Storage Unlocked

Thaddeus Campbell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Storage Unlocked is where self-storage meets reality. Hosted by Thaddeus Campbell, this no-fluff podcast dives into the hard numbers, bold opinions, and surprising trends shaping the self-storage industry and beyond. From housing market shifts and economic red flags to untapped investment opportunities, Thaddeus and Chris break it all down with sharp insight and real-world experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just storage-curious, you'll get insider takes, uncensored discussions, and data-backed forecasts that actually matter. Weekly drops. Always unfiltered.

  1. What is AI really doing in Self Storage? We asked three of the leaders in the space.

    2D AGO

    What is AI really doing in Self Storage? We asked three of the leaders in the space.

    Are we all going to be replaced by robots by 2030? I am your host, Thaddeus Campbell, and in this episode of Storage Unlocked, I am joined by Maggie Bode (Unity AI), Jacob Pandl (NodaFi), and Tyler Sellars (Cactus AI) to discuss the "leapfrog moment" in self-storage technology . We are moving away from the era of spreadsheets and paper walkthroughs into a world where AI agents answer the phones and machine learning automates our facility audits. In this episode, we cover: Underwriting Automation: How Cactus AI is allowing analysts to use their own proprietary "IP" to generate pro formas in a fraction of the traditional time . Operational Efficiency: Jacob Pandl explains that NodaFi's goal is to handle the "machine work" so site managers can spend their time coaching teams and building tenant relationships. Virtual Sales Agents: Maggie Bode breaks down why AI agents like "Maya" are providing higher customer service by giving instant answers to gate codes and balance inquiries . Market Data: A look at how Tract IQ's newest CMBS data is finally giving operators a clear view of true "achieved" rates in their trade areas . The Hype Cycle: Why "vibe coding" and other buzzwords are cluttering the C-suite, and what actually works on the ground. Connect with Maggie Bode: maggie@getuniti.com https://getuniti.com Connect with Jacob Pandl: jacob@nodafi.com https://nodafi.com Connect with Tyler: tyler@trycactus.com https://trycactus.com This episode was brought to you by: https://pbbrown.com/ https://tractiq.com/tssr

    44 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

    2D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

    Introducing Side Dish: More with Dan Bucatinsky from Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Follow the show: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson More of my interview with ‘The Comeback’ star Dan Bucatinsky. We get into Dan's longtime collaboration with Lisa Kudrow and he shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from their comedy series Web Therapy. This episode was recorded at Louise’s Trattoria in Larchmont Village in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Earnings calls report stable core assets, meanwhile REIT stocks skyrocket

    MAR 6

    Earnings calls report stable core assets, meanwhile REIT stocks skyrocket

    In this episode of Storage Unlocked, I break down the 2025 year-end earnings for the major storage REITs. I discuss why storage stocks are trading at a premium (15x to 18x FFO) compared to other real estate sectors and the massive leadership shift at the top of Public Storage . In this episode, I also cover: The Murphy Family Mission: I share the story of Decker's Blueprint, a fundraising effort for Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy that is uniting the storage industry . Tract IQ Data Drop: I analyze the "inverse" correlation between population growth and rent—why low-growth markets in the Northeast and Midwest are currently the only ones seeing rate increases . Acquisition Alive & Well: How the biggest players spent nearly $1 billion each on portfolios and JV buyouts last year . Faith & Law: Scott Zucker joins me to discuss how his Jewish faith has guided his success as one of the most recognized legal voices in our sector . Tune in for the data, the strategy, and a story that puts the entire industry into perspective. Connect with Thaddeus Campbell (S3 Partners): https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ thaddeus@s3.partners This episode was brought to you by: https://pbbrown.com/

    32 min
  4. The Lay of Land for Self Storage from three industry giants.

    FEB 27

    The Lay of Land for Self Storage from three industry giants.

    In this very special edition of Storage Unlocked, I am joined by Zachary Dickens (Extra Space), Paul Spittel (Public Storage), and Alex Burnam (StorageMart) . These three firms have transacted on over $25 billion in storage assets in just the last half-decade . In this episode, we cover: Strategic Evolution: We discuss Public Storage's transition to PS 4.0 and their move to the Dallas-Frisco area to recruit top talent and accelerate growth . The Manhattan vs. Boroughs Debate: We breakdown StorageMart's massive $1.05 billion portfolio purchase and why they are betting long-term on Brooklyn and Queens .d The Scale Play: We discuss about Extra Space and the efficiencies gained from the Life Storage merger, and its role as the industry's largest third-party manager . Policy & Law: A candid look at the New York City DCWP lawsuit and the industry's proactive collaboration with the SSA to protect owner rights . The Tech Shift: From AI-driven predictive analytics to the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), we discuss what is disrupting storage marketing in the late 2020s . Tune in to hear from the leaders of the industry's three most consequential companies.

