What's Up, SSA?

Self Storage Association

How is the Self Storage Association working for you? Join your host Erin Lightfoot as she pulls back the curtain on what's happening inside the SSA and how to get the most out of your national membership and time spent at events. From the inside scoop on the latest legislative advocacy wins to candid conversations within our organization and industry, What's Up SSA will give you a deeper understanding of the work we do, the value of membership, and why it's so important to have a national nonprofit working on behalf of the self storage industry.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    #8 Two Ways to Florida

    On this episode of “What’s Up, SSA?”, host Erin Lightfoot speaks with SSA’s own Leslie Fuqua. Leslie is the Executive Director of the Florida SSA, the Illinois SSA, and our national Large Operators Council, commonly known as the LOC. Leslie announces an exciting new FSSA benefit, and plugs upcoming events for our Florida constituents. Then, Erin and Leslie explore the ins and outs of the LOC: how to become a member, why people are clamoring to be in the room, and what you can expect to get from your LOC membership.   Erin then catches up with Pedro Florida, a national SSA Board of Directors member and the president of Trojan Storage. Pedro has served many volunteer roles with the national SSA as well as with state associations. Pedro weighs in on the importance of participating in the LOC if your operating footprint is eligible, as well as why it’s vital to give back to the industry and the association.     Host: Erin Lightfoot, VP State Association Management, Self Storage Association   Producer: Sarah Kautzman, Digital Content & Communications Manager, Self Storage Association    Guests: Leslie Fuqua, Executive Director, FSSA, IL-SSA, LOC (Self Storage Association) Pedro Florida, President, Trojan Storage / SSA National Board of Directors Show Links: Florida SSA Events – 2026 Executive Summit https://www.floridassa.org/Events/Upcoming-Events ⁠ SSA Large Operators Council https://www.ssaloc.org/     Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music       Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠selfstorage.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.      Questions? Email us anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠info@selfstorage.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

  2. Oct 6

    #7 Money on the Table (Live From Las Vegas Part I)

    How do you make your SSA membership pay for itself, plus thousands more? Meet the Campbell family: SSA members to the max. Find out how as independent #selfstorageindustry developers and owner/operators, they've got it figured out when it comes to making their SSA membership work for them. Erin and Sarah review Fall Conference & Trade Show highlights before digging into one of the most underutilized SSA member benefits: the SSA Foundation Scholarship program. Live from the SSA Cafe at Fall Conference, Erin speaks with Annette Peterson, the SSA Foundation Manager, about the origins and sustainability of the scholarship, tips on applying, and everything you need to know before you hit submit. Live from the Trade Show floor, Sarah talks to SSA member Angel Campell about how her family has utilized the SSAF Scholarship program multiple times, and how attending SSA shows makes her feel more connected to the industry and informed than anything else. Before wrapping up the Trade Show, Erin had a chance to interview Luke Campbell. Luke is an SSAF Scholarship winner AND the winner of our first ever conference app game. Find out how much he walked away with, and how you might be leaving money on the table when it comes to your SSA membership. Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA VP Education & Events Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager Guests: Annette Peterson, SSAF Manager Angel Campbell, SSA Member (Owner/Operator) Luke Campbell, SSA Member, SSAF Scholarship Recipient Show Links: SSA Foundation 2027 Eligibility Info + Application Questions about your scholarship application? Email Annette Peterson: apeterson@selfstorage.org Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Additional Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: Y0RIG9LMNSY9YMA4  Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠selfstorage.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Questions? Email us anytime at ⁠⁠⁠info@selfstorage.org⁠⁠⁠.

  3. Sep 2

    #6 Quick & Dirty (Pre-Vegas Special)

    Erin and Sarah break down all the must-know-before-you-go info for SSA's 2026 Fall Conference & Trade Show happening September 8 - 11 at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. With a quick Top Ten List, you'll be well informed for your week immersed in the self storage industry. What requires a separate fee? How will you know how to get to the reception? What is new this year? Get all the answers (or find out where to get the answer) in this handy dandy pre-conference special episode. Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Education & Events Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager Show Links: SSA Fall Conference & Trade Show Registration SSA Magazine September Conference Edition Eventsential App for Apple⁠ Eventsential App on Google Play⁠ Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Additional Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: Y0RIG9LMNSY9YMA4  Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠⁠⁠selfstorage.org⁠⁠⁠.  Questions? Email us anytime at ⁠⁠info@selfstorage.org⁠⁠.

  4. Aug 13

    #5 The Horse's Mouth

    In the latest installment  of “What’s Up, SSA?”, host Erin Lightfoot and producer Sarah Kautzman, otherwise known as Gelman, reveal how you can get yourself one of the coveted  SSA “I ❤️ storage” trucker hats at Fall Conference in Las Vegas. Leading off this month’s guests is SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Joe Doherty. In concert with SSA Magazine’s highly anticipated annual August Legislative issue, Joe and Erin discuss the legal and legislative threats currently facing the self storage industry across multiple states. You can experience Joe’s expertise firsthand in Las Vegas where he will be moderating the opening General Session focused on responding to industry  threats in an era of increasing regulation. Joe will also present on Friday morning in Las Vegas for the Self Storage Legal Q&A. Erin then welcomes first time “What’s Up, SSA?” guest, SSA Director of Marketing & Member Outreach, Stephanie Satterfield. Stephanie shares why it will pay off big time to use the Eventsential App during Fall Conference this year. Listen to find out how you could win a large sum of cash by not even having to put forth that much effort! Stephanie will also be a presence in SSA’s new Vendor Lounge this year, so please seek her out for any vendor member questions while you are onsite in Las Vegas.   Show Links:  Fall Conference Information + Registration  Eventsential App for Apple  Eventsential App on Google Play  SSA Magazine (Current issue, archives, weekly industry report, advertising information)  Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education   Guests: Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Stephanie Satterfield, SSA Director of Marketing & MemberOutreach   Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & CommunicationsManager   Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Additional Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: Y0RIG9LMNSY9YMA4   Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠⁠selfstorage.org⁠⁠.   Questions? Email us anytime at ⁠info@selfstorage.org⁠.

  5. Jul 15 ·  Bonus

    Minisode 1 - E-Test

    In the first bonus minisode of "What's Up, SSA?", Erin and SSA SVP of Marketing & Communications, Mike Blackett, break down an often overlooked member benefit that can save immeasurable time and money when it comes to hiring self storage facility managers: the SSA E-Test program. Interested in this clip? Enjoy Erin and Mike's full conversation in episode 4 of "What's Up, SSA?" where they cover even more data resources that the SSA generates on behalf of the self storage industry.

  6. Jul 6

    #4 POW! (This is What Desperation Looks Like)

    In the 4th episode of “What’s Up, SSA?”, host Erin Lightfoot handles a surprise addition to the podcast production crew while juggling enlightening conversations with several members of the Self Storage Association’s team.   First, Erin speaks with SSA’s Sr. VP of Events & Education Ginny Stengel. They discuss how the Fall Conference programming promises to deliver a new twist on how we deliver our industry leading education. They also explore all the new resources that will be available to our vendor members / exhibitors in Las Vegas. Plus – a major announcement is made regarding who will be our “party captain” at the ARIA. Next, Erin summons our Sr. VP of Marketing & Communications from the shadows to highlight the data resources the SSA produces on behalf of the industry. Mike helps members understand how many publications there are to aid owners and operators in running their businesses, and how to access that information (sometimes it’s as easy as a phone call!). They also cover an ‘overlooked’ SSA resource thatmakes it easier to make successful hires. In addition to all the data resources and publications they discuss, Mike also announces a recent SSA team addition that will benefit the entire self storage industry.  We close with another unsung hero of the Self Storage Association: Tom Comi, SSA Director of Communications. Tom is also the Editor in Chief of SSA Magazine. Tom and Erin talk about how a niche industry publication managed to grow its revenue during the decade of the death of print. Tom details how he ensures SSA Magazine’s content stays unbiased and human-oriented. Tom’s tenure and unique position as the industry’s leading content generator makes him an ideal conversationalist for anyone even mildly interested in the self storage industry. Tom and Erin also touch on the series of articles Tom and his team churned out for SSA’s 50th anniversary in 2025 and puts out a call for article ideas.   Show Links: Fall Conference Information + Registration: https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference SSA Research & Data: Data Portal Subscription Information, Available Publications for Purchase (i.e., Demand Study, Traffic Generation Study): https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Research-Data  SSA Magazine (Current issue, archives, weekly industry report, advertising information): https://www.ssamagazine.org/   Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership: https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA  Submit your community-serving self storage stories: info@selfstorage.org   Submit your SSA Magazine content ideas: tcomi@selfstorage.org   Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education   Guests: Ginny Stengel, SSA SVP Events & Education Mike Blackett, SSA SVP Marketing & Communications Tom Comi, SSA Director of Communications   Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager   Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠selfstorage.org⁠.   Questions? Email us anytime at info@selfstorage.org.

  7. Jun 4

    #3 One Plus One Equals Three

    This episode of “What’s Up, SSA?” features a conversation with our President and CEO, Tim Dietz. Tim and Erin cover the notable changes in the industry and the association during his tenure, industry challenges to address, and ultimately get censored when they try to talk about our upcoming Fall Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas this September. Before that special segment, Erin speaks with SSA’s Sr. VP of Membership & States, Julie LaRose, about what upgrades members can look forward to at Fall Conference and beyond. This episode also features the first in our Legal Take 5 series where SSA’s EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Joe Doherty, answers our members’ burning legal questions. Joe also has an important update for our California owner/operators on the L.A. County state of emergency status.    Show Links: Fall Conference Information + Registration: https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership: https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA   Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education    Guests: Julie LaRose, SSA SVP Membership & States Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Tim Dietz, SSA President & CEO   Executive Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & CommunicationsManager    Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music    Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠selfstorage.org⁠. Questions? Email us anytime at Info@selfstorage.org .

  8. May 8

    #2 Everything Looks Like a Bill

    In this edition of “What’s Up, SSA?” host Erin Lightfoot speaks with SSA staff to shed light on a variety of topics curated specifically for our members. SSA's EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Joe Doherty, dives into a recently passed law in California and how operators can comply. He and Erin also discuss lame duck governors and how they can influence industry legislation. If you want to get even more in depth on California self storage industry legislation, make sure to register for SSA's special edition California Legislative Update live webinar happening on May 12. The webinar is free to attend; link to register is below. Erin also chats with SSA's Director of Meetings & Vendor Support, Carol Franklin. She and Carol cover how to ensure you don't miss the notifications when registration opens for exhibitors for our spring and fall conferences, as well as a new way to exhibit that we are launching at Fall Conference in September. Carol also gives some tips for vendor success at our shows. NOTE: Since this conversation was recorded, all traditional booths and tabletop display spaces are now SOLD OUT.  We close the episode with a conversation with Julia Bankerd, SSA's Director of Membership. Erin and Julia discuss new valuable educational content coming down the pipeline for our members and how to save money on Fall Conference Registration.  Show Links: Fall Conference Information + Registration: https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference California Legislative Update Live Webinar on May 12 Registration:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1917764481593/WN__INTH71eTvmD3vhwP_EXvQ?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYjodleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4N2dLTzJVYkIyTkFiTjN5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlgUJuxooHOHc12gfZvmrprQSTF25-yvvQ03eETHhVPqSrO_rAEDkP7Rc-x-_aem_p4cFCP-3olU32zowlOUGXQ#/registration Member Support Email: Info@selfstorage.org  Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education  Guests: Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Carol Franklin, SSA Director of Meetings & Vendor Support Julia Bankerd, SSA Director of Membership  Executive Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager  Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music  Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠selfstorage.org⁠.

  9. Apr 2

    #1 Open Kimono Industry (Live from Spring Conference)

    In the premiere episode of “What’s Up, SSA?” we hear directly from the staff of the Self Storage Association while they host the national SSA Spring Conference & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas in March of 2026. Host Erin Lightfoot, SSA’s Director of Events & Education, procures the inside scoop on: How surveillance pricing bills are affecting self storage operators and what the SSA is doing to protect the self storage industry How the SSA keeps educational topics fresh How sharing best practices moves the whole industry forward, and why it’s so important to “keep the kimono open” so to speakPlanning SSA’s Fall Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas (Psst…another something BIG is coming…)Where to easily engage with SSA staff and other SSA members while at conferencesHow SSA’s Young Leaders Group (YLG) is setting the tone during a generational shift in our industryExhibitor best practices and how to maximize your time at conference from a vendor perspective  Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education   Guests: Ginny Stengel, SSA Sr. VP of Events & Education Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Julie LaRose, SSA Sr. VP of Membership & States Brynn Lee, Xercor Insurance Director of Marketing & Communications  / YLG Board Member Cydney L’Hoste, Elevate Structures Regional Director of Business Development / SSA Vendor Member & Exhibitor   Executive Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Marketing & Communications Deptartment   Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Discover more member resources or become a member at selfstorage.org.

  10. Trailer

    Coming Soon: What's Up, SSA?

    You think you know your Self Storage Association...but do you really know what's up with the SSA? When we're not hosting the highest caliber national self storage industry events, the team at the SSA is hard at work protecting the industry through advocacy, curating the latest research and data, supporting regional and state events, and fulfilling our duty as the only not for profit self storage trade association in America. But we have a feeling you may not have known all that. And that's why we needed a podcast. On What's Up SSA, you'll hear directly from our team to get the inside scoop on industry legislation efforts, how to maximize your SSA membership benefits for your bottom line, and where to find the education and events that will connect you with the people and resources you need to grow your business. What's Up with the SSA? You'll have to listen to find out. Look for What's Up, SSA? with your host Erin Lightfoot coming soon to Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

  • 1 Trailer
    9 Episodes

Trailer

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About

How is the Self Storage Association working for you? Join your host Erin Lightfoot as she pulls back the curtain on what's happening inside the SSA and how to get the most out of your national membership and time spent at events. From the inside scoop on the latest legislative advocacy wins to candid conversations within our organization and industry, What's Up SSA will give you a deeper understanding of the work we do, the value of membership, and why it's so important to have a national nonprofit working on behalf of the self storage industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Self Storage Association
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Self Storage Association
  • Show Website
    What's Up, SSA?