In this week’s episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, James Shepherd talks with Austin Scroggs of TruSteel Buildings to break down the build-versus-buy decision in self storage. Tune in to hear when new construction can cost significantly less than buying existing, the tradeoffs operators should consider, and how smart planning can set a proj…

James Shepherd sits down with Don Tyree, Founder of Family Heirloom Storage, to uncover how he’s built a 27-property, 4,000-unit portfolio through smart acquisitions and hands-on management. Hear how Don blends real estate investing with operational excellence—and why his family-first philosophy drives long-term tenant loyalty and steady returns.…

In Episode 101 of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, James Shepherd breaks down six data points that could redefine your facility's performance in 2026. Tune in to also catch insights into CCStorage's new 2026 feature build: designed to help operators monitor and maximize these metrics.Di Ben Shirey

James Shepherd & Ben Shirey go full circle: looking back at the podcast’s beginnings, celebrating milestones, and exploring how data, automation, and relationships keep the storage industry moving forward.Di Ben Shirey

In this episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, James Shepherd unpacks the self-storage payment playbook with Full Stack Payments CEO Jonathan Shirey. They cover the full journey: card migrations, dual pricing vs. surcharge (and why dual pricing wins), and driving electronic payments (card/ACH) to lift NOI and valuation.…

James Shepherd chats with investor Brandon Michael of Greater Good Investments about how he went from buying his first facility to managing six—and developing another. They cover real lessons on financing, operations, marketing, and the importance of automation in growing a successful self storage business.…

On the latest Self Storage Insight Podcast, James Shepherd joins Matt Markham and shares how CCStorage started, the rise of dual pricing, and why it’s a game-changer for operators.Di Ben Shirey

As summer winds down, self-storage operators are already looking ahead to the slower season. Tune in to the Self Storage Insight Podcast with Ben Shirey and Matt Markham as they dive into why demand is still strong through late summer and early fall—especially with college move-ins—now is the time to prepare strategies that minimize the impact of t…

ChatGPT said:Auction laws are changing fast. Email notices are now valid in many states, and unsigned leases may still be binding. Stay compliant—stay ahead.Di Ben Shirey

When should you hire a storage manager? Learn when it makes sense, what to pay, and how the right hire can boost your facility’s performance.Di Ben Shirey

Big REITs dropping rates? Don’t follow blindly. Learn how independent storage owners can compete smart, build loyalty, and grow sustainably.Di Ben Shirey

Are your storage fees helping or hurting your business? Learn which fees to charge, avoid, and how to boost revenue without losing tenants.Di Ben Shirey

New to managing a storage facility? In this episode, we cover fee structures, billing tips, and setup strategies that top operators use every day.Di Ben Shirey

Self-storage is evolving fast. In this episode, we dive into automation, online rentals, and how CCStorage helps facilities grow with less overhead.Di Ben Shirey

Marketing your self storage facility just got smarter! In this episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, Ben Shirey chats with ChatGPT to explore how AI can help you optimize your Google Business Profile, run targeted ads, and make data-driven decisions—all on a budget. Whether you're new to AI or looking to up your game, this episode shows how …

Managing a self-storage facility isn’t as simple as it seems—especially for first-time owners. In our latest episode, we chat with Peter Smyth & Alex Hartman of White Label Storage about the biggest challenges storage operators face, from tenant management to revenue optimization.Di Ben Shirey

Insurance costs are skyrocketing, and many facility owners are unknowingly underinsured. In the latest episode, I sit down with Terry Campbell of Johnson Insurance to discuss the biggest risks in self-storage, why insurance rates are rising, and how his team is bringing top-tier customer service to the industry.…

Looking to simplify self-storage underwriting? Cactus, led by CEO Tyler Sellars, automates data input, enriches insights with market data, and delivers accurate forecasts—all in one intuitive platform. Say goodbye to manual Excel headaches and hello to faster, smarter investment analysis.I recently had the chance to demo the product, and I truly be…

Confused about credit card disputes and chargebacks? In the latest episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, Ben Shirey breaks down what disputes are, why they happen, and how to respond effectively to protect your cash flow.Learn how to win disputes, avoid processing issues, and keep your business running smoothly. Don’t let disputes derail you…

Streamline your online rentals! In this episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, Ben Shirey and Matt Markham dive into the pros and cons of Click-to-Sign vs. DocuSign, plus tips for creating an effortless rental process to keep customers coming.Di Ben Shirey

Thinking about switching self-storage software but worried about the challenges? In the latest Self Storage Insight Podcast, I break down the top 3 hurdles—website transitions, proprietary integrations, and cardholder data transfers—and how to tackle them like a pro. Don’t let fear of change hold you back!…

From buying his first self-storage facility in high school to managing eight across the U.S., Dallas Thompson of Delta Asset Management shares his journey as a young entrepreneur in the self-storage industry. Learn his top tips for smooth property transitions, rebranding, and maximizing growth in diverse markets. Whether you’re a seasoned investor …

Fed up with yet another price increase on the products and services you rely on? Sure, rate hikes aren’t new in this industry, but have you ever stopped to ask why you’re always paying more?In today’s podcast, I dive into the questions you should be asking (the ones your provider hopes you don’t). Because let’s be real—some of these “necessary” fee…

On this episode of Self Storage Insight Podcast, we’re sharing the top craziest horror stories from the self-storage industry! From wild tenants and evictions to a storage auction that uncovered $100K in cash, you won’t believe what goes on behind those storage unit doors! Tune in for some laughs and jaw-dropping stories.…

