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EP06: He Almost Quit… Then He Closed His First Self-Storage Deal

Storage Wins

Release Date: 08/21/2025

EP34: The Financing Mistake That's Costing You Storage Deals Right Now show art EP34: The Financing Mistake That's Costing You Storage Deals Right Now

Storage Wins

Think you need thousands of dollars in your own pocket to buy a storage facility? Many investors pass on deals because they assume they can’t afford them. The truth is, the right financing strategy can make almost any deal possible. In this episode, Alex Pardo breaks down how to fund storage deals without using your own cash. He covers SBA loans, seller financing, private money, equity partners, and local banks. You’ll learn the four factors that decide which funding strategy fits your deal, see real examples from Florida and Mississippi, and understand how to structure each deal to close...

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Storage Wins

Think you need your own money to buy a storage facility? Think again. In this episode, I’m sharing how I’ve funded every single one of my storage deals without ever using a dime of my own cash. Whether you’re new to the game or ready to scale, this episode gives you the exact financing strategies, mindset shifts, and practical steps to start taking action now—even if your bank account says otherwise. I’m breaking down multiple creative funding methods, from SBA loans and seller financing to private lenders and equity partners. You’ll also hear how to position...

info_outline EP32: You're Spending 95% of Your Time on $hit That Won't Get You a Deal show art EP32: You're Spending 95% of Your Time on $hit That Won't Get You a Deal

Storage Wins

Are you grinding every day but still not getting any closer to your next storage deal? Most investors don’t fail because they’re lazy, they fail because they spend their time on the wrong things. In this episode, Alex Pardo breaks down the exact busy work that keeps new and experienced investors stuck,  and the surprisingly simple actions that actually get deals done. In this episode, Alex pulls real questions from the Storage Wins private community and shows you how to cut through distractions, focus on revenue-generating activity, and finally start making traction. If you’ve been...

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Storage Wins

What if I told you there’s a way to make serious money in storage investing before you ever own a facility? In this episode, Alex is pulling back the curtain on what he calls the “hidden cash machine” inside almost every good storage deal—an overlooked opportunity most investors completely miss. Alex will walk you through exactly how he generated six-figure paydays without owning or operating a single storage unit—and how members of Storage Wins community are doing the same. Whether you’re looking to fund your first deal, build cash fast, or learn how to wholesale the right...

info_outline EP30: The Secret Behind His Success (And How You Can Model It) with Leon Barnes show art EP30: The Secret Behind His Success (And How You Can Model It) with Leon Barnes

Storage Wins

What if the secret to massive success in self-storage, and in life, has nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with heart? In this episode, Alex sits down with Leon Barnes, one of the most connected and respected leaders in real estate, to unpack the mindset, habits, and heart that fueled his incredible journey, from leaving corporate America to building wealth through real estate. Leon reveals how he balances faith, family, and freedom while leading at the highest level inside Collective Genius. You’ll Learn How To: Find clarity in your purpose, and why it’s bigger than money...

info_outline EP29: Stop Saying You're Too Broke or Too Busy to Start Storage Investing show art EP29: Stop Saying You're Too Broke or Too Busy to Start Storage Investing

Storage Wins

Have you ever told yourself that you cannot start investing in storage because you lack money or time? That belief might be holding you back more than your actual situation. In this episode, Alex Pardo challenges those excuses and shows how you can start building wealth in self storage no matter where you are right now. In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo explains how anyone can buy their first storage facility even with a full time job or limited cash. He shares why mindset and resourcefulness matter more than money and how finding the right people can open doors you never thought...

info_outline EP28: How to Know If a Storage Deal Actually Makes Sense Before You Commit show art EP28: How to Know If a Storage Deal Actually Makes Sense Before You Commit

Storage Wins

Ever found a storage deal that looks perfect on paper but you cannot tell if it truly works? Many deals fail between interest and action. The key is not luck or timing but clarity, confidence, and preparation. So how do you know if a deal is worth it? In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo walks you through the complete Storage Wins Execution Framework, a step-by-step system for analyzing and acting on self-storage deals with confidence. He shares how to evaluate markets, check the numbers, calculate returns, and make offers that stand out. Through real examples and clear breakdowns,...

