.”(24:03) Why Google reviews matter and how to respond effectively.(27:37) What makes a great client—and the traits that make partnerships thrive.(32:40) Cubby enhancing their platform for better marketing results(35:52) Website considerations for better marketing results.(39:25) Integrity, kindness, and doing business with the right people.Resources Mentioned:Tyler Suchman | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tylersuchman/The Storage Agency | Websitehttps://www.thestorageagency.com/Cubby | Websitehttps://www.cubbystorage.com/Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#SelfStorageMarketing #LocalSEO #GoogleAds #StorageAgency #StudentsOfStorage

Nate Kinet, Chief Revenue Officer of SafeLease, shares how insurance, automation, and reputation management reshape self-storage performance. Nate blends a decade of tech-driven insurance experience with deep storage knowledge, showing us how to turn compliance headaches into meaningful revenue and stronger customer trust.Key Takeaways:(02:00) Making the shift from tech and insurance to self-storage.(07:02) Learning from how leading operators drive program adoption.(10:28) Using technology to streamline compliance and claims.(14:11) Designing programs that reduce risk and increase revenue.(16:45) Automating coverage enforcement across portfolios.(19:51) Building consistency through strong lease enforcement.(24:25) Creating tailored insurance solutions for the industry.(30:11) Scaling growth with a proactive sales strategy.Resources Mentioned:Nate Kinethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nkinet/SafeLease | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/safelease/SafeLease | Websitehttps://www.safelease.comTrustpilothttps://www.trustpilot.com/Cubby Holes Self Storagehttps://www.cubbyselfstorage.com/Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. #CubbyStorageSoftware #SelfStorageOperations #SelfStorageSoftware

Adam Jarrell, Partner and General Manager of American Self Storage, shares how a background in multifamily real estate shaped his approach to self-storage. From building internal tools like QuickPay links and predictive gate access analytics to adopting business intelligence platforms, Adam outlines how curiosity, data fluency, and a focus on reducing friction drive operational success across his 15+ facility portfolio. He also discusses hiring philosophies, team ownership, and the role of AI in unlocking future efficiencies.Key Takeaways:(04:10) Reducing friction in customer workflows improves operational efficiency.(06:05) Facility-level data collection supports smarter staffing decisions.(12:51) AI has the potential to automate tasks and unlock new efficiencies.(18:31) Overreliance on historical trends can limit growth potential.(23:58) Rate sensitivity is often lower than operators assume.(26:32) Evaluating risk helps tailor rent increases to specific conditions.(32:19) Behavior-based analytics can help predict customer actions.(35:39) A strong first experience drives loyalty and repeat rentals.Resources Mentioned:Adam Jarrellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjarrell/American Self Storage | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/americanselfstorage/American Self Storage | Websitehttps://www.americanstoragenc.com/“No Rules Rules” by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyerhttps://www.amazon.com/No-Rules-Netflix-Culture-Reinvention/dp/1984877860Make.comhttp://make.comZapierhttp://zapier.comGoogle BigQueryhttps://cloud.google.com/bigquery?hl=enPower BIhttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi/Slackhttps://slack.com/U-Haulhttps://www.uhaul.com/Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. #CubbyStorageSoftware #SelfStorageOperations #SelfStorageSoftware

Jonas Duckett, Real Estate Investor of Store It Quick, joins us to share his evolution from solo operator to leading a 40-facility portfolio. With 4,000 units and counting, Jonas reflects on building a people-first storage brand, rebranding under a unified name, and how he drives conversions and minimizes delinquency with high-touch customer service. Jonas offers candid insights on lead conversion, rebrand timing, customer retention, and the importance of empathetic communication in collections. We also unpack how he blends automation with personal follow-up to keep operations lean without sacrificing performance.Key Takeaways:(00:53) Turning personal motivation into a scalable business model.(05:06) Why it's important to unify facility branding early in the growth journey.(09:51) Simplifying the rental process to improve online conversion rates.(13:04) Establishing systems that enable high conversion with a lean team.(18:41) Using a human-centered approach to reduce customer delinquency.(22:36) Retaining paying customers through flexibility and empathy.(26:27) The business case for pricing transparency over short-term tactics.(29:07) Aligning rate increases with demand and customer satisfaction.(32:59) Knowing when to shift focus from operations back to growth.Resources Mentioned:Jonas Ducketthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-duckett-48b514294/Store It Quick | Websitehttps://www.storeitquick.com/Cubby | Websitehttp://cubbystorage.comThank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. #CubbyStorageSoftware #SelfStorageOperations #SelfStorageSoftware

