Stories and Strategies

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Channel • 11 Shows

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Updated Aug 11
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3D AGO

How Vertical Integration Fuels GROWTH in Self Storage

Send us a text What happens when a college senior aiming for luxury development ends up dominating the self-storage industry instead? Scott Meyers sits down with Cory Bonda, co-founder of Prestige Storage Capital, to explore Cory’s unexpected journey into self-storage and how he scaled from moonlighting in Columbus to managing a rapidly growing, vertically integrated storage empire. The conversation dives deep into Cory’s acquisition strategy, the value of fixed-rate debt, lessons learned through explosive growth (and pandemic curveballs), and the cautious yet innovative approach Prestige takes with technology and AI. Listen For: 0:46 From Student to Storage: Cory's Accidental Entry into the Industry 4:02 How Prestige Storage Exploded Post-2020 6:22 Why Fixed-Rate Debt Fueled Smart Growth During Volatile Times 10:16 How AI is Revolutionizing Hub-and-Spoke Storage Models 16:28 2025 and Beyond: Strategy, Expansion, and the Top 25 Goal CONNECT WITH GUEST: CORY BONDA LinkedIn | Website CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

3d ago

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22 min
SEP 1

Why AI Should Be in Your Self Storage Playbook

Send us a text What happens when self-storage meets artificial intelligence? Scott Meyers and Joe Downs reunite right after their Mastermind and Academy events to dive deep into the game-changing role of AI in the self-storage industry. Fresh from coaching hungry investors through their first deals, they shift gears into a passionate discussion about AI’s transformational power—from automating market analysis and underwriting to building personalized dashboards and internal GPTs that replace hours of manual work. With Joe’s infectious excitement and Scott’s strategic insight, this episode delivers a powerful look at how leveraging AI can drastically speed up, simplify, and supercharge success in real estate investing—especially self-storage. Listen For: 1:17 Seal the Deal: Whale hunts, masterminds, and champagne for first deals 4:23 Hungry Dogs and First Wins: The energy of new investors and what fuels momentum 11:00 AI Revelation: How Joe realized he's spending 50% of his time learning AI 19:05 Market GPT is Here: The birth of Belrose’s self-storage-specific AI 30:52 Redefining Industry Norms: Why common metrics like supply index might be outdated CONNECT WITH GUEST: JOE DOWNS LinkedIn | Website CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Sep 1

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44 min
AUG 25

Is the Future of Self Storage AI + Franchise Systems?

Send us a text Want to future-proof your storage business? It starts with systems, scale—and a bit of AI. Scott Meyers welcomes Steve Raposa from Mini Mall Storage Properties, who shares his unique journey from military service to hospitality and finally to becoming a key player in the self-storage world. They explore how franchise systems and hospitality efficiency directly translate into scalable, streamlined self-storage operations. From the impact of AI on underwriting and marketing to the importance of charitable giving and personal growth, this episode dives deep into what it means to run and scale a modern storage business in a data-driven world WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 4:12 Franchise Thinking in Self Storage 7:08 Can AI Make Storage Smarter? 12:16 Zoning, Data, and the AI Revolution 14:40 AI's Impact on Labor and Marketing 18:32 Giving Back: Veterans & St. Jude Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH STEVEN RAPOSA LinkedIn | Mini Mall Storage CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Aug 25

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23 min
AUG 18

Relief Rally Ahead and What It Means for YOU

Send us a text Is the economy heading for a soft landing… or a “touch-and-go”? Scott Meyers is joined with economist Mark Vitner, to unpack why commercial real estate got overpriced during the low-rate era, how self-storage cap rates often move differently from other asset classes, and what falling market rates plus clearer tariff policy could mean for deals ahead. Vitner flags a likely 75 bps easing path and a housing cool-stress-relief scenario (mortgages in the 6–6.5% band), with meaningful improvement showing up around April next year. He also maps migration winners (Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia; continued heat in Dallas, Houston, Miami, Charlotte, Raleigh) and why that churn is good for storage—plus practical advice for operators and new investors alike. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 7:01 How ultra-low rates inflated CRE values 8:40 Why self-storage cap rates can buck the trend 13:55 Vitner’s “touch-and-go” landing and 75 bps roadmap 27:51 Florida’s out-migration—and the Carolinas surge 29:28 Today’s hottest metros for storage demand Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH MARK VITNER LinkedIn | Website CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Aug 18

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35 min
JUL 21

Find Secret Storage Deals with PropRiseAI

Send us a text Speed, data, and AI are transforming self-storage—and those who master them are winning big. Scott Meyers sits down with Jean-Michael Diei, founder of PropRise, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way storage investors and operators source deals, navigate zoning, and optimize operations. From his childhood steeped in tech and entrepreneurship to building cutting-edge AI tools for real estate, Jean-Michael shares actionable insights on beating the competition, scaling faster, and working smarter. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 0:53 Jean-Michael’s AI-Powered Backdoor into Self-Storage 4:06 How AI Is Transforming Real Estate Acquisition Teams 9:07 Zoning Secrets: Using AI to Read City Council Signals 14:07 Inside PropRise: The AI Treasure Map for Finding Deals 16:22 Case Study: Doubling Deal Flow with Smart Data 18:37 Why Speed Wins: AI as the Ultimate Competitive Edge Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH JEAN-MICHAEL DIEI PropRise | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jul 21

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30 min
JUN 23

REPLAY - Meyers' Method: Mastering the Art of Self-Storage

Send us a text This is a Replay of an episode first published in March 2024. The heart and hustle behind the Meyers’ self-storage empire. This episode shares the personal and professional evolution of the Meyers’, from overworked landlords to self-storage magnates. Christina opens up about their initial leap of faith into the industry, while Scott details their transition into education and mentorship, shaping the country's leading self-storage community. The couple candidly explores the balance of business and marriage, sharing invaluable insights on partnership and conflict resolution. Topping off their narrative, they delve into their mission-driven business model, which has not only spurred financial success but also ignited a passion for philanthropy, leaving a lasting impact on communities and setting a heartfelt example for entrepreneurs everywhere. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:22 - The Road to Teaching 5:04 - Family Dynamics in Business 9:39 - Behind the Scenes Insights 19:48 - A Future Focused on Philanthropy Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA Website | You Tube| Facebook| X | LinkedIn | Instagram CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jun 23

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1h 1m
SEP 2

What Kind of Public Relations Industry Will Gen Z Inherit?

