Join me as I sit down with Bill Kanatas and Benjamin Salzberg, partners at Self Storage Developers, to dive deep into one of the most resilient and underappreciated niches in commercial real estate—self-storage development. With backgrounds spanning finance, engineering, and business innovation, Bill and Ben bring a unique, data-driven perspective to the art and science of building profitable, community-supported storage and car wash facilities. In this episode, we unpack how their team strategically identifies markets, navigates zoning laws, and leverages tax advantages to create scalable investment opportunities. From market analysis and operational efficiency to the power of industry relationships, Bill and Ben share the frameworks that have made their projects successful and sustainable—even in volatile economic environments.

Bill, Ben, and I discuss:

• How they transitioned from engineering and finance into real estate development
• Why self-storage remains one of the most recession-resistant asset classes
• The four D’s that drive self-storage demand: death, divorce, dislocation, and downsizing
• The rising popularity of car washes and their recurring revenue model
• How market analysis protects developers from oversupply
• The role of zoning laws and community support in successful development
• Operational risks in self-storage vs. multifamily properties
• How accelerated depreciation and tax advantages enhance investor returns
• Building meaningful relationships with city planners and local officials
• Why the self-storage industry thrives on collaboration and connection
• Their vision for the future of storage and the evolution of the space

Episode Links

https://self-storagedevelopers.com/

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