Apparently it's time to panic. Occupancy is down, deliquency is up, and we have to do whatever it takes to fill up our self storage facilities, right? False. There is a time and place for discounts and specials, but has that time come for you? Just because the big boys are dropping discounts doesn't mean you need to do it as well. Today we talk about the good and bad types of discounts, when to consider a special, and how to craft those deals so you don't lose long term income. From the $1 move-in special to the buy 11 months, get the 12th free, we speak to the specials and try to get across this important message- Don't Discount Yourself.

Plus, a few recommendations related to Giving Tuesday this week.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Charitable Partner- StorageGives

Today is all about Thanksgiving! And we certainly have a lot to be thankful for, especially when it comes to the self storage industry. Our Gabfocus Friends helped us out for this episode, so a special shout out to Max, Adam, Megan, Cindy, Sue, Bob, Chad, Alonna, and all the rest who chimed in with their reasons for gratitude. From tenants, to managers, to vendors, to the SSA, we are so incredibly blessed.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! And if you need a few suggestions for a juicy bird, stick around to the end for Josh's brining recommendation.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

A secure self storage facility is one of the top 2 priorities for new and existing tenants. But how can practically and affordably keep your facility secure? What are the best gates, cameras, and lights? How often should you upgrade your technology? What are the newest tools entering the storage industry? Our experts tackle these questions and many more throughout this webinar episode. Plus, the merits of electric fences, drone surveillance, and even security dogs are debated.

Guests: Scott Underbrink, Kristin Hesse, and Jim Comeaux

Hosts: Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Maintaining your property is a huge area of focus if you own and operate self storage. If done properly, it can save you thousands of dollars. It's so important that we've dedicated not one, but two webinars to it. Jackie and Nigel are back for round two. Last time was all about doors. This one is about all the rest- gates, locks, driveways, beautification, and more.

If you missed part one, you can listen to it right here- Keeping Up With Your Facility Part 1

Guests: Jackie Belau & Nigel Kreft

Hosts: Melissa Huff & Tommy Nguyen

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Managers are crucial to the success, or failure, of your self storage business. We learned this lesson again and again on our membership drive through Louisiana last month as we encountered dozens of managers. The vast majority were fantastic, exemplifying the importance of that friendly face in the office. Of course, there were some not so great ones as well. We break down the good and the bad from our travels. Here's one pro-tip for free: if you have a customer in front of you, make eye contact (and stop painting, watching TV, talking to your buddy, etc.). You'll have to listen for the rest.

A big shout-out to all the amazing managers throughout Louisiana. We're excited to see you at the show later this month.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Joe Doherty (Self Storage Association) joined us for our 2023 Storage Legal Update! We reviewed the latest national and state legal updates and discussed the trickiest legal sticking points of self storage. What are the legal challenges happening around the country? What are the biggest concerns facing operators? How do you handle dead bodies in your unit? These and many more LIVE questions are handled on this rebroadcast of our webinar from October 26.

Guest: Joe Doherty, attorney for the Self Storage Association

Hosts: Melissa Huff (Lighthouse Storage Solutions) & Tommy Nguyen (StoragePug)

How important is social media? Is a manager really necessary? Tenant protection or tenant insurance? These were the topics debated at the 2023 Tennessee Self Storage Association conference in Nashville. Our participants gave great arguments on all sides of these issues. But who won? We go through the arguments, highlight our favorite points, and declare our winners. Plus, some takeaways from the Texas show and a few solid recommendations from our weeks on the road.

Hosts: Melissa Huff & Josh Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

We're excited to welcome Scott Zucker, one of the best self storage attorneys, to the podcast. You may be familiar with Scott's work as his expertise has played a role in many leases and laws throughout the storage world. But you may not be as familiar with him as an author or baseball fan. Today, we cover all three as we hear some incredible storage stories, get Scott's take on his most asked questions (hint... it involves dead people), and hear about his start both in self storage and as an author.

Featured Guest: Scott Zucker

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Recommendations: Self Storage Legal Network, Scott's Books

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Marketing can be a maze of acronyms, analytics, and ad management, but it doesn't have to be. Simple solutions are out there for even a beginner self storage manager or owner to utilize. Today we tackle some takeaways from a few of the recent shows we attended. In particular, we get practical with marketing, give away some tools to help verify your marketing is doing what it is supposed to do, and share some QR code secrets you can put into practice. Plus, our recommendations at the end to brighten your day.

Hosts: Josh Huff, Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

We're back with a fresh webinar episode focussing on data & reports. What reports should you focus on? What metrics should you be measuring? What data tells the true story of your self storage facility and what can be misleading? Our amazing guests shed light on the key things to consider when analyzing the data and reports for your self storage operation. Just about everything from marketing, to occupancy, to manager involvement are covered.

Guests: Alyssa Quill (CEO: Storage Asset Management), Jeremy Rollwitz (Regional Manager: The Jenkins Organization), and Cherolyn Johnson Chiang (Director of Marketing: The Jenkins Organization)

Hosts: Melissa Huff (Co-Owner: Lighthouse Storage Solutions) and Tommy Nguyen (Co-Founder: StoragePug)