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In this episode of the Storage Playbook, Rick  and Megan welcome their first guest, Devin Beasley, an expert in RV and boat storage. The conversation explores the growing demand for RV and boat storage, market indicators for site selection, and the importance of amenities in attracting customers. They discuss the seasonal trends in the RV storage market, key considerations for buying and developing storage facilities, and the impact of insurance and hidden costs. Devin shares his journey into the RV storage industry and offers insights into future trends in the market.

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In this episode, Rick and Megan explore key metrics that matter, the significance of tracking KPIs, and the necessity of actionable data. They highlight the importance of simplicity in data tracking and the need to assign clear responsibilities to team members, ensuring accountability and driving business growth.

You will learn-

• Measuring performance is crucial for improvement.
• Assigning numbers to team members fosters accountability.
• Simplicity in dashboards leads to better decision-making.
• Actionable data is more important than just collecting numbers.
• Avoid overcomplicating data tracking systems.
• Focus on metrics that truly drive business growth.

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In this episode,  Rick and Magen dive into how to build systems so your business doesn’t fall apart without you. They call out the “I’m-in-control” illusion a lot of owners cling to, talk about actually trusting and empowering your team, and stress writing stuff down so people know what to do. The big takeaway: structure is great, but it’s gotta bend. Keep tweaking and improving, because business moves fast and your systems should too. 

In this episode, you will learn-

●     Building systems allows your business to thrive independently.

●     The more involved you are, the more fragile your business becomes.

●     Delegation is essential for growth and efficiency.

●     Trusting your team leads to better decision-making.

●     Documenting processes is crucial for consistency and training.

●     Empower your team with the right tools and resources.

●     Feedback is vital for continuous improvement.

●     Systems should facilitate, not restrict, employee performance.

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In this episode, Rick Beal and Magen Smith discuss the critical role of systems in achieving business growth, emphasizing that without proper systems, businesses are likely to fail. They explore the pitfalls of relying too heavily on exceptional employees, the complexities that come with growth, and the importance of establishing processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency. The conversation highlights the need for business owners to step back from daily tasks to focus on strategic growth and the value of documenting processes to empower employees and reduce stress.

Takeaways

• Your business is going to fail without systems.
• Growth is more complicated than it looks.
• Relying solely on Rockstar employees is setting yourself up for failure.
• Growth isn't just adding more facilities; it's about managing complexity.
• Making things simple is extremely difficult.
• Processes can be a hindrance to growth if not managed properly.
• The power of systems brings consistency and reduces mistakes.
• SOPs provide clarity and eliminate confusion for employees.
• Start with the biggest heartburn of your company when creating SOPs.
• Systems are essential for scaling and operational efficiency.

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n this episode, Rick and Magen reflect on their recent experience at the Inside Self Storage (ISS) event. They share personal observations about key industry trends, conversations with peers, and the evolving role of technology in self-storage.

While attendance seemed lower than in previous years, Rick and Magen noticed a significant uptick in tech companies showcasing new tools aimed at streamlining operations. They highlight how revenue management and marketing continue to be essential for growth, especially as operators navigate an uncertain economic environment.

Drawing from their interactions at the event, they point out a shift in the industry—many attendees are moving from family-owned operations into more formal management roles. This signals a growing emphasis on professionalization and strategic planning.

They also stress that while self-storage has proven to be recession-resistant, it’s not immune to broader market pressures. With potential changes on the horizon, Rick and Magen encourage operators to stay agile, financially disciplined, and focused on tracking every dollar spent.

Key Takeaways:

• Attendance at ISS appeared to be down this year.
• There was a strong presence of technology companies focused on operational efficiency.
• Revenue management and marketing are critical areas of focus.
• Operators are increasingly adopting software to streamline their businesses.
• Many attendees are transitioning from family-run businesses into formal management roles.
• The current economic climate is creating uncertainty in the industry.
• Self-storage remains resilient, but challenges are emerging.
• Preparing for market shifts and closely monitoring expenses is essential.

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Magen and Rick are back, and this time they’re getting straight to it—no fluff, just facts. This episode is all about the numbers driving the self-storage industry right now. You’ll learn where people are moving, how much you can raise rates without losing tenants, and what metrics actually matter when you’re making decisions.

This is a numbers show—no feelings, all data.

What You’ll Learn:

• 37% of people are planning a move in the next 6–12 months
• 47% of customers will leave if rates go up 10–20%
• Renters want easy, no-hassle experiences
• Economic pressure is pushing people to more affordable areas
• Tech will keep shaping the industry
• Flexible operators will win
• Great customer service still matters—big time

If you're ready to nerd out (just a bit) and walk away with actionable insights, hit play.

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 In this episode, we explore how even small price changes can send ripples through customer behavior and what that means for your bottom line. We break down our latest research—from customers' sensitivity to price increases and the magic behind promotional offers like “First Month Free” and “75% Off First Two Months.”  Along the way, Magen and Rick share insights on competitor strategies, future trends, and actionable steps to help storage owners fine-tune their pricing and add value without sacrificing customer loyalty. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just curious about the dynamics of pricing in self‑storage, this episode has something for you. Tune in and get ready to turn data into dollars! 

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Summary
In this part 2 episode, Rick and Magen discuss the nuances of hiring the right person for self-storage facilities. They emphasize the importance of hiring for personality rather than just the position, as it substantially increases the quality of applicants. They share their hiring process, which includes using a job ad that focuses on personality traits, setting up hoops for applicants to jump through to filter out the wrong fit, and creating a YouTube video to showcase the job and company culture. They prioritize engaging in conversations during the interview and encourage applicants to ask questions.

Takeaways

• Hiring for personality rather than just the position leads to a substantial increase in quality applicants.
• Creating a job ad focusing on personality traits and company culture attracts the right candidates.
• Setting up hoops for applicants to jump through during the hiring process helps filter out the wrong fit.
• Engaging in conversations during the interview allows for a better understanding of the applicant's personality and fit for the job.

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Summary
In this episode, Rick and Megan discuss the nuances of hiring in the self-storage industry. They highlight the importance of finding the right person for the job and the impact it can have on a facility's success. They also explore common hiring biases and fallacies hindering the hiring process. The conversation covers fair wages, bonus structures, and creating a positive work culture. They also discuss hiring hunters (aggressive sales-oriented individuals) and farmers (consistent and stable workers) based on the store's needs.

Takeaways

• Hiring the right person is crucial for the success of a self-storage facility.
• Common hiring biases and fallacies can hinder the hiring process.
• Fair wages and a positive work culture are important factors in attracting and retaining employees.
• Hiring hunters (aggressive sales-oriented individuals) and farmers (consistent and stable workers) based on the store's needs can be an effective strategy.

"Hiring hunters (aggressive sales-oriented individuals) and farmers (consistent and stable workers) based on the store's needs can be an effective strategy."

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In this episode of The Storage Playbook, Rick and Megan discuss the importance of customer feedback and how it can be transformed into actionable strategies to improve service and drive business growth in the self-storage industry. They share strategies for obtaining feedback, including surveys, and highlight the significance of feedback for self storage properties.
 
Takeaways

• Customer feedback is crucial for improving service and driving business growth in the self-storage industry.
• Surveys are an effective way to obtain feedback from customers and employees.
• Feedback from customers can lead to actionable improvements, such as addressing access issues and enhancing security.
• Employee feedback is valuable for improving leadership and company policies.
• Encouraging customer reviews can help boost online reputation and attract new customers.

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