Curious how tax incentives and self-storage development intersect to shape thriving communities?

 

In this episode of The Academy Presents Podcast, Angel speaks with Bill Kanatas and Benjamin Salzberg about the strategy behind self-storage development, community revitalization, and the financial tools investors can leverage to maximize returns. From exploring Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Opportunity Zones to cost segregation and bonus depreciation, the conversation breaks down real-world applications that impact both investors and local economies. With their backgrounds as educators turned developers, Bill and Ben bring a relatable and tactical perspective to complex investment structures, while emphasizing community building at every turn.

 

 

[00:01 - 03:30] TIFs and Tax Tools Explained

• How Tax Increment Financing (TIF) works to spur development in underperforming areas
• The importance of understanding the difference between TIF and other tax incentives
• Why negotiating with municipalities is key to making TIF work for developers

 

[03:31 - 06:53] Tax Strategies for Investors

• How 179D and bonus depreciation can significantly reduce investor tax burdens
• What cost segregation studies reveal about real estate tax advantages
• The significance of combining multiple tax tools in a single development project

 

[06:54 - 09:41] Rethinking Self-Storage

• How to design storage facilities that integrate into communities
• Why self-storage is a flexible solution for various life transitions
• The need to overcome public misconceptions around storage facilities

 

[09:42 - 13:17] The Human Side of Storage Use

• What motivates people to turn to storage (downsizing, job changes, life events)
• How storage meets long-term needs for families and individuals
• The importance of recognizing storage as both practical and emotional

 

[13:18 - 17:40] Community Impact and Giving Back

• Why investing isn't just about returns but about local impact
• How ordinary professionals transitioned into developers making a difference
• The importance of transparency and community-focused growth

 

 

Connect with Benjamin:

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensalzberg/

 

Connect with Bill:

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-kanatas-micp-999255141/

 

 

Key Quotes:

 

“We’re not just here to take—we’re here to give. We want to solve a problem that the community has.” - Bill Kanatas

 

“It’s a commodity that’s a necessity. The four Ds—death, divorce, dislocation, downsizing—all point to the need for storage.” - Benjamin Salzberg

 

 

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