Storage Academy, The Show, and Joining Forces with Haviland
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
In this special announcement episode of the Gabfocus Podcast, Josh and Melissa Huff share three major updates that will shape the future of the self storage industry as a whole. Joining Forces with Haviland Storage Services Sue Haviland joins the show to talk about partnering with Lighthouse Storage Solutions and what this collaboration means for owners and operators. Melissa shares her new role supporting operations and training, and Sue explains how this partnership strengthens Haviland’s ability to serve clients nationwide. Introducing Storage Academy Tommy Nguyen and Darby Bozeman join...
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When Is It Time For Third Party Management?
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
In this episode, Josh and Melissa tackle one of the most common decisions self-storage owners face: should you partner with a third-party management company (3PM)? This honest conversation explores when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and what you need to consider before handing over the keys. They cover: The pros and cons of going with 3PM What 3PM companies really provide How to know if you're ready for that level of partnership What questions you should be asking before signing on The red flags to watch out for How the market has changed and what that means for your...
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Lessons Learned in 2025
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
As 2025 comes to a close, what have we learned and what should we be ready for in 2026? In this special year-end Gabfocus LIVE episode, we reflect on the highs and lows of the self storage industry in 2025 with three seasoned professionals. We break down trends in occupancy, rates, technology, operations, and customer behavior, and we talk honestly about challenges that operators faced—from rate wars to staffing struggles. Our panel shares lessons they’ve learned (some the hard way), what they tried that didn’t work, and what they’re already doing to prepare for the new year. Looking...
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Self Storage Goals for Every Facility
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
As we wrap up the year, Josh and Melissa close out the podcast season with a forward-looking conversation on setting the right goals for 2026. In this episode, we focus on the importance of establishing SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—that actually move the needle for self storage operators. Rather than chasing everything at once, we break down three big-picture goals every facility should prioritize in the year ahead. We discuss why: Consistently generating Google reviews strengthens trust and improves visibility Raising rates intentionally is...
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Overcoming Customer Objections
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
Every self storage manager hears objections from customers—but how you respond can make the difference between a lost lead and a new tenant. In this episode, we into the art of overcoming customer objections with empathy and strategy. Through practical role-playing and real-world examples, we explore some of the most common pushbacks, including: “Do I really need tenant insurance?” “That price is too high.” “I don’t want to sign up for autopay.” “Why is my rate going up?” We unpack each objection to reveal the real concern underneath the question—and share how...
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Self Storage Finances 101 with Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
Understanding the financial side of self storage is critical—whether you're just getting started or already scaling your portfolio. In this rebroadcast of our popular webinar, we’re joined by Brooks Lumpkin and Amber Crucian to break down the financial fundamentals every owner and operator should know. We cover: The key reports and KPIs to track your facility’s financial health Budgeting for controllable vs uncontrollable expenses Cap rates, depreciation, and stabilized assets explained in plain language Knowing when it’s time to grow—and how to fund that growth The pros...
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Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage Part 2
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
In this practical follow-up episode, Josh and Melissa dive deeper into real-world ways self-storage operators can use AI to improve their daily workflow, marketing, and operations. They break down: The right way to write a useful AI prompt How to use AI to build a social media calendar Using AI to analyze competitors and improve your market position Leveraging AI to simplify maintenance tracking and team communication Learning new software or systems faster with AI-powered guidance Ways to check if your storage website shows up in AI tools like ChatGPT and search bots And since...
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2025 Storage Legal Update with Joe Doherty
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
In this rebroadcast of our live webinar, attorney Joe Doherty joins Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen to unpack the most pressing legal topics facing self storage owners and operators in 2025. From website privacy lawsuits and predatory ADA claims to evolving lien laws and tenant disputes, this session is packed with practical legal insight. You’ll learn: What 2025’s biggest legal trends mean for your facility Key updates on rent control, website compliance, and arbitration How to handle tenant death, gate damage, and unit disputes Legal pitfalls to avoid—and what issues may be...
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Self Storage State Associations 101 - and Updates From Lighthouse
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
In this special episode, Melissa and Josh reflect on a big moment: being featured on the cover of Modern Storage Media's October issue! 🎉 They share what it means to be recognized and the exciting shifts happening behind the scenes at Lighthouse Storage Solutions. Melissa opens up about her recent transition away from managing a state association to focus fully on Lighthouse, and together they break down how state self storage associations actually work—including the difference between affiliate-run vs independently run states, and how the Self Storage Association (SSA) supports the...
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Who Are Your Customers?
Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast
Do you really know who’s renting your storage units? In this episode, Josh and Melissa Huff dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of effective self-storage marketing: creating clear, specific buyer personas. Understanding your customers is the first step to attracting more of them—and retaining them longer. We break down how to analyze your current rent roll to identify customer patterns, segment renters into meaningful categories (happy vs. sad customers), and craft profiles that can guide your marketing, sales messaging, and customer service. 💡 Key Highlights Why buyer...
info_outlineYour 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:
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What NOT to incentivize (and why the wrong goals can hurt your bottom line)
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How to educate your manager (or yourself) so they fully understand how your business makes money
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The big question: How should you actually incentivize your manager? (What’s pay is fair, effective, and aligned with your goals)
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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