In this episode of the Self Storage Insight podcast, Ben Shirey chats with Nate Kinet from SafeLease about the power of tenant protection plans. Learn how these plans can boost revenue, reduce liability, and keep tenants happy by providing peace of mind for their stored items.Tune in now to discover why more facilities are embracing tenant protecti…

In our latest episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, we chat with Bob Hazlett from OpenTech Alliance about how cutting-edge tech like smart locks and self-service kiosks are transforming the self-storage industry! Learn how these innovations are streamlining operations and enhancing security for facilities of all sizes.…

On the latest episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, we dive into adapting to the digital age of self-storage with Camille Broom from AAAA Storage Management.Di Ben Shirey

In the latest episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, we dive into the future self-storage customer with Brett Copper from Copper Storage Management and Scott Worden from StorSuite. Discover how technology is transforming customer experiences and learn practical tips for modernizing your facility. Don't miss out on insights that could give you…

Join us on the latest episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast as we chat with Andreas Makris from Bledsoe Self Storage Group. Andreas shares invaluable insights on navigating the current self-storage market, managing seasonal trends, and maximizing your investment potential.Di Ben Shirey

Dive into the latest Self Storage Insight podcast where we discuss boosting occupancy rates and enhancing customer retention in self-storage facilities. Learn about effective pricing strategies, the power of online marketing, and the importance of customer reviews. Don't miss out!Di Ben Shirey

Join us as Jean-Michael Diei from PropRise discusses leveraging AI for data and analytics in the self storage industry. Learn how they help developers identify market opportunities efficiently and their journey from mobile home parks to self storage.Di Ben Shirey

Equity Partners, founded by Grant Reeves and his partner in 2020, transitioned from commercial real estate brokerage to principal investment, strategically capitalizing on market shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their journey began with converting an old grocery store into a self-storage facility, leading to further investments in storage and f…

How Social Media is Transforming Self Storage Management w/ William Tin by Ben ShireyDi Ben Shirey

Join us on this episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast as Ian Horowitz, a former Baltimore firefighter turned successful real estate investor, shares his journey into the self-storage industry. Ian discusses his transition from single-family homes to managing a portfolio of 15 self-storage locations, offering valuable insights into market tren…

Running a self-storage facility well is all about making customers happy, managing money smartly, and handling daily tasks efficiently. Start by creating a great customer experience with a user-friendly website and easy rental processes. Keep your facility clean and secure, and communicate promptly with customers. Manage your money by setting the r…

Thinking about owning a self storage facility? In this video, we explain the basics of self storage investment. Learn how the business works, important money details, and the pros and cons of teaming up with other investors. Discover the key questions to ask before you invest and what it takes to run a storage facility. Whether you want to manage i…

Is your storage business focused on getting positive Google reviews and appearing in local searches? Join us in this episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast as we discuss strategies to enhance your online presence, build trust with potential customers, and improve your local SEO. Featuring insights from Peter Smyth of White Label Storage and Lo…

Learn from Blake Angle, a facility manager, how to keep a self-storage business competitive against larger facilities and what strategies can make the difference in customer retention and growth.Di Ben Shirey

Discover how adjusting your storage unit prices based on demand can boost your revenue, keep your units filled, and help you stay competitive.Di Ben Shirey

Let's find out how self-storage owners can use 1031 exchanges to avoid paying taxes right away when they buy new properties. Dave Foster shares easy tips on making your storage business better without the extra costs.Di Ben Shirey

We talk about essential marketing strategies that can dramatically increase your customer base. From leveraging local partnerships to optimizing your online presence, we cover the top tactics that will help you attract more customers to your facility.Di Ben Shirey

Greg Smith's journey into self-storage began three years ago, leveraging his expertise from banking to capitalize on the industry's potential for extra income. Armed with lessons from managing houses and a daycare business, he emphasizes quick customer response, streamlined operations, and leveraging technology to stay ahead. Greg's hands-on approa…

From working as a pharmacist to becoming a star in the storage world, Stephen shows us how to turn a big, old place into a cool storage business, all while helping people and making friends along the way. Get ready for a story full of big dreams, smart moves, and lots of heart!Di Ben Shirey

Good customer service is super important in self-storage because it makes customers feel special and valued. When storage places are friendly and helpful, people want to keep coming back. The best self-storage spots are those that balance making money with taking really good care of their customers.Di Ben Shirey

Find out what's next for self storage in the Self Storage Insight Podcast! Experts talk about how call centers and fancy tech are making storage better for everyone. Hear real stories and get tips to succeed in the storage world. Come learn about the cool stuff happening in storage!Di Ben Shirey

Explore Trevor Oldham's fascinating journey from starting Podcasting You to becoming a smart real estate investor. Learn how Trevor shifted from freelancing to building a diverse portfolio in different types of real estate, like self-storage investments. Get valuable tips and insights from Trevor's experiences on how to make money while you sleep. …

Discover how CC Storage's innovative property management software, as discussed by Director of Sales Matt Markham in a recent podcast episode, can streamline operations and drive growth for self-storage businesses. Explore automated invoicing, interactive site maps, and more tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.…

An insightful exploration of self-storage management, this blog post delves into the nuances of remote, hybrid, and traditional approaches. From cost-saving strategies to considerations for transitioning, it offers valuable insights for operators navigating an evolving industry landscapeDi Ben Shirey

The Keys to Exceptional Self-Storage Customer Service by Ben ShireyDi Ben Shirey

Meet Andreas Makris, a real estate pro who made a successful shift to the self-storage industry. Discover his insights on self-storage vs. multifamily, 2024 plans, market predictions, tech's role, and buyer vetting. Andreas stays optimistic about self-storage and welcomes future brokerage opportunities.…