Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

Melissa Huff, Josh Huff, Tommy Nguyen
  • 5.0 (6)
  • 管理
  • 两周一更

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 teams at Lighthouse Storage Solutions and StoragePug.

  1. Getting a Self Storage Education (Even If You Missed the SSA Show)

    2天前

    Getting 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 scratch that trade show itch. Here are the linked key resources we touch on in the episode: In person events (find the full calendar from ISS right here) Virtual Events like the Gabfocus Webinar Podcasts a plenty, all listed on the Modern Storage Media podcast website Articles about everything self storage from StoragePug, Inside Self Storage, Modern Storage Media, Lighthouse, and SSA Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    38 分钟
  2. Disaster Prep & Recovery with Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin

    8月21日

    Disaster Prep & Recovery with Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin

    Today we focus on something every self storage operator hopes they never have to face—but absolutely need to be ready for: disasters. When the worst happens, every decision matters. Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin join Tommy and Melissa to share real stories from their own crisis experiences—fires, floods, and more—and the lessons they’ve learned the hard way. We cover: What to do (and avoid) in the first 24–48 hours after disaster strikes How to support distressed staff and tenants Dealing with insurance gaps, communication breakdowns, and repair delays How to prep your facility now: checklists, safeguards, and budgets What disasters aren’t typically covered by insurance Tips for multi-site operators and high-risk areas like flood zones The top 3 pieces of advice our guests would give to every operator Disasters don’t wait. This episode gives you the tools to prepare, respond, and recover stronger. This webinar originally aired on August 21, 2025 . Watch the YouTube replay- Disaster Prep & Recovery Webinar Guests: Kevin Leebrick (NoDa Self Storage) & Scott McLaughlin (Sentry Self Storage Management) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    1 小时 11 分钟
  3. Legal Landmines: ADA, Arbitration, & Antitrust in Self Storage - Legal Chat Episode 6 with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker

    8月15日

    Legal Landmines: ADA, Arbitration, & Antitrust in Self Storage - Legal Chat Episode 6 with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker

    As the self storage industry moves further online, legal risks are evolving fast. In this Legal Chat episode, Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker break down the biggest legal challenges operators face today—and how to prepare for them. Key topics include: Website accessibility & ADA lawsuits Deceptive Trade Practices and Drip Pricing Mandatory arbitration vs. class action exposure Disclosing fees and exclusions online Online contracts (click-wrap, scroll-wrap) and enforceability Oregon’s wage theft law and its impact on construction projects Revenue management & antitrust concerns—especially around RealPage Why transparency, documentation, and education are your best legal defenses Carlos and Scott offer real-world examples, recent cases, and clear takeaways to help you reduce risk and protect your facility. You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 6 on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    43 分钟
  4. Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage with Jennifer Barroqueiro

    8月7日

    Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage with Jennifer Barroqueiro

    AI is everywhere in the self storage world—but how can operators actually use it day-to-day? In this episode, Jennifer Barroqueiro from All-Purpose Storage joins Josh and Melissa Huff to share real, practical ways managers and owners can leverage AI to save time, improve communication, and boost efficiency. We discuss: How AI can streamline emails, Google review responses, and content creation Using AI tools to scrape competitor rates and recommend pricing Tips for creating branded graphics and mascots (like APS’s famous goat, Roy) Why detailed prompting and verification matter for reliable results How to avoid losing your brand’s voice while still using AI to speed up work Plus, recommendations that extend to using AI beyond the office Whether you’re skeptical of AI or just looking for ways to make it work for you, this episode gives actionable ideas you can start using today. Episode Resource: Episode 138- When AI Isn't the Answer Guest: Jennifer Barroqueiro (All-Purpose Storage) Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    57 分钟
  5. Future-Proofing with Upgrades & Expansions: with Nigel Kreft

    7月31日

    Future-Proofing with Upgrades & Expansions: with Nigel Kreft

    Is your self storage facility ready for the future—or falling behind? In this episode, Nigel Kreft from Elevate Structures joins Tommy Nguyen and Melissa Huff to talk about how to keep your property competitive, profitable, and positioned for growth through the right upgrades and expansions. We discuss: When and why to upgrade or expand (from occupancy struggles to prepping for a sale) How to time improvements around seasons, customer impact, and ROI The upgrades that deliver the biggest return (and the ones that matter long-term, even with delayed ROI) Expert tips for roofing, fencing, gates, access systems, and landscaping How to decide between raising rates, expanding, or acquiring Common construction pitfalls and how to avoid them What to know about budgeting, vendors, and scheduling before breaking ground The three upgrades every operator should prioritize: security, functional doors, and quality roofing Whether you’re battling competition, planning to sell, or simply want to keep your facility thriving, this episode will help you make smart decisions that pay off now—and years down the road. This webinar originally aired on July 24, 2025 . Watch the YouTube replay- Webinar of this Episode Guest: Nigel Kreft (Elevate Structures) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    1 小时 11 分钟
  6. Incentivizing Your Managers

    7月25日

    Incentivizing Your Managers

    Your facility manager isn’t just an employee—they’re running your multi-million-dollar business. Are you training, empowering, and compensating them to reflect that responsibility? In this episode, we cover: What NOT to incentivize (and why the wrong goals can hurt your bottom line) How to educate your manager (or yourself) so they fully understand how your business makes money The big question: How should you actually incentivize your manager? (What’s pay is fair, effective, and aligned with your goals) Why clear expectations and proper training are critical for getting manager buy-in and strong facility performance If you want a manager who’s invested in your success—and a pay structure that motivates the right behaviors—this episode gives you the framework to make it happen.   Listen to Part 1 of this topic - Run It Like You're Selling It Episode Don't forget to subscribe to Lighthouse Storage Solutions on YouTube to get alerts for our upcoming video podcast. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    45 分钟
  7. Run It Like You're Selling It

    7月17日

    Run It Like You're Selling It

    Whether you plan to sell next year or in 20 years, one thing is certain: you won’t own your self storage facility forever. So how do you ensure it’s gaining—and retaining—value? In this episode, we explore what it means to steward your storage asset with the future in mind. We break down three key areas that directly impact your facility’s long-term value: ✅ Up-to-date procedures that ensure smooth operations and make your facility attractive to buyers or successors 📈 Revenue management strategies to drive consistent growth and uncover missed income opportunities 🛠️ Capital improvements that actually pay off and keep your facility competitive in the market For those preparing to exit the industry or just wanting to build a stronger business, this episode offers practical ways to protect and grow the value of your facility—starting today. Episode resources: Policies and Procedures Episode Don't forget to subscribe to Lighthouse Storage Solutions on YouTube to get alerts for our upcoming video podcast. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    42 分钟
  8. Social Media is Back! - How AI and META are Changing How People Find Self Storage

    7月10日

    Social Media is Back! - How AI and META are Changing How People Find Self Storage

    How's your social media presence? Do you post once a month? Once a year? If your Facebook page or Instagram profile are low priorities, it might be time for a change. A HUGE update from META dropped today. Posts on social can now be indexed on Google. Plus, Google is launching AI Mode to go along with their traditional search. What does this mean for self storage? It means content is more important that ever. Google is searching the same way we do, serving results from LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit, and yes, even your Facebook Page right in your results window. So dust off those social media strategies, get out that camera phone, and start posting, because social media is back for self storage. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

    35 分钟
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5
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关于

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 teams at Lighthouse Storage Solutions and StoragePug.

信息

  • 创作者
    Melissa Huff, Josh Huff, Tommy Nguyen
  • 活跃年份
    2022年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    154
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © 2025 Lighthouse Storage Solutions
  • 节目网站
    Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

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