Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

Melissa Huff, Josh Huff
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Listen in as we gab about the self storage 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 Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where 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. Brought to you by the team at Lighthouse Storage Solutions.

  1. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

    1D AGO

    Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

    As the self storage industry heads into another busy season and with ISS World Expo around the corner, Josh and Melissa take a step back to talk about something simple but often overlooked. What is the core of your business and are you still focused on it? With AI and new tools dominating conversations across the industry, it is easy to get pulled in a lot of different directions. Some of those tools can enhance your business. Others can become distractions. In this episode, we break down the difference. We look at real-world examples like Amazon expanding in ways that still support its core business, compared to companies like Microsoft that invested heavily in products that did not align with their main focus. Then we bring it back to self storage. At the end of the day, our business is renting units. That means focusing on three things above all else: Creating a smooth and simple rental experience Delivering a great customer experience after move-in Attracting the right customers to your facility If those three things are not dialed in, nothing else will matter. This episode is a reminder to evaluate where your time, money, and attention are going and to make sure everything you are adding actually supports the main thing. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    36 min
  2. Keeping Your Vendors Accountable

    MAR 27

    Keeping Your Vendors Accountable

    Are your vendors actually doing what you're paying them to do? After a short break to get settled into our new role alongside Haviland Storage Services, Melissa and Josh are back on the podcast addressing a topic that affects every single operator. We all rely on vendors. Landscaping, software, security, marketing… They're a critical part of running a self storage facility. But here's the question we don't ask often enough: Are you really getting what you're paying for? In this episode, we dig into how to keep your vendors accountable and make sure they're actually serving your business the way they should. We cover: Knowing your contracts (and what's actually included) Scheduling regular demos and check-ins Making sure you're using everything you're paying for And getting out to trade shows to compare options and stay sharp One of the best ways to evaluate your current vendors and discover better ones is simply getting in the room with them. That's why our recommendations this week are all about trade shows. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the Inside Self-Storage World Expo - Register Here Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    29 min
  3. Storage Academy, The Show, and Joining Forces with Haviland

    JAN 29

    Storage Academy, The Show, and Joining Forces with Haviland

    In 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 Storage Academy—a new educational platform focused on delivering high-quality, vetted content for self storage owners, managers, and teams. The goal: practical education that actually improves operations and profitability. Announcing The Show – 2026 Travis Morrow from Modern Storage Media and Store Local closes out the episode with details on The Show, the largest self storage trade show east of the Mississippi coming in 2026. He shares what makes this event different, why it matters, and who should be there. This episode is all about collaboration, education, and raising the bar for the self storage industry. 🎥 Now available on YouTube - Watch Episode Here Register for The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    1h 3m
  4. When Is It Time For Third Party Management?

    JAN 15

    When Is It Time For Third Party Management?

    In this episode, Josh and Melissa tackle one of the most common decisions self-storage owners face: should you partner with a third-party management company (3PM)? This honest conversation explores when it makes sense, when it doesn't, and what you need to consider before handing over the keys. They cover: The pros and cons of going with 3PM What 3PM companies really provide How to know if you're ready for that level of partnership What questions you should be asking before signing on The red flags to watch out for How the market has changed and what that means for your independence Whether you're just starting out or thinking about making a change, this episode will help you make a smarter, more confident decision. 🎥 Now also available on YouTube - Watch It Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    33 min
  5. Lessons Learned in 2025

    12/19/2025

    Lessons Learned in 2025

    As 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. Looking ahead, we discuss what's likely to carry over into 2026 and offer insights on staying resilient, forward-thinking, and people-focused in your self storage business. We wrap things up with a few hot takes—and some exciting Gabfocus updates you won't want to miss. Watch the YouTube replay- Lessons Learned in 2025 Guests: Jane Sauls (Sauls Commercial Real Estate), Heather McCombs (Spacebox Management), Shannon Charbonneau (XPS Solutions) Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    1h 12m
  6. Self Storage Goals for Every Facility

    12/16/2025

    Self Storage Goals for Every Facility

    As we wrap up the year, Josh and Melissa close out the podcast season with a forward-looking conversation on setting the right goals for 2026. In this episode, we focus on the importance of establishing SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—that actually move the needle for self storage operators. Rather than chasing everything at once, we break down three big-picture goals every facility should prioritize in the year ahead. We discuss why: Consistently generating Google reviews strengthens trust and improves visibility Raising rates intentionally is critical for long-term profitability Finding one focused area of improvement—for yourself, your team, or your operations—can dramatically impact performance Whether that improvement comes from learning your software better, investing in team education, or moving toward full automation, these goals are practical, achievable, and proven to improve your bottom line. This is our final regular podcast episode of the year (with one more webinar coming up), and it's designed to help you start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Plus some holiday focused recommendations for making memories that will last. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    37 min
  7. Overcoming Customer Objections

    12/05/2025

    Overcoming Customer Objections

    Every self storage manager hears objections from customers—but how you respond can make the difference between a lost lead and a new tenant. In this episode, we into the art of overcoming customer objections with empathy and strategy. Through practical role-playing and real-world examples, we explore some of the most common pushbacks, including: "Do I really need tenant insurance?" "That price is too high." "I don't want to sign up for autopay." "Why is my rate going up?" We unpack each objection to reveal the real concern underneath the question—and share how to respond in a way that builds trust and moves the conversation forward. Plus some holiday focused recommendations. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    43 min
  8. Self Storage Finances 101 with Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian

    12/02/2025

    Self Storage Finances 101 with Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian

    Understanding the financial side of self storage is critical—whether you're just getting started or already scaling your portfolio. In this rebroadcast of our popular webinar, we're joined by Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian to break down the financial fundamentals every owner and operator should know. We cover: The key reports and KPIs to track your facility's financial health Budgeting for controllable vs uncontrollable expenses Cap rates, depreciation, and stabilized assets explained in plain language Knowing when it's time to grow—and how to fund that growth The pros and cons of building new vs buying an existing facility What lenders look for and how to prepare for expansion, sale, or refinance We also tackle common financial questions from owners across the country—covering topics like DSCR vs DST funding, interest rates, ad budgets, and what to do when your tenant passes away. Whether you're aiming to stabilize your first facility or planning a multi-site portfolio, this session is packed with practical tips and strategic advice to build a profitable future in self storage. Watch the YouTube replay- Self Storage Finances: 101 Guests: Brooks Lumpkin (Flex Storage) and Amber Crucian (Live Oak Bank) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    1h 25m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Listen in as we gab about the self storage 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 Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where 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. Brought to you by the team at Lighthouse Storage Solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Huff, Josh Huff
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lighthouse Storage Solutions
  • Show Website
    Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

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