The Do More Podcast

Chris Long rents dirt to contractors — literally: fenced, gated yard spaces leased month-to-month, which he calls “self-storage for contractors.” We dig into how the model works (secure yards with keypad or smartphone locks, appropriately sized lots for trailers and equipment, and simple online signups) and why it’s attractive: B2B tenants, predictable cash flow, and a gap between no-frills Craigslist lots and big industrial leases.

I also walk through Chris’s origin story — from apprentice carpenter to GC, a brutal commercial contract that wiped him out, and the scrappy comeback where he cut trees, pre-sold yards, and built his first location while basically broke.

We explain the practical stuff: how to validate demand (there’s demand everywhere if you unlock supply), the zoning and city headaches you’ll face, and why you need capital plus a reliable operator to test a market.

We don’t sugarcoat it — this isn’t a passive beach business; operating yards requires eight different skill sets (sales, delinquency handling, repairs, bookkeeping, site operations, etc.), even if the team stays lean.

Finally, we cover the tools and systems that let us scale — training on School, ClickUp, Slack, HighLevel CRM, and plans for custom software — and how to reach us if you want to learn more (long.com).

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of marketing for your storage facilities, and trust me, there's a lot to unpack. The big takeaway? A lot of folks are just tossing marketing strategies out there and hoping something sticks—like spaghetti on a wall, but less appetizing.

I share insights from my own experiences, especially in small-town Ohio, where you might be the only player in the game yet still spend too much on advertising. We talk about the importance of tracking your marketing effectiveness and exploring alternative methods beyond just Google and Facebook ads, like billboards, local sponsorships, and even the good old Yellow Pages.

Stick around as we explore how to make your marketing money work smarter, not harder, because who doesn’t want to fill those storage units without breaking the bank?

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of storage performance over the years, and let me tell you, it's been quite the rollercoaster ride! I’ve been crunching numbers from my portfolio since 2019, and I’m ready to spill the beans on how my facilities stack up against trends in both smaller and larger markets. Spoiler alert: the demand in your area can make all the difference!

We’ll chat about everything from occupancy rates to the impact of market demand on pricing strategies, and how sometimes, it’s the little guys who come out on top. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s unpack these numbers together—I promise it won’t be a snooze-fest!

Stabilization in self-storage is a topic that often raises more questions than answers, and today we're diving into what it really means. Picture this: you've got a self-storage facility, and you're wondering if it's truly stabilized. This term essentially refers to when a property has hit its market potential—boasting stable occupancy, predictable income, and normalized expenses. However, we argue that even if you think you've hit that sweet spot, there's always room for improvement.

In our chat, we explore the nuances of stabilization, dissecting my own experiences with two very different storage facilities. One has been a cash cow, continually improving in occupancy and revenue, while the other seems to be in a downward spiral.

The contrast between these properties highlights that stabilization is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. The first facility has seen consistent growth, while the second illustrates the impact of market saturation and increasing competition.

Together, we unpack the idea that true stabilization might be a myth, but aiming for that 80–90% mark is not only achievable but essential to maximizing your investment's potential.

Today, we're diving into the shifting landscape of self-storage appraisals with our good buddy, Matt Bilger from Colliers International.

The big takeaway? Self-storage appraisals are taking a hit compared to the booming years of 2019 and beyond, thanks to rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Matt breaks down how the pandemic paused everything, then a flood of cheap money led to a wild appraisal frenzy, only for the brakes to slam on recently as interest rates climbed.

We chat about the changing dynamics in the market, where larger players are now flexing their financial muscles while smaller operators are feeling sidelined. Plus, we sprinkle in some lighthearted banter about the quirks of the appraisal world and how AI is becoming a handy tool in the business.

Kenny Buelterman is here to chat about his journey from a 20-year banking career to becoming a full-time self-storage investor, and trust me, it’s a ride worth tuning into! He shares how he made the leap from W-2 life to financial freedom, the challenges he faced during the transition, and how he found his groove in the storage space.

We’ll also dive into his new venture, a postcard business that helps storage facilities reach potential customers in a creative way. Kenny shares some solid insights on the importance of having a clear vision and the right motivation to propel you forward, plus a few tips on negotiating with banks that you won’t want to miss.

So, whether you’re looking to break into real estate or just need a little inspiration to chase your dreams, this episode is packed with gems!

Dreaming big isn’t just about setting ambitious goals—it’s about creating a vision for the life you actually want. In this episode, we dive into why big dreams matter for entrepreneurs, leaders, and really anyone looking to make an impact.

Success looks different for everyone. Maybe your dream is building a business empire, creating financial freedom, or simply having more time with the people you love. Whatever it looks like, your dreams are allowed to change as you grow.

I share personal stories about how my own dreams have evolved over the years and how those dreams have shaped not only my career, but also the way I view life and success.

So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s talk about why dreaming bigger might just be the first step toward building a more fulfilling life.

Are you playing offense or defense in your business?

That’s the big question we tackle today, drawing inspiration from the thrilling moments of the World Cup. Just like Argentina turned up the heat in the final minutes of their semifinal match, we discuss the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in business.

Whether you’re in self-storage or any other industry, it’s essential to ask yourself: Are you building, or are you simply surviving?

We explore how many business owners fall into the trap of “playing it safe” and what that really means for their growth and bottom line.

Comparison is the thief of joy, and this week, we're diving deep into why that saying rings truer than ever—especially in the world of real estate investing. I've been hearing about investors losing deals left and right. It's like a weekly soap opera, and you won't believe the twists and turns!

We chat about how those flashy numbers you see on social media can mess with your head and why focusing on your own journey is far more important than keeping up with the Joneses (or the million-dollar syndicators).

I'll share some personal stories and insights from my experiences in mastermind groups, where it often feels like a pissing contest over who has the most assets under management. But at the end of the day, I'm here to remind you that what really matters is your cash flow, equity, and, most importantly, your happiness and fulfillment in this wild ride called real estate.

Today, we're diving into the hidden costs of being nice in business, and trust me, it's a bit of a doozy. We've got five main points that highlight how being too accommodating can actually hurt your bottom line. Who knew kindness could come with such a price tag, right?

We'll cover everything from avoiding rent increases to the pitfalls of keeping underperforming employees around. You might think you're being a nice guy or gal by not raising rents or by holding onto a struggling employee, but those decisions can end up costing you big time.

So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in as we explore how to balance kindness with the hard truths of running a successful business.