Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

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 conversations across the industry, it is easy to get pulled in a lot of different directions. Some of those tools can enhance your business. Others can become distractions. In this episode, we break down the difference. We look at real-world examples like Amazon expanding in ways that still support its core business, compared to companies like Microsoft that invested heavily in products that did not align with their main focus. Then we bring it back to self storage. At the end of the day, our business is renting units. That means focusing on three things above all else: Creating a smooth and simple rental experience Delivering a great customer experience after move-in Attracting the right customers to your facility If those three things are not dialed in, nothing else will matter. This episode is a reminder to evaluate where your time, money, and attention are going and to make sure everything you are adding actually supports the main thing. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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, security, marketing… They're a critical part of running a self storage facility. But here's the question we don't ask often enough: Are you really getting what you're paying for? In this episode, we dig into how to keep your vendors accountable and make sure they're actually serving your business the way they should. We cover: Knowing your contracts (and what's actually included) Scheduling regular demos and check-ins Making sure you're using everything you're paying for And getting out to trade shows to compare options and stay sharp One of the best ways to evaluate your current vendors and discover better ones is simply getting in the room with them. That's why our recommendations this week are all about trade shows. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the Inside Self-Storage World Expo - Register Here Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Travis Morrow, CEO of Modern Storage Media and trade-show organizer. Darby Bozeman, community manager at StoragePug running Storage Academy access. Tommy Nguyen, StoragePug educator shaping the new Academy and live webinars. Sue Haviland, founder of Haviland Storage Services partnering with Lighthouse. They discuss a new nationwide partnership, a curated education platform with live training, and a major East Coast trade show for operators.

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. They cover: The pros and cons of going with 3PM What 3PM companies really provide How to know if you're ready for that level of partnership What questions you should be asking before signing on The red flags to watch out for How the market has changed and what that means for your independence Whether you're just starting out or thinking about making a change, this episode will help you make a smarter, more confident decision. 🎥 Now also available on YouTube - Watch It Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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, operations, and customer behavior, and we talk honestly about challenges that operators faced—from rate wars to staffing struggles. Our panel shares lessons they've learned (some the hard way), what they tried that didn't work, and what they're already doing to prepare for the new year. Looking ahead, we discuss what's likely to carry over into 2026 and offer insights on staying resilient, forward-thinking, and people-focused in your self storage business. We wrap things up with a few hot takes—and some exciting Gabfocus updates you won't want to miss. Watch the YouTube replay- Lessons Learned in 2025 Guests: Jane Sauls (Sauls Commercial Real Estate), Heather McCombs (Spacebox Management), Shannon Charbonneau (XPS Solutions) Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

As the year wraps up, the hosts delve into setting SMART goals for self-storage operators in 2026. They highlight the need for consistent Google reviews to boost visibility and trust. The conversation shifts to the importance of intentional rate increases for profitability. Plus, they suggest picking one area for focused improvement, whether it's enhancing tech knowledge or investing in team training. Wrapping up, they offer holiday tips for savoring memories and tracking personal and professional progress.

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 explore some of the most common pushbacks, including: "Do I really need tenant insurance?" "That price is too high." "I don't want to sign up for autopay." "Why is my rate going up?" We unpack each objection to reveal the real concern underneath the question—and share how to respond in a way that builds trust and moves the conversation forward. Plus some holiday focused recommendations. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 know. We cover: The key reports and KPIs to track your facility's financial health Budgeting for controllable vs uncontrollable expenses Cap rates, depreciation, and stabilized assets explained in plain language Knowing when it's time to grow—and how to fund that growth The pros and cons of building new vs buying an existing facility What lenders look for and how to prepare for expansion, sale, or refinance We also tackle common financial questions from owners across the country—covering topics like DSCR vs DST funding, interest rates, ad budgets, and what to do when your tenant passes away. Whether you're aiming to stabilize your first facility or planning a multi-site portfolio, this session is packed with practical tips and strategic advice to build a profitable future in self storage. Watch the YouTube replay- Self Storage Finances: 101 Guests: Brooks Lumpkin (Flex Storage) and Amber Crucian (Live Oak Bank) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Discover practical AI strategies for self-storage operators. Learn how to write effective AI prompts and build a social media calendar that feels like hiring a new employee. Find out how AI can analyze competitors and optimize your marketing. Dive into using AI for maintenance tracking and enhancing team communication. Plus, uncover ways to leverage AI in customer interactions and improve your website's visibility. To brighten the season, enjoy their first Christmas gift recommendations!

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 session is packed with practical legal insight. You'll learn: What 2025's biggest legal trends mean for your facility Key updates on rent control, website compliance, and arbitration How to handle tenant death, gate damage, and unit disputes Legal pitfalls to avoid—and what issues may be overhyped What's coming in 2026 and how to prepare now Don't miss Joe's answers to real owner-submitted legal questions and his top 3 legal tips for every storage operator. Watch the YouTube replay- 2025 Storage Legal Update Guest: Joe Doherty, Legal Counsel for the Self Storage Association Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions