Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

Hosted by Melissa Huff, Josh Huff

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173

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Listen in as we gab about the self storage industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where Melissa Huff and Tommy Nguyen bring in nationally recognized speakers, leaders of companies, and top experts to help you maximize your self-storage business, optimize your management team, and prepare for what's ahead. Brought to you by the team at Lighthouse Storage Solutions.

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May 26, 2026Episode 841 min

Secret Shopping Secrets

Josh and Melissa recently went undercover, visiting several self-storage facilities near one of their managed properties in Southern California to see how the competition was showing up. What they found was equal parts encouraging and eye-opening. The tours were genuinely enjoyable. Several facilities presented well, with staff who were friendly and professional. But not everything passed the test. Some red flags came up that no self-storage operator should be comfortable with, including staff who casually mentioned recent break-ins during a tour and a facility that openly disclosed rates could increase within just 30 days of signing. In this episode, Josh and Melissa break down what they observed, what it means for operators, and what every storage facility should be doing differently. Secret shopping is one of the most underused tools in self-storage, and this episode is a practical reminder of why it matters. If you've never walked into a competitor's facility as a customer, this one might change that. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

May 1, 2026Episode 734 min

We Got Goats- Why Goats Matter In Self Storage

This one starts with goats… and ends with better business decisions. Josh and Melissa share the story behind their recent decision to bring goats onto their property to tackle a growing poison ivy problem. For a long time, they stuck with the status quo. The problem was annoying, but not quite painful enough to force a change. Goats felt like a big step into the unknown. Then things shifted. The problem got worse, they did the research, and made the change. What they found was that the solution was far more effective and far less complicated than they expected. The short-term discomfort of trying something new led to a long-term fix they wish they had implemented sooner. That's why "goats" matter for self storage. This same pattern shows up in how operators make decisions every day. In this episode, Josh and Melissa walk through three areas where many facilities stay stuck, even when better options (our goats) are within reach: Software: When small frustrations and rising costs are tolerated instead of explored, operators may miss out on tools that could significantly improve efficiency and reporting. Access Systems: Many facilities are just one step away from offering a fully online rental experience, but hesitate to complete the process. Staffing: Whether it's maintenance, call centers, or AI support, adding the right help can unlock growth and improve the customer experience. The lesson is simple. Sometimes the thing that feels like the biggest leap is actually the most practical solution. It just takes a little research and a willingness to step outside of what is familiar. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

April 23, 2026Episode 631 min

ISS World Expo Takeaways and What It Means for Self Storage

Josh and Melissa are back from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo and sharing their biggest takeaways from one of the industry's largest events. AI was everywhere, with vendors continuing to integrate it into their platforms. At the same time, we are seeing the rise of agentic AI in other industries, which raises interesting questions about where self storage is headed next. But even with all the innovation, one theme stood out clearly. The basics still matter. We reflect on our Management Mastery session and the encouraging number of owners who are focused on truly understanding and improving how they run their businesses. Strong operations, clear processes, and intentional leadership are still the foundation of success. We also talk through the tradeshow floor, where we saw more niche vendors than ever before. The number of options available to help operators improve every part of their business continues to grow. To wrap it up, we share the shows we are looking forward to for the rest of the year and why getting in the room still matters. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

April 9, 2026Episode 542 min

Self Storage and a Can of Corn: Lessons from the Hospitality Industry with Lee Creech

What can self storage operators learn from the hotel industry? Quite a bit. In this episode, Josh Huff and Melissa Huff sit down with Lee Creech to talk through how hospitality principles apply directly to self storage. Lee shares how his background in hotels shaped the way he thinks about customer service, pricing, and running a facility day to day. The conversation covers everything from keeping your property clean in a way that actually impacts customer perception, to understanding who your customers really are and how to serve them better. You will also hear: Why your facility is not a "can of corn" and how that changes your pricing strategy How to identify and track the customer segments that matter most in your market Why customer lifetime value is higher than most operators realize Simple ways to build loyalty so customers return and refer others How to approach pricing based on your specific market and competition This episode is full of practical ideas that can help you think differently about your operation and how you serve your customers. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

April 4, 2026Episode 435 min

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

As the self storage industry heads into another busy season and with ISS World Expo around the corner, Josh and Melissa take a step back to talk about something simple but often overlooked. What is the core of your business and are you still focused on it? With AI and new tools dominating conversations across the industry, it is easy to get pulled in a lot of different directions. Some of those tools can enhance your business. Others can become distractions. In this episode, we break down the difference. We look at real-world examples like Amazon expanding in ways that still support its core business, compared to companies like Microsoft that invested heavily in products that did not align with their main focus. Then we bring it back to self storage. At the end of the day, our business is renting units. That means focusing on three things above all else: Creating a smooth and simple rental experience Delivering a great customer experience after move-in Attracting the right customers to your facility If those three things are not dialed in, nothing else will matter. This episode is a reminder to evaluate where your time, money, and attention are going and to make sure everything you are adding actually supports the main thing. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

March 27, 2026Episode 329 min

Keeping Your Vendors Accountable

Are your vendors actually doing what you're paying them to do? After a short break to get settled into our new role alongside Haviland Storage Services, Melissa and Josh are back on the podcast addressing a topic that affects every single operator. We all rely on vendors. Landscaping, software, security, marketing… They're a critical part of running a self storage facility. But here's the question we don't ask often enough: Are you really getting what you're paying for? In this episode, we dig into how to keep your vendors accountable and make sure they're actually serving your business the way they should. We cover: Knowing your contracts (and what's actually included) Scheduling regular demos and check-ins Making sure you're using everything you're paying for And getting out to trade shows to compare options and stay sharp One of the best ways to evaluate your current vendors and discover better ones is simply getting in the room with them. That's why our recommendations this week are all about trade shows. If you're planning your year, here are a few events we recommend: Register for the Inside Self-Storage World Expo - Register Here Register for the NeSSA Expo in Connecticut using code Lighthouse10 - Register Here Register for The Big Ideas in Storage Conference in Texas - Register Here Register for MSM's The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

January 29, 2026Episode 21 hr 2 min

Storage Academy, The Show, and Joining Forces with Haviland

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 the conversation to unveil Storage Academy—a new educational platform focused on delivering high-quality, vetted content for self storage owners, managers, and teams. The goal: practical education that actually improves operations and profitability. Announcing The Show – 2026 Travis Morrow from Modern Storage Media and Store Local closes out the episode with details on The Show, the largest self storage trade show east of the Mississippi coming in 2026. He shares what makes this event different, why it matters, and who should be there. This episode is all about collaboration, education, and raising the bar for the self storage industry. 🎥 Now available on YouTube - Watch Episode Here Register for The Show using code LSS2026 - Register Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

January 15, 2026Episode 132 min

When Is It Time For Third Party Management?

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 independence Whether you're just starting out or thinking about making a change, this episode will help you make a smarter, more confident decision. 🎥 Now also available on YouTube - Watch It Here Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

December 19, 2025Episode 441 hr 12 min

Lessons Learned in 2025

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 ahead, we discuss what's likely to carry over into 2026 and offer insights on staying resilient, forward-thinking, and people-focused in your self storage business. We wrap things up with a few hot takes—and some exciting Gabfocus updates you won't want to miss. Watch the YouTube replay- Lessons Learned in 2025 Guests: Jane Sauls (Sauls Commercial Real Estate), Heather McCombs (Spacebox Management), Shannon Charbonneau (XPS Solutions) Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

December 16, 2025Episode 4336 min

Self Storage Goals for Every Facility

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 critical for long-term profitability Finding one focused area of improvement—for yourself, your team, or your operations—can dramatically impact performance Whether that improvement comes from learning your software better, investing in team education, or moving toward full automation, these goals are practical, achievable, and proven to improve your bottom line. This is our final regular podcast episode of the year (with one more webinar coming up), and it's designed to help you start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Plus some holiday focused recommendations for making memories that will last. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions