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 investors often face overwhelming decisions about facility design, technology, and operations, while experienced operators struggle to modernize outdated systems and marketing strategies. We tackle this topic from both perspectives:

• Common mistakes new owners make when setting up a facility
• How outdated practices can hold long-time owners back
• The role of mentorship in navigating technology, pricing, and marketing
• Where to find a mentor and why expert guidance saves time and money

Plus, we share a few key recommendations you don't want to miss.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this rebroadcast of our February 20, 2025 webinar, John Chang from Marcus & Millichap provides an in-depth analysis of the self-storage industry's economic landscape in 2025. With inflation stabilizing, interest rates remaining high, and occupancy trends shifting, John breaks down key market forces shaping the industry and what operators should be prepared for.

• Topics covered include:
• The impact of economic uncertainty on self-storage
• Pricing strategies, rate wars, and competitive pressures
• Market saturation, construction slowdowns, and regional trends
• How younger tenants are changing length-of-stay patterns
• The growing role of technology and AI in operations and marketing
• Investment insights: Is now a good time to buy, sell, or expand?

If you’re a self-storage owner, investor, or operator looking for expert insights into what’s ahead, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Guests: John Chang, Marcus & Millichap

Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff

Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Self-storage isn’t just for life transitions anymore—more and more small business owners, gig workers, and entrepreneurs are using storage units to run and grow their businesses. From Etsy sellers and antique dealers to pharmaceutical reps and lawn care companies, these customers have unique needs and can be some of the longest-staying tenants.

In this episode, we explore how self-storage operators can attract and serve business customers effectively. We discuss marketing strategies beyond the traditional "4Ds," including digital advertising, social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, and pricing models that work for business users.

Joining us is Jamie Boros, Business Development Manager at StorSuite, who shares her insights on why business owners are an untapped market for self-storage and how facilities can position themselves as the perfect solution for their storage needs.

Plus, we throw in a few moving and cruising recommendations.

Guest: Jamie Boros from StorSuite

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions