Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

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 can do to ensure your facility runs smoothly and avoids major issues.

Today, we tackle why audits are important, the key things to look for if you do an audit yourself, and several red flags to look for that may trigger the need for an audit. You may think your operation is running smoothly, and perhaps it is, but waiting until things fall apart isn't the time to schedule a tune-up. Regular audits are the keys to preventing theft, legal trouble, maintenance problems, and much more. As good old Ben Franklin once said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 deadly killings against people and ideals they disagreed with. Innocents lost their lives, children were left without parents, wives were widowed, and our nation was shaken to its core. But even amidst the sorrow, hope was there. Perhaps this most recent event will also bring the unity that comes in the aftermath of death.

Charlie knew that his death was a possibility. He got threats all the time. So why did he keep speaking out, engaging in dialogue and seeking cultural change? He did it because he was driven by something deeper, something more important than his own life. He knew he was fulfilling a calling given to him by God. He burned bright in that calling and wasn't shy about declaring where his true hope was anchored. He had the hope of Christ, and he wanted others to share in that hope, in the joy of a life lived according to principles he found in scripture.

We share in that same hope, rooted in Jesus, and look forward to the day when we will see Charlie again.

Podcast Resources: Psalm 11

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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, virtual webinars, podcasts, or papers, we share all our recommendations for finding out what you need to know in our industry.

So, break open a bottle of wine, pour a glass of bourbon, and enjoy those at home prices as we talk about tons of non-Vegas options to scratch that trade show itch. Here are the linked key resources we touch on in the episode:

• In person events (find the full calendar from ISS right here)
• Virtual Events like the Gabfocus Webinar
• Podcasts a plenty, all listed on the Modern Storage Media podcast website
• Articles about everything self storage from StoragePug, Inside Self Storage, Modern Storage Media, Lighthouse, and SSA

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 experiences—fires, floods, and more—and the lessons they've learned the hard way.

We cover:

• What to do (and avoid) in the first 24–48 hours after disaster strikes

• How to support distressed staff and tenants

• Dealing with insurance gaps, communication breakdowns, and repair delays

• How to prep your facility now: checklists, safeguards, and budgets

• What disasters aren't typically covered by insurance

• Tips for multi-site operators and high-risk areas like flood zones

• The top 3 pieces of advice our guests would give to every operator

Disasters don't wait. This episode gives you the tools to prepare, respond, and recover stronger.

This webinar originally aired on August 21, 2025 .

Watch the YouTube replay- Disaster Prep & Recovery Webinar

Guests: Kevin Leebrick (NoDa Self Storage) & Scott McLaughlin (Sentry Self Storage Management)

Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff

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

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 Trade Practices and Drip Pricing
• Mandatory arbitration vs. class action exposure
• Disclosing fees and exclusions online
• Online contracts (click-wrap, scroll-wrap) and enforceability
• Oregon's wage theft law and its impact on construction projects
• Revenue management & antitrust concerns—especially around RealPage
• Why transparency, documentation, and education are your best legal defenses

Carlos and Scott offer real-world examples, recent cases, and clear takeaways to help you reduce risk and protect your facility.

You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 6 on YouTube

Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes.

Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network

Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 efficiency.

We discuss:

• How AI can streamline emails, Google review responses, and content creation

• Using AI tools to scrape competitor rates and recommend pricing

• Tips for creating branded graphics and mascots (like APS's famous goat, Roy)

• Why detailed prompting and verification matter for reliable results

• How to avoid losing your brand's voice while still using AI to speed up work

• Plus, recommendations that extend to using AI beyond the office

Whether you're skeptical of AI or just looking for ways to make it work for you, this episode gives actionable ideas you can start using today.

Episode Resource: Episode 138- When AI Isn't the Answer

Guest: Jennifer Barroqueiro (All-Purpose Storage)

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 discuss:

• When and why to upgrade or expand (from occupancy struggles to prepping for a sale)

• How to time improvements around seasons, customer impact, and ROI

• The upgrades that deliver the biggest return (and the ones that matter long-term, even with delayed ROI)

• Expert tips for roofing, fencing, gates, access systems, and landscaping

• How to decide between raising rates, expanding, or acquiring

• Common construction pitfalls and how to avoid them

• What to know about budgeting, vendors, and scheduling before breaking ground

• The three upgrades every operator should prioritize: security, functional doors, and quality roofing

Whether you're battling competition, planning to sell, or simply want to keep your facility thriving, this episode will help you make smart decisions that pay off now—and years down the road.

This webinar originally aired on July 24, 2025 .

Watch the YouTube replay- Webinar of this Episode

Guest: Nigel Kreft (Elevate Structures)

Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff

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

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 educate your manager (or yourself) so they fully understand how your business makes money

• The big question: How should you actually incentivize your manager? (What's pay is fair, effective, and aligned with your goals)

• Why clear expectations and proper training are critical for getting manager buy-in and strong facility performance

If you want a manager who's invested in your success—and a pay structure that motivates the right behaviors—this episode gives you the framework to make it happen.

Listen to Part 1 of this topic - Run It Like You're Selling It Episode

Don't forget to subscribe to Lighthouse Storage Solutions on YouTube to get alerts for our upcoming video podcast.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 key areas that directly impact your facility's long-term value:

• ✅ Up-to-date procedures that ensure smooth operations and make your facility attractive to buyers or successors

• 📈 Revenue management strategies to drive consistent growth and uncover missed income opportunities

• 🛠️ Capital improvements that actually pay off and keep your facility competitive in the market

For those preparing to exit the industry or just wanting to build a stronger business, this episode offers practical ways to protect and grow the value of your facility—starting today.

Episode resources: Policies and Procedures Episode

Don't forget to subscribe to Lighthouse Storage Solutions on YouTube to get alerts for our upcoming video podcast.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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 with their traditional search. What does this mean for self storage? It means content is more important that ever. Google is searching the same way we do, serving results from LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit, and yes, even your Facebook Page right in your results window.

So dust off those social media strategies, get out that camera phone, and start posting, because social media is back for self storage.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions