The Self Storage Show

Hosted by The Storage Marketplace

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Episodes

355

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "The Self Storage Show," your ultimate resource for everything related to the self storage industry. Hosted by industry expert Jim Ross from 3 Mile Storage Management, this podcast delves into the latest trends, tips, and strategies to help self storage owners and managers optimize their operations and grow their businesses. Each episode features insightful interviews with leading industry professionals, practical advice on marketing, operations, and customer service, as well as innovative solutions to common challenges faced by self-storage facilities. From maximizing occupancy rates to enhancing security measures, "The Self Storage Show" covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the self storage industry, tune in to "The Self Storage Show" to stay informed and inspired. Join us every week for engaging discussions and actionable insights that will help you take your self storage business to the next level.

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60 recent

June 16, 202624 min

Inside Self Storage AI: Real Demos, Real Automations, Real Results | AI Overview

This is an AI-generated episode of The Storage Marketplace Podcast, created from the first-ever Storage Meetup Show & Tell: AI & Automations, recorded live on June 5, 2026. Unlike a traditional webinar full of slides and talking heads, this event featured live demonstrations of AI tools, automations, and workflows that self-storage operators, managers, and vendors are using right now. In this episode, we explore: • AI-powered customer service and communication tools • Marketing automations designed to generate more leads and rentals • Operational workflows that reduce manual work and increase efficiency • Revenue management and optimization opportunities powered by AI • Real-world examples of automation being implemented inside self-storage businesses today • The biggest themes and takeaways from the industry's first AI-focused Show & Tell event The biggest takeaway: 👉 AI is no longer a future conversation in self storage. Operators are already implementing it today. This episode is an AI-generated overview based on the live event discussion and demonstrations. About Storage Meetup Every Friday, self-storage owners, operators, managers, vendors, and industry professionals gather live to share ideas, ask questions, discuss challenges, and explore what's working in self storage right now. Join future Storage Meetups, Show & Tell events, and discover industry vendors at: 👉 https://thestoragemarketplace.com The tools are changing. The technology is evolving. The operators who learn fastest will have the advantage. See you inside The Storage Marketplace

June 9, 202622 min

Why Storage Trade Shows Are Changing + AI Tools Reshaping Operations | AI Overview #80

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast episode from The Storage Marketplace Podcast, created from the live discussion at Storage Meetup #80 (05-29-26). Every Friday, self-storage owners, operators, managers, and vendors jump into a live Zoom room to talk shop, debate ideas, share experiments, and discuss what's actually happening in the industry right now. In this episode, we break down some of the biggest conversations from the meetup, including: • A live demo of Proof Work, a contractor management platform using photo verification and secure task tracking • Why attendance at self-storage trade shows may be declining and how digital communities are replacing traditional networking • The growing tension between automation and real human interaction in business • Alternative revenue opportunities for storage owners including cell towers, solar canopies, and truck parking • How operators are thinking about AI integration, operational efficiency, and future marketing strategies • The importance of community, collaboration, and staying adaptable as the industry evolves One of the biggest takeaways from this session: 👉 The future of self storage is shifting toward connected digital communities, smarter automation, and creative new revenue streams. This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is joining the live conversations and networking every Friday. Learn more, join future meetups, and explore vendors at: 👉 https://thestoragemarketplace.com/ If you're in self storage and want to stay ahead of what's actually working right now… this is where those conversations are happening. See you Friday.

June 2, 202623 min

AI Overview Podcast: Storage Meetup #79 | AI Tools, Remote Management & Auction Ethics

Welcome to another AI-generated recap from the Storage Meetup, the weekly live Zoom conversation where self-storage owners, operators, and vendors openly discuss what's actually happening in the industry. In this episode, the AI hosts break down key conversations from Storage Meetup #79, including: • AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and how operators are experimenting with them • The real financial realities of remote management • Lessons learned from wrongful storage auctions and operational accountability • Trade show logistics and industry event challenges • Creative marketing ideas for storage facilities • Mentorship, collaboration, and real-world operator insights This isn't a scripted webinar or polished panel discussion. It's an AI-powered overview built from real conversations happening inside the self-storage community. What is the Storage Meetup? The Storage Meetup is a weekly gathering focused on helping self-storage professionals: ✔ Connect ✔ Learn ✔ Grow Every Friday, owners, operators, vendors, and marketers come together to share ideas, challenges, tools, and strategies shaping the future of self-storage. Want to join the live conversations? Inside The Storage Marketplace, you'll find: • Weekly Storage Meetups • Live Show & Tell events • Vendors, tools, and solutions used by real operators 👉 https://thestoragemarketplace.com/

May 26, 202621 min

AI SEO, Google Reviews & Automation Tools Changing Self Storage | AI Overview #78

