AI is making waves in our everyday lives, and today Jon dives into how it’s impacting the self-storage industry and the job market as a whole. While he doesn’t claim to be an AI expert, he’s been hearing plenty of discussion about its potential to disrupt jobs — and understandably, that can feel overwhelming.

In this conversation, Jon explores what these changes could mean for various professions, especially within the self-storage space, where he believes innovation may actually create new business opportunities. Rather than getting caught up in the fear that often surrounds AI, he encourages us to stay informed and proactive.

The key takeaway? Instead of resisting change, we should focus on how to adapt and leverage AI as a powerful tool to enhance what we do — all while preserving the human touch that keeps our businesses strong.

Stop being cheap. That’s the main point Jon is diving into today, and it’s something he learned the hard way in his real estate journey.

He kicks things off by sharing his early days with single-family rentals, when he thought doing everything himself would save money. But as he quickly found out, that mindset can actually cost you more in the long run.

So many entrepreneurs get stuck pinching pennies instead of investing in their businesses and themselves — and that’s a trap. Jon breaks down the importance of recognizing what your time is truly worth, the value of hiring professionals, and how being frugal in the wrong areas can actually slow your growth.

This episode is all about shifting your mindset — moving from being cheap to making smart, strategic investments in your future.

Today, Jon dives into a conversation with Mark Young from Zona Health, where Mark shares insights that deeply resonate with entrepreneurs and business owners. Mark emphasizes the unique mindset of entrepreneurs, describing them as “absolute nut jobs” for the sometimes illogical paths they choose on their journeys. Jon and Mark explore the challenges and triumphs that come with operating in the wild world of business. Mark’s candid perspective serves as a reminder that while the entrepreneurial life can feel chaotic, it is also filled with powerful opportunities for growth and innovation. Join Jon as he uncovers the motivations and mindset that drive successful entrepreneurs like Mark.

Today, Jon is diving into the top three things that helped him scale to 18 self-storage facilities. This isn’t about bragging—it’s about sharing insights that would have been incredibly valuable to him a few years ago when he was just getting started.

First, building a strong foundation in real estate was critical. Jon spent years educating himself and gaining hands-on experience before making his first major move.

Second, he focused on acquiring properties within his home state of Ohio. Deep familiarity with local markets and strong relationships with sellers played a significant role in his growth.

Finally, Jon emphasizes the importance of consistent action and ongoing education. Success isn’t just about acquisitions—it’s about networking, learning, and staying engaged.

By applying these principles, others can begin paving their own path in real estate as well.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for measuring success in self-storage—and really, any business. In this episode, Jon dives into why KPIs matter more than ever. Self-storage is no longer just a hobby; it’s a serious business that requires attention to detail and accountability. Jon breaks down how he approaches KPIs by focusing on the big picture, like money collected and cash flow, while his team tracks more granular metrics to ensure strong performance. Together, these KPIs create a clear snapshot of where the business stands and where there’s room for improvement. Whether you’re in self-storage or another industry, understanding and using KPIs can help guide your business in the right direction and keep everyone aligned.

Rod Khleif joins Jon for an engaging conversation on the power of mindset in achieving success and overcoming adversity. He shares his compelling journey from growing up in a Dutch immigrant family struggling to make ends meet to becoming a multifamily real estate mogul, once owning a portfolio of over 2,000 properties. Rod emphasizes that an astonishing 80–90% of success comes from mindset and psychology—not just the mechanics of business. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the importance of pushing through challenges, practicing gratitude, and giving back to the community. By the end of the episode, listeners are inspired to tap into their inner drive, set meaningful goals, and embrace growth, no matter the obstacles they face.

Christine Valdez joins Jon to share her extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical industry and real estate investing. With over 30 years as a regional sales director, Christine has built a diverse portfolio that includes single-family homes in California and Texas, along with multifamily investments and digital marketing ventures.

We dive deep into the challenges and strategies of navigating real estate—especially in landlord-unfriendly markets like California—and how she balances a demanding career with her passion for investing. Christine emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you know and love in real estate, avoiding the pitfalls of jumping between asset classes without true mastery. She also shares valuable insights on leadership, personal development, and the importance of giving back, offering a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to thrive both professionally and personally.

Jon dives into six significant changes in the self-storage industry that have emerged since 2021. One of the main points he emphasizes is how the landscape for buying storage facilities has become increasingly challenging; deals that once promised to double in value within a year are now harder to find. He discusses the shift from a focus on rapid value increases to a more cash-flow-oriented approach, highlighting the importance of long-term stability in investments. Jon also reflects on how underwriting now includes a variety of fees that were not considered before, and he stresses the necessity of adapting to current market realities, such as occupancy rates and customer service expectations. Overall, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to navigate the evolving world of self-storage investments.

Closing on a property is never as easy as it looks, and in this episode, Jon dives straight into that reality. He shares his firsthand experience navigating a closing that was far from smooth—made even more stressful by the timing right before Christmas. Jon breaks down the hard truths that surfaced along the way, including why closings are rarely clean and just how critical strong relationships with your team can be. He also highlights key lessons learned, like the value of having a dependable attorney and the importance of persistence when obstacles arise. If you’re in the real estate game, this episode offers insights that could save you time, stress, and a few headaches down the road.

Jon dives into the idea of going all in on your goals and staying committed for the long haul. He shares his perspective on New Year’s resolutions, noting how they often lose momentum just weeks into the year. Instead, Jon emphasizes the power of setting long-term goals—thinking one, five, or even ten years ahead. Drawing from his own journey in self-storage and real estate investing, he highlights how focus and commitment to a single niche can create momentum over time. As Jon has experienced through his recent deals, when you fully dedicate yourself, opportunities begin to flow more naturally. This conversation explores what it truly means to be all in and how that mindset can reshape the path to long-term success.