Self Storage Explained

Stora
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Self Storage Explained

Expert advice to set up and scale your self storage business. A podcast from Stora hosted by Gavin Shields. Each episode explores a different topic you'll need to become familiar with in order to build a great self storage business. Everything from smart entry systems to online sales and beyond. Follow Self Storage Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about how Stora helps self storage businesses drive growth and discover our other free resources at https://stora.co.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Finding a New Self Storage Site: A Guide for Business Owners

    Gavin and Steven draw on their extensive knowledge and experience to guide business owners through the essential steps of finding the ideal location for a new self storage facility. In this episode, they outline the key factors to consider and the steps you need to take to find the ideal location for your next self storage facility. Explore Stortrack for the best insights, where their unmatched data accuracy in areas like price optimization and due diligence makes them the premier data partner in the self storage industry: https://www.stortrack.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Objective 02:33 Analyzing Local Competition 09:00 Searching for a Site 14:55 Financial Planning 18:42 Branding and Marketing 26:04 Operational Considerations 31:23Planning and Regulations 33:34 Maximizing Additional Revenue Streams 35:08 Pre-Opening Preparations 37:05 Resources and Final Thoughts

    40 min

  2. 12/23/2024

    How to Easily Create and Launch an AI Chatbot for Your Self Storage Website

    Summary Join our CSO and CEO, Steven and Gavin, as they guide you through leveraging the latest tech to easily create and launch an AI chatbot for your self storage website—all for less than $20/month. In this video, we’ll show you a simple and low cost way to experiment with AI chatbots, helping you determine if they’re a good fit for your self storage business. If you're ready to get started, Stora integrates seamlessly with Chatbase, enabling you to quickly create a custom AI chatbot to embed on your website. This chatbot will manage customer support, generate leads, and assist visitors in finding the perfect storage unit size. Learn more here: https://stora.co/integrations/... If you need any assistance getting set up, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help! Takeaways - Explore the capabilities of an AI chatbot - Discover the advantages and disadvantages - Understand how to set one up - Learn how to integrate it into your website

    22 min

  3. 12/11/2024

    Deep Dive Into Container Self Storage With Standby Self Storage Episode

    In this engaging episode, we sit down with Michael Walker from Standby Self Storage and Quickfit Container Accessories. Operating eight self storage sites and running a thriving container accessories business, Michael shares his journey from property development to building a successful self storage empire. Discover how Michael transitioned from renovating a rundown site in Croydon to launching his first self storage facility, navigating challenges, and spotting opportunities in an underserved market. With his insider knowledge as both a self storage operator and supplier, Michael provides valuable insights into the industry, from startup strategies to addressing business and personal storage needs. Key Takeaways from Michael: Understand how to overcome initial challenges such as planning and cost barriers. Discover the benefits of pivoting to innovative solutions, like container self storage, to save costs. Get insights into starting small. Recognize the importance of identifying and serving unmet market demands. See how filling gaps in underserved markets can create competitive advantages. Discover the value of adapting to market demands and leveraging local opportunities. Visit Stora.co to sign up for a demo or explore our Academy for tools, financial models, and guides to grow your self storage business. Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice and stories from the self storage industry. #selfstorage Chapters 00:33 Introduction 01:44 Opening his first site 05:40 Initial attraction to self storage 06:40 The growth of the business 07:35 The challenge of finding new locations 11:29 Leasing vs buying 17:17 The running of the business (marketing, sales, operations etc) 23:10 Quickfit Container Accessories 24:58 Unusual uses for a container 26:05 Top 3 important tips for success 28:12 Weirdest thing found in a container unit 29:49 What does the future hold for self storage? 32:00 The ideal feature for self storage 33:26 The future of Standby Self Storage 35:12 Outro

    35 min

  4. 11/28/2024

    From Airline Pilot to Self Storage Success: Karl Walker's Unique Journey

    In this episode of Self Storage Explained, we chat with Karl Walker from GB Storage, who shares his incredible journey from 25 years as a commercial airline pilot to launching a thriving self storage business in the UK. Karl talks about: - The pivotal moment that led him to leave aviation during COVID. - How he built a cutting-edge, app-based, staffless storage facility. - His strategies for attracting customers with Google Ads and high-quality service. - Lessons learned, expansion plans, and advice for new self storage entrepreneurs. Whether you're interested in self storage, entrepreneurship, or inspiring career pivots, this episode is packed with insights. Visit Stora.co to sign up for a demo or explore our Academy for tools, financial models, and guides to grow your self storage business. Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice and stories from the self storage industry. #selfstorage Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest, Karl Walker. 00:30 Karl’s journey from airline pilot to starting a self storage business. 03:00 Using smart locks, app-based access, and running a staffless facility. 05:39 Early adoption of Stora and how the app streamlined operations. 07:05 Attracting customers with Google Ads as the key strategy. 09:52 Customer experience from booking to move-in, and site design. 12:00 Plans for expanding the current facility based on demand. 15:25 How Karl’s aviation background influences his management style. 19:15 Advice for self storage entrepreneurs on pricing and customer targeting. 21:08 Closing thoughts on Karl’s journey, future goals, and being an early Stora customer.

