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Learn the Biggest Lessons from a 40 Year Career in Self Storage

Stories Behind the Door

Release Date: 07/09/2025

Cory Sylvester built the leading Storage Development team in the most challenging environment show art Cory Sylvester built the leading Storage Development team in the most challenging environment

Stories Behind the Door

I sit down with Cory Sylvester, Principal at DXD Capital, for a masterclass in data-driven development and intentional leadership. Cory’s path to becoming one of the most respected names in self-storage didn't start with real estate; it started at JP Morgan. After identifying a massive lack of institutional-grade data in the storage sector, Cory co-founded Radius+ and eventually DXD Capital, a firm currently managing 25 active developments. We discuss his transition from the "bureaucratic construct" of big banks to the high-friction world of entrepreneurship, ultra-marathons, and volunteer...

info_outline Andrew Capranos and 10 Federal are leading the charge to increase customer experience through Tech. show art Andrew Capranos and 10 Federal are leading the charge to increase customer experience through Tech.

Stories Behind the Door

I sit down with Andrew Capranos, President of 10 Federal, to discuss the intersection of high-level operations and cutting-edge technology in self-storage. Andrew’s journey is a masterclass in efficiency. After managing retail teams of 400+ people at Target, he realized the incredible potential of the storage industry's margins—if you can get the operations right. We discuss his time at Public Storage, the birth of DaVinci Access Control, and the 10 Federal philosophy that "Customers want outcomes, not interactions." Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Necessity of Automation: Why a...

info_outline Storage Authority is bringing the Playbook for success in Storage to busy professionals. show art Storage Authority is bringing the Playbook for success in Storage to busy professionals.

Stories Behind the Door

I sit down with Marc Goodin, CEO and President of Storage Authority, to pull back the curtain on one of the most successful franchise models in the self-storage industry. Marc isn’t just a developer; he’s a civil engineer who has spent four decades learning exactly what makes a facility succeed. He shares why he decided to stop "retiring" and instead start helping other professionals build wealth through his proven system. We talk about the "scary" headlines of 2026, the reality of SBA financing, and why he believes a self-storage facility should be run with the same hospitality mindset as...

info_outline You need to hear the incredible journey of Sydnie Wilda and the courage she carries into Self Storage. show art You need to hear the incredible journey of Sydnie Wilda and the courage she carries into Self Storage.

Stories Behind the Door

How do you transition from a "stay-at-home mom" opportunity to becoming a senator for the SSA Young Leaders Group and a director at a top management firm? This week, Thaddeus Campbell talks with Sydnie Wilda, RV & Boat Development Director at The Storage Manager. Sydnie shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal adversity by choosing to be a "survivor" rather than a victim—a mindset she has carried into her career as a powerhouse in self-storage. She discusses the shifting landscape of third-party management as we enter 2026 and why the "human touch" is more valuable now than...

info_outline How one Phone Call Changed the Trajectory for Alyssa Quill of Storage Asset Management show art How one Phone Call Changed the Trajectory for Alyssa Quill of Storage Asset Management

Stories Behind the Door

How do you grow from 21 management contracts to nearly 600 while keeping a "small-town" culture of caring? Join Thaddeus Campbell as he speaks with Alyssa Quill, CEO of Storage Asset Management (SAM), the nation’s largest independent third-party management firm. Alyssa shares her 21-year journey through the industry, including her time at StorageUSA and Extra Space, and the pivotal phone call from Jay Hoke that led to the founding of SAM in 2010 . She discusses the transition from the "easy" boom years of 2021 to the high-stakes, data-driven environment of 2025 . Key Takeaways from this...

info_outline A 30 Year Legacy Wayne Woolsey is a Legend in Self Storage after 30 Years of Always Getting it Done show art A 30 Year Legacy Wayne Woolsey is a Legend in Self Storage after 30 Years of Always Getting it Done

Stories Behind the Door

What does it take to build a construction company that thrives for over 30 years? According to Wayne Woolsey, President and CEO of Kiwi II Construction, it’s simple: You have to be willing to "cook the meal" instead of microwaving it. In this episode, Wayne joins Thaddeus Campbell to share his journey from retrofitting public storage facilities after the Northridge earthquake to leading one of the most respected steel firms in the country . Wayne discusses the "steroid era" of storage, his predictions for steel pricing in 2026, and why he believes the industry's unique "if you succeed, I...

info_outline Hard work paid off in a massive way for Rob Kapp, Founder of KISS Locks. Even if it took two decades. show art Hard work paid off in a massive way for Rob Kapp, Founder of KISS Locks. Even if it took two decades.

