EP39: LIVE Coaching - Why You've Been Chasing Storage for 8 Months But Can't Close a Deal with Eric Dumais Part 1
Release Date: 12/15/2025
Storage Wins
In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel take a step back from tactics and dive into something even more important: how to pursue your first deal without losing sight of what matters most. As Dan gets closer than ever to closing, the pressure begins to build—and with a new baby on the way, the tension between business and life becomes very real. This conversation goes beyond self-storage and into the internal game every entrepreneur faces. The fear of not moving fast enough. The comparison to others. The belief that more time equals more success. And the pressure we...
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In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel walk through the current state of Dan’s deal pipeline, including one opportunity that’s verbally accepted and moving toward contract, and another that requires deeper analysis to determine if it’s actually worth pursuing. As the conversation unfolds, Alex highlights the importance of clarity—specifically having a defined Buy Box Blueprint—and how that clarity allows Dan to quickly identify when a deal fits his long-term goals versus when it should be positioned as a wholesale opportunity. This distinction becomes...
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If episode eight was about creating leverage and increasing deal flow, episode nine is about building the systems that keep deals from slipping through the cracks. In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo continues coaching Dan Wentzel as momentum begins to build. Dan now has multiple legitimate storage opportunities in his pipeline, and the conversation shifts from simply generating leads to managing them effectively. Alex walks Dan through the importance of having a clear lead intake process, a consistent follow-up system, and a structured way to track offers and key...
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If episode seven was about converting conversations into contracts, episode eight is about increasing deal flow — and knowing how to analyze opportunity when it hits your desk. In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel break down what happens when consistent action finally compounds. After months of hesitation, Dan hires a virtual assistant — and within two weeks, four legitimate storage opportunities land in his pipeline. Alex and Dan unpack why hiring a VA took eight months, what mindset blocks were holding Dan back, and how leveraging the Storage Wins...
info_outlineHave you been spinning your wheels trying to land your first storage deal—reading, underwriting, watching from the sidelines—but still no contract? If so, this live coaching episode is a must-listen. I sat down with Eric Dumais, a self-storage investor in the making, who’s been chasing deals for eight months but can’t seem to get across the finish line.
In part one of this two-part series, we dive deep into the real reason you’re stuck—and spoiler: it’s not the market, lack of deals, or money. It’s mindset. I help Eric unpack what’s keeping him stuck, the dangers of staying too close to home, and how the fear of the unknown is costing you time and opportunity. Whether you’re like Eric, searching in your backyard, or you’re overwhelmed by expanding your buy box, this episode is going to challenge your thinking and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You’ll Learn How To:
- Get out of analysis paralysis and take the next step in your journey
- Expand your buy box without feeling overwhelmed
- Identify the mental roadblocks that are really keeping you stuck
- Build meaningful relationships with mom-and-pop storage owners
- Move from passive research to active deal-making
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- [1:00] The real reason you’re stuck—and it’s not lack of money or deals
- [4:15] Eric’s background and his journey from beer brewing to self-storage
- [6:10] What financial freedom really means (and what it’s actually costing you)
- [8:50] The hidden cost of staying in your comfort zone
- [11:48] The fear behind expanding your buy box—and how to overcome it
- [16:53] Why narrowing your focus too soon is slowing down your success
- [19:54] The power of boots on the ground and building real relationships
- [26:38] Why thinking long-term and relationally leads to deal flow
Who This Episode Is For:
Investors stuck in the “learning phase” but haven’t closed a deal yet
Anyone afraid to expand beyond their local market
DIYers who overthink, over-plan, and under-execute
People who are serious about buying their first facility in the next 6–12 months
Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve been chasing deals for months (or even years) and can’t seem to break through, this episode is your wake-up call. Eric’s story might be yours too—and by hearing his live coaching, you’ll gain the mindset shifts and next steps you need to finally take action and get your first deal under contract.
Follow Alex Pardo here:
- Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
- Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
- Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
- Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
- Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/
Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/