    22 min

  5. 11/01/2024

    Self Storage Explained: Auctions, Automation and More With iBidOnStorage

    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Grant Daniel from iBidOnStorage, the platform that offers a simple and straightforward mechanism to sell abandoned storage contents, while mitigating the industry risk at the point of sale. Together, we dive into the world of storage auctions, exploring how automation is transforming the industry, the powerful role of software, and what the future holds for self storage. Takeaways - How auctions are evolving in the digital era - The benefits of automation for storage operators - Game-changing tech trends shaping self-storage - Predictions for the future of the industry Chapters 00:00 Welcome 00:45 iBidOnStorage introduction 05:22 What is self storage auction? 08:21 Auction stories from Grant 09:25 How do self storage operators get into auctions for those who have abandoned storage unit 09:49 Background and future of iBidOnStorage 13:34 Buying a facility in Belfast 15:55 Grant discusses his first fully remote site 16:47 How to market your site 18:35 Handling move ins at a fully automated site 20:51 Changes and trends over the last 9 years 22:53 Future changes in the industry 24:02 Automation, software and remotely managed sites 26:07 Breaking down language barriers 26:48 How to get started in self storage 29:37 Bookings and pricing debate 33:51 Follow-up process + tips 39:16 Pricing against the competition 42:04 Trends for the future

    48 min

  6. 09/27/2024

    Exploring Smart Entry Solutions: OpenTech Alliance

    Summary Will Corbett and Kristi Adams from OpenTech discuss the company's products and services in the self-storage industry. They highlight the importance of access control and the benefits of smart entry solutions, including smart locks. The discussion covers different ways to implement smart entry solutions, customer experiences, retrofitting smart locks, automation in self-storage, and options for unit alarms. OpenTech's solutions are available in various countries, and the company prides itself on its quality of service and support. Takeaways Access control is crucial in the self-storage industry, and smart entry solutions, such as smart locks, offer numerous benefits. Smart locks provide a seamless customer experience and can be accessed through apps or keypads, catering to different preferences. OpenTech's solutions are flexible and can be customized to meet the specific needs of different operators and facilities. The company's smart locks have a long battery life and offer robust hardware and clever software, backed by excellent customer support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:21 Introduction to OpenTech and its Products 08:03 Different Ways to Implement Smart Entry Solutions 11:00 The Benefits and Features of Smart Locks 12:23 Customer Experience with Smart Entry Solutions 15:13 Overview of Smart Locks and Other Smart Solutions 20:30 Automation and Self-Storage 25:13 Smart Locks for Large-Scale Facilities 29:56 Options for Unit Alarms 31:49 Availability of OpenTech Solutions 33:18 Quality of Service and Support

    35 min

  7. 02/15/2024

    Exploring Smart Entry Solutions: Nokē

    In our "Exploring Smart Entry Solutions" series, Gavin speaks directly with leading providers to learn about their technologies, offering self storage operators crucial insights into how these access systems function. Through these conversations, we hope you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics behind the solutions and their practical benefits. In this episode, Gavin discusses the Janus International's Nokē Smart Entry Solution for self storage businesses, with Paul and Will from the team. They touch on how it can be used for keyless entry to both gates and storage units with a mobile app or fob. Follow Self Storage Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about how Stora helps self storage businesses drive growth and discover our other free resources at ⁠https://stora.co⁠.

    38 min

  8. 02/15/2024

    Exploring Smart Entry Solutions: PTI Security Systems

    In our "Exploring Smart Entry Solutions" series, Gavin speaks directly with leading providers to learn about their technologies, offering self storage operators crucial insights into how these access systems function. Through these conversations, we hope you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics behind the solutions and their practical benefits. In a discussion with John D'Aprano from PTI Security Systems Europe, Gavin Shields delves into PTI's array of smart entry solutions and locking mechanisms. They explore the integration of smart entry systems with CCTV and remote monitoring, enhancing customer experiences through various access methods like the innovative Pro Edge lock and Bluetooth padlocks. They highlight the padlock solution's adaptability for container sites, the straightforward installation process, comprehensive back office system, and diverse alarm options. The conversation underscores PTI's global reach and multilingual support, offering insightful reflections on the advantages of PTI's smart entry solutions for self-storage facilities. Follow Self Storage Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about how Stora helps self storage businesses drive growth and discover our other free resources at ⁠https://stora.co⁠.

    27 min
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About

Expert advice to set up and scale your self storage business. A podcast from Stora hosted by Gavin Shields. Each episode explores a different topic you'll need to become familiar with in order to build a great self storage business. Everything from smart entry systems to online sales and beyond. Follow Self Storage Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about how Stora helps self storage businesses drive growth and discover our other free resources at https://stora.co.

Information

  • Creator
    Stora
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stora
  • Show Website
    Self Storage Explained

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