info_outline EP27: Why Fast Investors Win Deals While You're Still Thinking About It show art EP27: Why Fast Investors Win Deals While You're Still Thinking About It

Storage Wins

Ever lost a deal because someone else moved faster? In storage investing, speed isn’t about luck, it’s about readiness. The best investors don’t hesitate when opportunity knocks. They act with confidence, clarity, and preparation. So what’s slowing you down? In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo reveals how “speed to lead” separates winning investors from those stuck in hesitation. He breaks down the five foundations of offer readiness, systems, tools, and mindset shifts that let you act fast without chaos. Through real-world stories and coaching insights, Alex shows how...

info_outline EP26: I Thought Wholesaling Was Freedom - Then I Discovered Storage Investing with Kate Porfilio show art EP26: I Thought Wholesaling Was Freedom - Then I Discovered Storage Investing with Kate Porfilio

Storage Wins

What if the freedom you’ve been chasing in real estate is actually just another job in disguise? That’s exactly what happened to Kate Porfilio. After years of running a marketing agency and trying wholesaling, she realized she was still stuck on the hamster wheel, trading time for money and missing the life she wanted to build.   In this episode, Alex Pardo sits down with Kate to unpack how she went from burnout and self-doubt to closing her first self-storage deal, without using any of her own money. You’ll hear her story of courage, community, and consistency, and how...

info_outline EP25: The Massive Deals You're Missing Out On Because Your Criteria Is Too Strict show art EP25: The Massive Deals You're Missing Out On Because Your Criteria Is Too Strict

Storage Wins

What if the deal that could change your entire storage investing journey isn’t even on your radar right now? Too many investors cling so tightly to their buy box that they end up missing incredible opportunities. The truth is, the buy box should guide your focus — not fence you in. Growth happens when you stay open, ask better questions, and take imperfect action. In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo challenges the way investors think about their buying criteria. He shares how one student’s simple question inside the Storage Wins community sparked a deep conversation about what it...

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Mario Quintero almost walked away from self-storage before he ever closed a deal. Doubts, setbacks, and the pressure to quit nearly drove him to quit. But instead of giving up, he stayed the course, and it led him to his very first storage facility.

In this episode of Storage Wins, Mario opens up about his journey from skepticism to success. He shares the tough moments that almost broke him, the mindset shifts that kept him moving forward, and the lessons he learned along the way. If you have ever felt like quitting before your breakthrough, Mario’s story proves why persistence pays off.

You’ll Learn How To:

  • Overcome the fear and uncertainty every new investor faces
  • Stay committed even when deals fall apart
  • Use coaching and mentorship to stay accountable
  • Keep faith in the process until your first deal closes
  • Build momentum and confidence after your first win

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(04:16) Mario’s background and how he discovered self-storage
(06:58) Building the confidence to take the leap
(08:26) Moving forward despite uncertainty
(11:12) Breaking points, setbacks, and emotions that made him want to quit
(14:14) Why comfort and complacency kill dreams
(15:36) The mindset shift that helped him push through fear
(17:07) How relationships and community kept him accountable
(19:43) Why Mario stepped away from the storage community and came back
(22:51) How his first deal gave him clarity and confidence
(24:11) Overcoming time objections
(26:38) Identifying non-negotiables in your weekly activity
(30:27) The role of his wife’s support in his journey
(34:35) The biggest lesson learned from the deal process
(37:33) Why progress creates momentum and momentum creates wins
(38:20) From due diligence to funding and closing the deal
(44:15) How to upgrade a facility, add equity, and raise rents
(46:34) Mario’s advice for anyone close to giving up

Who This Episode is For:

  • W-2 professionals and business owners who want to get into self-storage
  • New investors who are struggling to close their first deal
  • Entrepreneurs who feel discouraged and ready to quit
  • Anyone curious about what it takes to succeed in storage

Why You Should Listen:

Mario’s journey is proof that success often follows the hardest moments. If you are battling fear, doubt, or frustration, his story will give you the perspective and motivation to keep going. Your first deal might be closer than you think, and it could change everything.

 

Connect with Mario Quintero:

 

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