PR really is at a crossroads… we’ve got old playbooks and new players coming in who want to change the rules. In its report Mind the Gap, USC’s Center for Public Relations reveals sharp divides between Gen Z and older professionals on everything from AI and hybrid work to media influence and corporate purpose. While Boomers and Gen X cling to the belief that human creativity will always be irreplaceable, Gen Z is charging ahead, optimistic about technology, eager for flexibility, and expecting brands to stand for something more than just profit. But will that energy survive once they step into leadership — or will they, too, get swallowed by the system? In this episode, we sit down with Fred Cook, Director of USC’s Center for Public Relations and author of the Mind the Gap report, to explore whether we’re training young professionals for a world that no longer exists. Are we too obsessed with purpose and not focused enough on performance? Are old myths about PR holding us back? And most importantly — can Gen Z avoid the mistakes their predecessors made, or are they destined to repeat them? Listen For 3:04 The Weight on Gen Z’s Shoulders 5:15 Communicating Across Generations in a Fragmented Media Landscape 8:08 Polarization as a Business Model 12:02 The Death of Corporate Purpose? 17:56 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Ayeni Samuels Guest: Fred Cook, Director USC Center for Public Relations Email | X | LinkedIn Mind the Gap Study Stories and Strategies Website Curzon Public Relations Website Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | Pinterest Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

Sep 2

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25 min
JUL 14

SPARK Your Wealth with Passive Income

Send us a text What if you could invest alongside a mastermind — with just $5,000? Scott Meyers welcomes Brian Davis, co-founder of Spark Rental, to dive deep into the world of passive investing. Brian shares his winding journey from subprime mortgages to building an investment club that democratizes real estate deals, giving everyday investors access to big-league opportunities. Together, they explore risk, reward, due diligence, international living, geo-arbitrage, and the lessons hard-earned from surviving 2008. This conversation will challenge how you think about wealth building — and maybe even make you want to book that one-way ticket abroad. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 1:02 – From Psychology Major to Hard Money Lender 3:13 – How 2008 Wiped Out My Job and Portfolio 6:59 – Inside the Spark Rental Investment Club 15:22 – Expat Life: Abu Dhabi, Brazil, and Beyond 24:20 – Why Sponsor Risk Trumps Market Risk 35:24 – How 50 Investors Spot What One Might Miss Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH BRIAN DAVIS Spark Rental | LinkedIn | Instagram

Jul 14

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39 min
AUG 4

Park’n Shade: A Game Changer in Storage?

Send us a text What does it take to turn a family carport business into a multi-state RV storage powerhouse? Scott Meyers talks with Travis Bailey, owner of Park’n Shade, about the booming demand for covered RV and boat storage. Travis shares his journey from working summers in his dad’s business to buying it outright, and the evolution of RV storage from a niche service to a necessity driven by rising vehicle values and customer expectations. They discuss market demand, construction challenges, regional trends, solar integration, and how cautious growth has fueled Park’n Shade’s steady expansion across eight states. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 0:58 How a Carport Company Became an RV Storage Leader 3:06 Surviving the 2008 Downturn 7:56 The Shift from Luxury to Necessity in Covered RV Storage 17:54 Why Some Developers Are Sitting Out (and Others Aren’t) 24:29 Industry Crystal Ball: Where Covered RV Storage Is Headed Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH TRAVIS BAILEY LinkedIn | Park‘n Shade | CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Aug 4

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31 min
JUL 28

Self-Storage SOLUTIONS for SHIFTING DEMANDS

Send us a text Is your storage facility leaving money on the table? Scott Meyers sits down Greg Ellsworth—president of Toy Storage Nation and founder of Self Storage Consulting Group—to explore the evolving world of self-storage and RV/boat storage. Greg dives into why the old-school "build it and they will come" model is outdated and how data-driven design and multi-use flexibility are the keys to maximizing ROI. From RV amenities and pro-storage for contractors to the booming demand for truck and toy storage, Scott and Greg reveal how innovative development, smart entitlements, and reading between the zoning lines can unlock value in overlooked land. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 1:22 From College Grad to Storage Consultant 4:41 Why Operations Must Influence Design 9:11 The “Crystal Ball” Approach to Feasibility Studies 14:19 How Rising Interest Rates Reshaped Solid Deals 23:27 Why Boat & RV Storage Demand Isn’t Slowing Down 33:49 Turning “Worthless” Land Into Storage Gold Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GREG ELLSWORTH Self-Storage Consulting Group | Self Storage Consulting Group | Toy Storage Nation | Email CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Jul 28

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39 min

Whether your focus is global, or community-targeted, Stories and Strategies produces attention-grabbing podcasts. We take the time to understand your business strategy and how a podcast weaves into that. Then, we develop content that’s engaging, entertaining, and driven by measurable results. Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals in audio and video production, strategic communications and marketing planning, as well as presentation training.

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