Stories Behind the Door

I sit down with Cory Sylvester, Principal at DXD Capital, for a masterclass in data-driven development and intentional leadership.

Cory's path to becoming one of the most respected names in self-storage didn't start with real estate; it started at JP Morgan. After identifying a massive lack of institutional-grade data in the storage sector, Cory co-founded Radius+ and eventually DXD Capital, a firm currently managing 25 active developments. We discuss his transition from the "bureaucratic construct" of big banks to the high-friction world of entrepreneurship, ultra-marathons, and volunteer firefighting.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• The "Victor" Mindset: Why Cory would rather fail a hundred times than be stifled by corporate red tape.

• Leading by Listening: The importance of checking your ego and creating a culture where employees feel safe enough to truly disconnect.

• The Friction Factor: Why Cory packs his schedule with ultra-marathons (like the Tahoe 200) and firefighting to build the mental toughness required for business.

• 2026 Industry Forecast: Why the decline in new construction and the resilience of younger storage users are creating the "perfect setup" for the next several years.

• Manage Space: A sneak peek into Cory's newest venture into property management software.

If you want to hear from a leader who values "right vs. wrong" over "yelling and jerks," and who uses deep-dive analytics to outmaneuver the market, this conversation is essential for your 2026 strategy.

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell (S3 Partners):

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ Connect with Cory Sylvester (DXD Capital): [email protected] https://dxd.capital This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/

I sit down with Andrew Capranos, President of 10 Federal, to discuss the intersection of high-level operations and cutting-edge technology in self-storage.

Andrew's journey is a masterclass in efficiency. After managing retail teams of 400+ people at Target, he realized the incredible potential of the storage industry's margins—if you can get the operations right. We discuss his time at Public Storage, the birth of DaVinci Access Control, and the 10 Federal philosophy that "Customers want outcomes, not interactions."

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• The Necessity of Automation: Why a looming national labor shortage makes manual, on-site management a high-risk strategy for the next decade.

• Leading Indicators: Why looking at your past P&L is like driving with only a rearview mirror, and how to use data to predict future performance.

• Frictionless CX: How the hotel and airline industries have trained our customers to expect self-service, and why storage must adapt or die.

• Buying Right: Andrew shares how his team is successfully deploying capital in 2026 by finding value-add targets that others miss.

• Innovation vs. Expense: Why technology should be viewed as a profit driver, not a line-item cost.

If you're interested in how AI and machine learning are moving from "buzzwords" to "bottom-line boosters," this conversation with Andrew is essential listening. Connect with Thaddeus Campbell (S3 Partners): [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ Connect with Andrew Capranos [email protected] www.10federalstorage.com This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/

I sit down with Marc Goodin, CEO and President of Storage Authority, to pull back the curtain on one of the most successful franchise models in the self-storage industry.

Marc isn't just a developer; he's a civil engineer who has spent four decades learning exactly what makes a facility succeed. He shares why he decided to stop "retiring" and instead start helping other professionals build wealth through his proven system. We talk about the "scary" headlines of 2026, the reality of SBA financing, and why he believes a self-storage facility should be run with the same hospitality mindset as a high-end hotel.

You will learn:

• Why you can no longer be a "C-student" operator and expect to scale in today's market.

• How Marc's team helps franchisees navigate the "headache" of the SBA loan process through established relationships.

• Why the customer has often made their decision to rent before they even walk into your office.

• The advantage smaller, more nimble operators have when adopting new technology compared to the 4,000-store giants.

• Why the current lull in "mad rush" development is the perfect time for serious players to find and build Class-A sites.

If you've ever wondered if you have what it takes to own a storage facility while keeping your day job, Marc's insights on systems and standards are exactly what you need to hear.

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/

Connect with Marc Goodin: [email protected] www.storageauthorityfranchise.com This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/

How do you transition from a "stay-at-home mom" opportunity to becoming a senator for the SSA Young Leaders Group and a director at a top management firm? This week, Thaddeus Campbell talks with Sydnie Wilda, RV & Boat Development Director at The Storage Manager.

Sydnie shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal adversity by choosing to be a "survivor" rather than a victim—a mindset she has carried into her career as a powerhouse in self-storage. She discusses the shifting landscape of third-party management as we enter 2026 and why the "human touch" is more valuable now than ever.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Boutique Third-Party Management: Why the goal isn't to manage 200+ facilities, but to monitor every asset as if it were your own.

• The 2026 Tech Stack: Insights into Notify, Storage Defender, and Spider Door, and how these tools are transitioning the industry into the next generation.

• Legislative Awareness: Why donating your time to organizations like the SSA is critical for protecting the industry from over-regulation.

• Marriage as a Partnership: A raw look at the conscious choice to support each other's dreams while raising a young family.

• Advice for Owners: Why holding your operational problems "close to your chest" is a mistake and where to find the guidebook for success.

Whether you're a young professional looking to break into leadership or an owner navigating the complexities of 2026, Sydnie's infectious energy and tactical advice are exactly what you need to hear. Connect with Sydnie Wilda: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.thestoragemanager.com Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: Website: https://s3.partners/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/

How do you grow from 21 management contracts to nearly 600 while keeping a "small-town" culture of caring? Join Thaddeus Campbell as he speaks with Alyssa Quill, CEO of Storage Asset Management (SAM), the nation's largest independent third-party management firm.

Alyssa shares her 21-year journey through the industry, including her time at StorageUSA and Extra Space, and the pivotal phone call from Jay Hoke that led to the founding of SAM in 2010 . She discusses the transition from the "easy" boom years of 2021 to the high-stakes, data-driven environment of 2025 .