Cory Bonda, Principal of Prestige Storage Capital, joins this episode to discuss how operational decisions and reporting rhythms support sustainable portfolio growth. He shares how Prestige Storage transitioned from opportunistic acquisitions to a regional clustering model, why daily visibility into move-ins and churn is essential, and how lead conversion processes are evolving. We also discuss launching an internal tenant protection plan, managing team development through internal promotion, and handling the realities of early-stage operations.Key Takeaways:(00:42) Starting in operations to build a practical foundation for strategic decision-making.(06:14) Communicating clear growth goals to align and motivate internal teams.(09:50) Reviewing daily metrics to monitor performance and guide adjustments.(13:03) Identifying early process gaps through on-the-ground operational challenges.(16:02) Launching in-house services to improve control and property-level insights.(19:20) Following up on leads with urgency through multiple communication channels.(22:23) Enabling online transactions to meet modern customer behavior and demand.(23:58) Partnering locally to strengthen brand visibility and community engagement.Resources Mentioned:Cory Bonda https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-bonda-22203b97/Prestige Storage Capital Websitehttps://prestigestoragecapital.com/Prestige Storage Capital | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/prestige-storage-capital/Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#CubbyStorageSoftware #SelfStorageOperations #SelfStorageSoftware

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Poole, VP of Operations of Liberty Investment Properties. Mark is a seasoned leader with over 13 years at the helm of operations, development, and growth strategy in self-storage and hospitality. He shares insights into the value of relational capital and how self-storage operations are evolving. Mark also discusses how to scale, adapt, and innovate in a dynamic market, emphasizing the importance of speed, relationships, and hyperlocal marketing.Key Takeaways:(01:47) Curiosity and continuous learning help drive long-term success in the storage industry.(02:41) Strong professional relationships serve as a foundation for growth and collaboration.(03:50) Early exposure to industry collaboration can shape a more open business mindset.(05:58) Shifting market conditions influence development versus acquisition decisions.(08:25) Fast and seamless lead conversion plays a critical role in portfolio performance.(11:11) Every customer interaction can have a long-term financial impact.(15:22) Hyperlocal strategies are more effective than broad national campaigns.(17:03) Grassroots referral programs can outperform traditional marketing spend.(21:20) Technology continues to unlock new efficiencies in remote facility management.Resources Mentioned:Mark Poolehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markryanpoole/Liberty Investment Properties | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-investment-properties/Liberty Investment Properties | Websitehttp://www.libertyprop.comSuregard Storagehttps://www.suregardstorage.com/My Neighborhood Storage Centerhttps://www.myneighborhoodstoragecenter.com/Amazon Gift Cardshttps://www.amazon.com/gift-cards/b?ie=UTF8&node=2238192011Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. #CubbyStorageSoftware #SelfStorageOperations #SelfStorageSoftware

Faraz Hemani, CEO of Iron Storage, joins us for the inaugural episode of "Students of Storage." Faraz shares his journey from working at Oracle and Google to building Iron Storage’s 30-facility self-storage business. He offers valuable insights into remote management, operational systems, scaling challenges, marketing fundamentals, and more. Faraz also discusses practical strategies for lean operations, enhancing customer experiences, and maximizing lead conversions.Key Takeaways:(01:07) Transitioning from a corporate career to real estate investing.(04:35) Building a remote-first business model to create competitive advantages.(07:01) Why systemization and standardization are essential for scaling operations.(10:05) Building effective operations by working backward from an ideal outcome.(14:04) Overcoming the challenges of remote management with proactive systems.(21:08) Optimizing local online presence to improve discoverability and trust.(27:37) Tracking performance metrics to strengthen lead conversion efforts.(29:51) Using incentive structures to boost sales team effectiveness.(33:00) Balancing specialization and flexibility within customer service teams.Resources Mentioned:Faraz Hemanihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/faraz-hemani/Iron Storage | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/iron-self-storage/Iron Storage | Websitehttps://ironselfstorage.com/Cubbyhttps://www.cubbystorage.com/Neustar Localezehttps://www.neustarlocaleze.biz/Better Business Bureauhttps://www.bbb.org/Thank you for listening to “Students of Storage.” Be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.#CubbyStorageSoftware #SelfStorageOperations #SelfStorageSoftware