Shows
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastStorage Academy, The Show, and Joining Forces with HavilandIn this special announcement episode of the Gabfocus Podcast, Josh and Melissa Huff share three major updates that will shape the future of the self storage industry as a whole. Joining Forces with Haviland Storage Services Sue Haviland joins the show to talk about partnering with Lighthouse Storage Solutions and what this collaboration means for owners and operators. Melissa shares her new role supporting operations and training, and Sue explains how this partnership strengthens Haviland's ability to serve clients nationwide. Introducing Storage Academy Tommy Nguyen and Darby Bozeman join the conversation to unveil...
2026-01-291h 02
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastLessons Learned in 2025As 2025 comes to a close, what have we learned and what should we be ready for in 2026? In this special year-end Gabfocus LIVE episode, we reflect on the highs and lows of the self storage industry in 2025 with three seasoned professionals. We break down trends in occupancy, rates, technology, operations, and customer behavior, and we talk honestly about challenges that operators faced—from rate wars to staffing struggles. Our panel shares lessons they've learned (some the hard way), what they tried that didn't work, and what they're already doing to prepare for the new year. Lo...
2025-12-191h 12
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastGetting a Self Storage Education (Even If You Missed the SSA Show)If you're like us, you didn't make it out to Vegas this year for the Self Storage Association 50th Anniversary Conference. But don't despair! We have tons of other ways to find the education, networking, and vendor updates you need to keep your business competitive. Whether it's in-person events, virtual webinars, podcasts, or papers, we share all our recommendations for finding out what you need to know in our industry. So, break open a bottle of wine, pour a glass of bourbon, and enjoy those at home prices as we talk about tons of non-Vegas options to...
2025-09-0338 min
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastOwning Your Local Market with Stephanie TharpeFive years ago, Gabfest kicked off the Gabfocus webinar series to bring expert insights and real-world strategies to the self-storage industry. Now, in our 70th webinar episode, we're diving into one of the most important topics for storage operators: How to Dominate Your Local Market. In this special episode, Tommy and Melissa sit down with industry expert Stephanie Tharpe to discuss how a strong local presence can set your facility apart from the competition. Topics covered include: Identifying Your Target Market – How to map out where your tenants are coming from and which local bu...
2025-03-201h 13
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastIncreasing Occupancy With a Great Experience with Luke WestbrooksIncreasing occupancy is top of mind for most self storage operators. Advice is plentiful, from upping your ad spend to dropping your rates. But what really works? Luke Westbrooks joins the webinar to discuss what has and hasn't worked for the portfolio under his care. You won't be surprised by the bottom line- it's all about the customer experience. Your customer interaction has a direct impact on their desire to rent with you or recommend you to others. The gabfocus team work through communication, move-ins, billing, collections, and more as they tackle this important topic. Hosts: Tommy N...
2024-05-161h 11
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastTop 5 Sales Skills for Managers with Carol MixonOne of the top training guru's in self storage, Carol Mixon, joins the podcast today to talk all about selling skills. Active listening, problem solving, customer care, product knowledge, and of course closing those leads are just a few of the many topics covered in todays episode. Carol shares a variety of helpful examples along with practical advice for training your team or doing the work yourself. This is a rebroadcast of the Gabfocus webinar originally aired on 3/28/2024. You can watch it over on StoragePug's site. Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Guest: Carol Mixo...
2024-04-111h 05
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastDoes Grassroots Marketing Work in 2024? w/ Stacie MaxwellDigital marketing dollars don't go as far as they used to, but don't worry- Stacie Maxwell, the Grassroots Guru, joins us to explore the ways you can get involved in your community to keep your facility top-of-mind when people need storage. Do you host local events? Have a robust referral program? Use QR codes? Engage in social media? Partner with other businesses? We explore these options and more as we take a deep dive into grassroots marketing and find out how to measure its success. This is a rebroadcast of the Gabfocus webinar originally aired on 2/29/2024. You...
2024-02-291h 44
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast2024 State of the Industry w/ John ChangIt's time for an economic temperature check for the self storage industry, and who better to share his insights on this than John Chang from Marcus & Millichap. Where are we now? What should we expect with the recession, occupancy, street rates, or construction? How should operators be approaching pricing, expanding, or investing? What should self storage be concerned with in the next year? All this and more is tackled by our experts. Plus, we take a ton of LIVE questions from one of the largest audiences Gabfocus has ever seen. Don't miss this special rebroadcast episode.
2024-01-251h 20
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastThankful for Self StorageToday is all about Thanksgiving! And we certainly have a lot to be thankful for, especially when it comes to the self storage industry. Our Gabfocus Friends helped us out for this episode, so a special shout out to Max, Adam, Megan, Cindy, Sue, Bob, Chad, Alonna, and all the rest who chimed in with their reasons for gratitude. From tenants, to managers, to vendors, to the SSA, we are so incredibly blessed. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! And if you need a few suggestions for a juicy bird, stick around to the end for Josh's brining...
2023-11-2236 min
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastOptimizing Your Day to DayBusiness success comes down to the daily choices you and your team make. What do you prioritize? What's working? What needs to be better? In this rebroadcast of the Gabfocus webinar Optimizing Your Day-to-Day, we'll take a magnifying glass to small tasks that make up managers' and operators' days and see how you can make them better. Tommy and Melissa will be joined by Denise Bowley (Self Storage Science) and Kevin Mullis (Bob White Self Storage) as they highlight how they handle improving operations: How do you prioritize tasks at your business? How do you tell w...
2023-06-291h 22
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastStorage Tech SummitThis is a rebroadcast of the insightful "Storage Tech Summit" webinar from our monthly Gabfocus. Featuring Chuck Gordon, the CEO of Storable, and Raheem Amer, the President of Mini Mall Storage, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the world of self storage technology. Discover the state of storage tech, the latest trends and innovations, and the impact of automation on the industry. Gain valuable insights into communication systems, software solutions, and enhancing facility security. Chuck and Raheem share their experiences and discuss the future of technology in the storage industry. Plus, they dive into the...
2023-05-261h 30
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastMarketing in Slow MarketsJoin Heather McCombs, Stacie Maxwell, Tommy Nguyen, and Josh Huff in this exciting podcast episode as they share their expertise on marketing your self-storage business in slow markets. They reveal the importance of hiring managers with a concierge-like personality and making friends with your competition. We highlight the importance of getting entrenched in the community and sponsoring local events to build a positive image for your business. Plus diagnosing your market, maintaining marketing strategies, physical marketing, and even some old school tactics. This was a rebroadcast of the monthly Gabfocus webinar for March '23. Guests...
2023-03-301h 19
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastRV and Boat StorageFrom the costs to customer expectations, running a facility focused on storing boats, RVs, and other vehicles is very different from running a traditional self storage facility full of storage units. There's a lot to know to set yourself up for success. Whether you're new to storage entirely or you're a seasoned storage veteran trying to add vehicle storage to your portfolio, this Gabfocus session features experts and veterans in the field that can give you the perspective you need! Episode Resources here Guests: Terry Anderson, Barry Raber, & Greg Ellsworth Brought to you...
2022-10-061h 10
Gabfocus Self Storage PodcastGabfocus Self Storage Podcast Intro Welcome to the show! Self Storage has never been this fun and informative! Listen in as we gab about the industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen bring in nationally recognized speakers, leaders of companies, and top experts to help you maximize your self storage business, optimize your management team, and prepare for what's ahead. New episodes on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of t...
2022-01-0604 min