    52 min
  5. One of the bright lights of the Storage Industry passes away

    FEB 20

    One of the bright lights of the Storage Industry passes away

    in this episode of Storage Unlocked, I offer a tribute to Deanie Burns, a beloved leader we lost far too soon . I also dive into the Public Storage Q4 earnings call, breaking down their $1.8 billion in available capital and the strategic shift toward PS 4.0 under incoming leader Tom Boyle . In this episode, I also cover: Legal Strategy: I sit down with 40-year veteran Scott Zucker to analyze the $6 million DCWP lawsuit against Extra Space. We discuss the legal right to raise rents versus the growing trend of legislative rate controls . Development Realities: Why negative leverage is becoming a permanent challenge for new builds and how developers can navigate an oversupplied market . Industry Milestones: Noah Starr (Tract IQ) welcomes a newborn daughter, and the SSA officially adds our Prayer Breakfast to the March schedule in San Antonio . Faith in Ops: Jesse Lamb discusses how her faith has been the anchor in her transition from operations at Strat to her new role at NodaFI. Tune in for the data, the leadership shifts, and the community updates you need to stay ahead in 2026. Connect with Thaddeus Campbell (S3 Partners): thaddeus@s3.partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ This episode was brought to you by: https://pbbrown.com/

    28 min
  6. Is a $6M lawsuit against extra space a sign of more to come in NYC.

    FEB 13

    Is a $6M lawsuit against extra space a sign of more to come in NYC.

    I am your host, Thaddeus Campbell, and in this episode of Storage Unlocked, I dive deep into the multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed by New York City against Extra Space Storage . I analyze the allegations of deceptive pricing and the potential "ripple effect" this could have on how every major operator manages their same-store NOI growth . In this episode, I also cover: Operational Consolidation: Why Anytime Storage and The Storage Manager are merging to create a more powerful third-party management platform Data Transparency: Why Tract IQ's new CMBS data is seeing record adoption among developers and acquisitions teams . The Capital Market Forecast: I share competing visions for the 10-year Treasury from Tom Sherlock (Talonvest) and Adam Trosso (Next Century Self Storage) . Faith in the Metroplex: Logan Freeman discusses how he integrates his convictions into his day-to-day business dealings . The Heart of Storage: A heavy-hearted update on Denee Burns and how we can support a beloved member of our industry . Support Denee's Burns GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-denee-access-lifesaving-cancer-treatment?attribution_id=sl:ab12ea43-a3ea-47dd-b3ba-6d1e6069e89c&lang=en_US&ts=1770839841&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link This episode was brought to you by: https://pbbrown.com/ https://s3.partners/ Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: thaddeus@s3.partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell

    30 min
  7. The largest deal in 3 years sees Manhattan Mini Storage hit the boroughs

    FEB 6

    The largest deal in 3 years sees Manhattan Mini Storage hit the boroughs

    Is New York City still the "Stronghold Market" for big equity? I am your host, Thaddeus Campbell, and in this episode of Storage Unlocked, I break down the news that StorageMart has acquired a 15-asset NYC portfolio for a reported $1.05 billion . I discuss what this means for the Manhattan Mini Storage brand and why institutional capital is becoming increasingly "picky" about the deals it pursues. In this episode, I also cover: A Legend's Perspective: I am joined by Ken Woolley, the founder of Extra Space, who shares how he built a storage empire over five decades and why he isn't waiting for rates to drop back to 2021 levels . Institutional Moves: The details on CubeSmart's $250M joint venture with CBRE and what it signals for management-led growth . The 10-Year Treasury Trap: Why Tom Sherlock and other capital market leaders see 6% to 6.5% interest rates as the long-term norm Youth in Storage: Maggie Bodie and the YLG's mission to bridge the link to the industry's future . Faith & Resilience: Therald Kimball shares his story of faith-driven leadership in the construction sector . Tune in for a deep dive into the high-level transactions and historical perspectives that are shaping the self-storage industry in 2026. Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell thaddeus@s3.partners This episode was brought to you by: S3 Partners https://www.s3.partners Johnson Insurance https://gojohnsoninsurance.com/self-storage-insurance/?utm_source=s3partners&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=jisselfstorage

    25 min
  8. Three leading men in Self Storage Brokerage break down 2025 and preview 2026

    JAN 30

    Three leading men in Self Storage Brokerage break down 2025 and preview 2026

    Is the storage market finally meeting in the middle? In this episode of Storage Unlocked, I bring together three of the most prolific brokers in the industry: Nathan Coe, Kevin Bledsoe, and Frank DiSalvo. We pull back the curtain on the "P&Ls most people never see" to tell you exactly where the transaction market is headed in 2026. In this episode, we cover: - Why the disconnect between buyers and sellers is finally starting to close, even as cap rates remain compressed against interest rates. - Why the "overbuilding" in growth markets like Atlanta and Phoenix is pushing smart capital toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. - Why the industry continues to build at record levels despite saturation and how "barrier-to-entry" topography is the new holy grail. - Why "putting a number on paper" (even if you're far apart) is the only way to get a deal done in 2026. Tune in to get the "Alpha Unit" of market data from the brokers living in the trenches every day. Connect with Thaddeus Campbell (S3 Partners): thaddeus@s3.partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsthadcampbell/ Connect with our guests: Frank DeSalvo - frank.desalvo@franklinst.com Kevin Bledsoe - kevin.bledsoe@marcusmillichap.com Nathan Coe - nathan.coe@marcusmillichap.com This episode was brought to you by:

 TractIQ - https://tractiq.com/

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Storage Unlocked is where self-storage meets reality. Hosted by Thaddeus Campbell, this no-fluff podcast dives into the hard numbers, bold opinions, and surprising trends shaping the self-storage industry and beyond. From housing market shifts and economic red flags to untapped investment opportunities, Thaddeus and Chris break it all down with sharp insight and real-world experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just storage-curious, you'll get insider takes, uncensored discussions, and data-backed forecasts that actually matter. Weekly drops. Always unfiltered.

Information

  • Creator
    Thaddeus Campbell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Storage Unlocked

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