In this episode of No Vacancy, the crew sits down with Daniel Gates of Gates Realty, engineer, broker, and third-generation operator, to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain a family real estate business for over 70 years.

From humble beginnings in post-WWII New Jersey to developing a thriving portfolio of small-bay warehouses and self storage facilities, Dan shares how Gates Realty evolved from maritime construction into a stable, cash-flow-driven real estate operation.

The conversation dives into:

•  Why small-bay and multi-tenant assets outperform in uncertain markets 
•  The importance of low leverage and long-term thinking
•  How to evaluate land, zoning, and deal feasibility 
•  The growing opportunity in flex space and co-warehousing
•  And what it really means to “build homes for small businesses”

Plus, the guys keep it true to form with some laughs, a lightning round, and a few unexpected tangents (yes… wigs and karate boards included).

In this episode of No Vacancy, the crew dives into self-storage tech, without losing sight of the fundamentals that actually drive growth. From AI and automation to customer service empowerment, response time, and why “old school” service still wins. Along the way, they compare storage to grocery stores, telecom companies, and even self-checkout chaos, proving that sometimes the biggest competitive edge isn’t more tech… it’s better people. 

It’s a classic No Vacancy roundtable with Andrew, Brian, and Chris—kicking off with some off-the-rails podcast and bedtime-story chaos, then getting into what really matters for operators heading into 2026. The guys break down why 2026 looks like a strong year for rent-ups, what’s changing with smart lock technology (and why it’s a big operational win), and how Access is thinking about faster websites, smoother online rentals, and even e-commerce add-ons.

They also dig into what renters are saying online, especially the Reddit threads and why transparency and trust are still the best long-term revenue strategy. Plus: lawn-mowing robots, gravel parking hacks, and an ice maker that refuses to stay quiet.

It’s the No Vacancy Holiday Special, and the crew is keeping it loose with end-of-year laughs, self storage stories, and a few surprisingly solid marketing ideas. From grassroots marketing realities to the “Access Elf Storage” holiday concept, the team swaps festive wins, Christmas song and movie Mount Rushmores, and the kind of behind-the-scenes moments only self storage can deliver.

Plus, a heartfelt holiday break from the Access family, and a spotlight on community traditions like Toys for Tots and Rutgers’ Big Chill toy drive, because the best parts of the season are about giving back (and maybe moving an elf before the kids wake up).

In this episode of No Vacancy, the team sits down with Tommy Nguyen, founder of StoragePug, for a fast-moving, funny, and insight-packed conversation about branding, web design, culture, and what it really takes to help storage operators thrive. Tommy dives into the origins of StoragePug, why great websites should feel as easy as Amazon, and how simplifying the rental flow can transform conversions. He also opens up about his family’s journey, the grit that shaped him, and why culture drives every business decision Pug makes. From swag stories to SEO strategies, this one brings heart, humor, and plenty of takeaways for operators everywhere. 

On this episode of No Vacancy we sit down with Holly Fiorello, Director of Field Marketing at Storable and we chat about everything from how she got started in Florida, to her time with The Storage Group and Call Potential, to her current role at Storable.  Holly is an extremely active figure in our industry, sitting on 2 state SSA boards as well as being a volunteer for a 3rd state SSA. She has a wealth of marketing knowledge and we were so honored to have her on our podcast!

In this episode of No Vacancy we sit down with James Hatfield from LiveSwitch and discuss how he got started, moving over to LiveSwitch and how LiveSwitch is helping to transform Self Storage.  

About LiveSwitch: LiveSwitch is the world-leading communications platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We provide world-class technologies to help small businesses thrive–directly saving them money, making them money, saving them time, and helping them serve their customers better. Virtual estimates, on-site documentation, and AI built for small businesses are some of the many offerings we provide. We use innovative video and photo technologies to achieve this. 

• Book a demo: Andrew's personalized link
• Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/
• Start your free trial: https://www.liveswitch.com/contact-signup
• Coupon: Use code "Vacancy10" for 10% off at checkout!

In this episode of No Vacancy, the crew dives into summer adventures — from waterpark fun, to brewery trips that somehow turned into missed connections. Between laughs, they take a hard look at Access Self Storage’s 29 Fundamentals, breaking down how these guiding principles shape the company’s culture, customer experience, and everyday decision-making.

With stories that range from listening generously to speaking straight (even when it’s tough), the conversation is both unfiltered and surprisingly relatable. Whether you’re in self storage, managing a team, or just trying to balance life and work with a little humor, this one delivers insight with plenty of laughs.

In this episode of "No Vacancy," we dive into the intricate world of revenue management with Roland Minaya, Director of Revenue Management at Access Self Storage. Discover the art of balancing occupancy and revenue, as Roland shares insights on optimizing pricing strategies, managing stakeholder expectations, and maintaining customer loyalty.  This is jam packed with revenue nuggets!

We also dive into the extremely interesting topic of MLB's All-Star game and our take on how to improve it as well as a slight detour into our very first jobs, spoiler: one of us literally dug graves!?!?

In the first episode of No Vacancy, we dive right into self storage marketing, covering everything from paid ads, SEO and reviews as well as covering the extremely important topics which include hashbrowns, bands and concerts.  It's fun, informative, funny and raw.  Brought to you by Access Self Storage and hosted by 3 Access directors, Brian Russ, Director of Third Party and Project Management, Chris Feild, Director of Operations and Andrew Rockoff, Director of Marketing