Stories Behind the Door

I talk to Rob Kapp, President of Keep It Simple Storage, about his path from a "get rich slow game" entrepreneur to the inventor of the revolutionary KISS Lock. Rob's story is one of hard-won success: he committed to a multi-decade journey, even selling his home to reinvest in real estate . His burnout from managing facilities led to the idea for the KISS Lock, a smart lock with no batteries that's powered by your phone's NFC technology . Why This Matters to Operators: Cost Revolution: The lock eliminates the massive expense of installing electricity to every unit door in a new build . ...

info_outline Shane Burgos climbed to the pinnacle of his craft, and the lessons translate from fighting to big business show art Shane Burgos climbed to the pinnacle of his craft, and the lessons translate from fighting to big business

Stories Behind the Door

I'm honored to share the deeply personal and inspirational story of MMA Pro-Fighter, "Hurricane" Shane Burgos. Shane’s journey to the UFC octagon wasn't just about physical skill; it was a testament to mental grit and commitment, starting when he was a teenager . Key Insights from Shane: Burning the Boats: Shane had no backup plan, committing fully to fighting and purposely getting kicked off his high school diving team to focus on training. The Power of Discipline: His martial arts background instilled a karate-style discipline that is crucial in fight camp, forcing him to account for...

info_outline Kevin Bledsoe did it all in storage before taking the biggest bet possible. show art Kevin Bledsoe did it all in storage before taking the biggest bet possible.

Stories Behind the Door

I talk with Kevin Bledsoe, President of The Bledsoe Storage Group at Marcus & Millichap, about his transition from operations to brokerage and his outlook on the 2026 self-storage market. Kevin's story is one of hard work, he started by installing gate controllers and sweeping storage units before becoming a Director of Operations for major firms like Simply Self Storage. This deep operational knowledge allows him to look at a P&L and instantly identify $500,000 opportunities that sellers overlook. What You'll Hear: The Operational Edge: Kevin explains how his experience...

info_outline He’s renowned in storage and part of 2025’s most consequential deal show art He’s renowned in storage and part of 2025’s most consequential deal

Stories Behind the Door

I sit down with Ben Vestal, CEO of Argus Self Storage Advisors, to discuss his incredible two-decade run in the industry, the recent SmartStop acquisition of his management platform, and what's next for the self-storage space. Ben shares how his brokerage business has always focused on the chase and complicated deals but stresses the importance of camaraderie and the willingness of high-level mentors to share information in this unique asset class . Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: Email: thaddeus@s3.partners Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Ben Vestal: Email:...

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More Episodes

Join me on Stories Behind the Door as I chat with Maurice Pogoda, President and Founder of Pogoda Companies, about his fascinating journey into the self-storage industry. This 30-minute conversation is a must-listen for anyone in or aspiring to be in the self-storage niche!

Maurice takes us back to the 1980s, sharing what it was like when the self-storage landscape was still largely underdeveloped – a true "Wild West." He was even the only self-storage broker in Michigan at the time! We discuss how technology has dramatically improved decision-making and operational efficiency in storage, and the significant shift from traditional large offices to more streamlined management practices.

You'll also hear about the strategic choices behind the growth of Pogoda Companies, often driven by a deep familiarity with the Michigan market. Maurice emphasizes the enduring importance of a personal touch in customer service and how strong family values played a crucial role in raising successful children. His story is a powerful reflection of adaptability and strategic growth in a constantly evolving industry.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Maurice's unexpected entry into self-storage.

  • The underdeveloped self-storage industry of the 1980s.

  • The unique position of being the sole self-storage broker in Michigan.

  • How "Wild West" the industry felt in its early days.

  • The crucial role of family values in raising successful individuals.

  • The transformative impact of technology on storage decision-making.

  • The shift towards more efficient management practices.

  • Strategic expansion decisions based on market familiarity.

  • The continued importance of personal customer service.

  • Lessons in adaptability and strategic growth from Maurice's journey.

Connect with Thaddeus Campbell:

Connect with Maurice Pogoda:

  • Phone: (248) 877-3901

  • Website: pogodaco.com