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The "Salt of the Earth" Advantage: Why the storage industry attracts genuine, kind people and why Alyssa isn't worried about private equity changing that DNA .

Advanced Revenue Management: A look at how SAM utilizes eight distinct ECRI models to ensure each individual store performs, even without the pressure of Wall Street margins .

Hiring for Impact: The secret to building a high-performing team that values reputation over the bottom line .

Tech Strategy for 2026: How to use AI to identify operational "red flags" before they become issues .

Philanthropy as Fabric: The story behind SAM's support for Decker's Blueprint and helping a partner fight for a cure for muscular dystrophy .

Whether you are a solo owner or a large-scale developer, Alyssa's insights on balancing high-level analytics with boots-on-the-ground human influence provide a masterclass in modern storage operations.

Connect with Alyssa Quill: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.storageassetmanagement.com Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: Website: https://s3.partners/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/

What does it take to build a construction company that thrives for over 30 years? According to Wayne Woolsey, President and CEO of Kiwi II Construction, it's simple: You have to be willing to "cook the meal" instead of microwaving it.

In this episode, Wayne joins Thaddeus Campbell to share his journey from retrofitting public storage facilities after the Northridge earthquake to leading one of the most respected steel firms in the country . Wayne discusses the "steroid era" of storage, his predictions for steel pricing in 2026, and why he believes the industry's unique "if you succeed, I succeed" culture is its greatest asset .

Key Takeaways:

The 2026 Steel Forecast: Wayne breaks down why current steel prices (around $900/ton) are providing the consistency developers need to pencil projects for the coming year . Relationship ROI: Why 50% of the Kiwi II team has been with the company for over a decade and why Wayne's cell phone number hasn't changed in 30 years . Beyond the Shed: The evolution of steel aesthetics—from basic 1980s panels to modern insulated metal panels (IMPs) that look like brick and high-end masonry . The Flex Growth: How the "Small Bay Industrial Flex" and "Man Cave" segments are creating new opportunities for diverse steel designs . Connect with Wayne Woolsey: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: Website: https://s3.partners/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/

I talk to Rob Kapp, President of Keep It Simple Storage, about his path from a "get rich slow game" entrepreneur to the inventor of the revolutionary KISS Lock.

Rob's story is one of hard-won success: he committed to a multi-decade journey, even selling his home to reinvest in real estate . His burnout from managing facilities led to the idea for the KISS Lock, a smart lock with no batteries that's powered by your phone's NFC technology .

Why This Matters to Operators:

• Cost Revolution: The lock eliminates the massive expense of installing electricity to every unit door in a new build .
• Operational Efficiency: It solves fragmented issues like overlocking, unlocking, and auction management, simplifying the entire process .
• Critical Inflection Point: Rob warns that the industry has matured. Operators must be willing to make the painful change to adopt new technology or risk being "pushed out" by more sophisticated competitors. The days of being an average operator and still making big margins are over .

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://s3.partners/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/

Connect with Rob Kapp:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://keepitsimplestorage.com

I'm honored to share the deeply personal and inspirational story of MMA Pro-Fighter, "Hurricane" Shane Burgos. Shane's journey to the UFC octagon wasn't just about physical skill; it was a testament to mental grit and commitment, starting when he was a teenager .

Key Insights from Shane:

• Burning the Boats: Shane had no backup plan, committing fully to fighting and purposely getting kicked off his high school diving team to focus on training.
• The Power of Discipline: His martial arts background instilled a karate-style discipline that is crucial in fight camp, forcing him to account for every macro and never show up late .
• The Hardest Lesson: He shares the struggle of failing his black belt test three times and the pride of earning it when he finally met the higher standard .
• The Overnight Change: Shane recounts the surreal experience of the last-minute call to the UFC, where his life literally changed overnight, going from financial struggle to stability in less than a year .
• The "Ride or Die": His wife has been everything, pushing him outside his comfort zone and challenging him to grow into the man and father he is today .

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://s3.partners/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/

This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com

I talk with Kevin Bledsoe, President of The Bledsoe Storage Group at Marcus & Millichap, about his transition from operations to brokerage and his outlook on the 2026 self-storage market.

Kevin's story is one of hard work, he started by installing gate controllers and sweeping storage units before becoming a Director of Operations for major firms like Simply Self Storage. This deep operational knowledge allows him to look at a P&L and instantly identify $500,000 opportunities that sellers overlook.

What You'll Hear:

• The Operational Edge: Kevin explains how his experience managing over 100 properties gives him an advantage in providing immediate, value-add advice to sellers.

• Betting on Himself: He shares the entrepreneurial mindset, inspired by mentors like John Gilliland and Alyssa Quill, that pushed him to leave his secure job and start his own brokerage firm during a difficult market period.

• The Myth of the Mom & Pop: Kevin believes that while opportunities in top markets are "dwindling," 25%–35% of the assets he values are still great deals for regional investors that major REITs will never acquire.

• 2026 Forecast: Kevin is bullish, forecasting that continued interest rate drops will spur transaction velocity and make 2026 a much better year for the self-storage market.

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://s3.partners/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaddeuscampbell

Connect with Kevin Bledsoe:

• Email: [email protected]

• Direct: (215) 531-7113 | Office: (215) 531-7000

This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com

I sit down with Ben Vestal, CEO of Argus Self Storage Advisors, to discuss his incredible two-decade run in the industry, the recent SmartStop acquisition of his management platform, and what's next for the self-storage space.

Ben shares how his brokerage business has always focused on the chase and complicated deals but stresses the importance of camaraderie and the willingness of high-level mentors to share information in this unique asset class .

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://s3.partners/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/

Connect with Ben Vestal:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://argus-selfstorage.com

This episode was brought to you by: https://www.kiwiconstruction.com/