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast episode from The Storage Marketplace Podcast, created from the live discussion at a recent Storage Meetup session. Every Friday, self-storage owners, operators, managers, and vendors jump into a live Zoom room to talk shop, exchange ideas, and discuss what's actually working in the industry right now. In this episode, we break down some of the biggest conversations from the meetup, including: • How facilities are using automation to improve lead conversion and follow-up • The growing role of AI in SEO, Google Ads management, and daily operations • Why reputation management and review responses matter more than ever • The risks of incentivized Google reviews and why authentic customer feedback wins long-term • New technology helping operators track referrals and improve marketing performance • How self-storage operators are experimenting with AI tools to stay competitive One of the biggest takeaways from this session: 👉 The operators who adapt fastest to AI-driven marketing and automation will have a major advantage moving forward. This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is joining the live conversations and networking every Friday. Learn more, join future meetups, and explore vendors at: 👉 https://thestoragemarketplace.com/ If you're in self storage and want to stay ahead of what's actually working right now… this is where those conversations are happening. See you Friday.

May 19, 202624 min

AI Avatars, Smart Locks & The "Octopus" Problem in Storage Software | AI Overview #77

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast episode from The Storage Marketplace Podcast, created from the live discussion at Storage Meetup #77 (05-08-26). Every Friday, self-storage owners, operators, vendors, and industry professionals jump into a live Zoom room to talk shop, share ideas, debate strategies, and discuss what's actually happening in the industry right now. In this episode, we break down some of the biggest conversations from the meetup, including: • AI-generated employee training avatars and virtual trainers • Smart locks, gate access systems, and the future of facility automation • Why your storage software should function like the "head of an octopus" connecting every system together • Google Business Profile video strategies that help facilities stand out locally • Software debates around Monument, Easy Storage Solutions, CC Storage, websites, automation, and marketing tracking • Why operators are becoming more selective about travel, trade shows, and conferences • The upcoming AI Show & Tell event featuring real demonstrations from storage vendors and operators One of the biggest takeaways from this session: 👉 Self storage is rapidly shifting toward connected systems, AI-driven operations, and smarter marketing workflows. This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is joining the live conversations and networking every Friday. Learn more, join future meetups, and explore vendors at: 👉 https://thestoragemarketplace.com/ If you're in self storage and want to stay ahead of what's actually working right now… this is where those conversations are happening. See you Friday.

May 12, 202621 min

AI Auctions Are Changing Storage + How to Compete on Marketing | AI Overview #76

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast created from the live discussion at Storage Meetup #76 (05-01-26). In this episode, we break down some of the biggest shifts happening in self storage right now: • How AI-powered auction platforms are changing the lien sale process • The move toward video-based listings and eliminating seller fees • Marketing strategies to compete with large operators by leaning into local ownership • Using SEO and content to win more search-driven rentals • The introduction of The Storage Marketplace as a new way to discover and compare vendors The big takeaway from this session: 👉 The future of self storage is being shaped by technology, transparency, and smarter marketing This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is being in the room live and staying connected to what's working right now. Explore more, discover vendors, and stay ahead here: 👉 https://www.thestoragemarketplace.com If you're in self storage and want to keep learning, comparing tools, and seeing what's actually working… this is where it's happening. See you there.

May 5, 202620 min

Are Trade Shows Still Worth It? AI Tools Changing Self Storage | AI Overview #75

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast created from the live discussion at Storage Meetup #75 (04-24-26). In this episode, we break down some of the most relevant conversations happening in self storage right now: • The real value of trade shows, vendor booths, and in-person networking • How operators and vendors are thinking about ROI from events • The growing role of AI in self storage, from call centers to market research • Real-world tools being used today, including smart cameras and automated data scraping • A look ahead at the shift toward live AI demonstrations and virtual events This session highlights a major shift happening across the industry: 👉 The way operators discover, evaluate, and choose vendors is changing fast This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is being in the room live. Join us every Friday: Pre Show Hangout: 11:30 AM ET Main Session: 12–1 PM ET 👉 https://storagemeetup.com/live If you're in self storage and want to stay ahead of what's actually working right now… this is where those conversations are happening. See you Friday.

April 28, 202623 min

AI Marketing Tools + Google Review Changes Every Storage Owner Should Know | AI Overview #74

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast created from the live discussion at Storage Meetup #74 (04-17-26). In this episode, we break down some of the biggest conversations happening right now in self storage: • New AI-driven marketing tools helping operators generate more leads and optimize performance • How automation is being used to streamline day-to-day facility operations • Google's evolving review policies and what they mean for your online reputation • Practical strategies for improving security and handling real-world challenges at your facility • Workflow hacks and tools operators are using to save time and run more efficiently This session also highlights something bigger: 👉 The operators who win are the ones combining AI tools with real-world operational experience This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is being in the room live. Join us every Friday: Pre Show Hangout: 11:30 AM ET Main Session: 12–1 PM ET 👉 https://storagemeetup.com/live If you're in self storage and want to stay ahead of what's actually working right now… this is where those conversations are happening. See you Friday.

April 21, 202623 min

Electronic Locks vs Manual + Rebranding Tools Changing Self Storage | AI Overview #73

What you'd normally sit through for an hour… broken down in minutes. This is an AI-generated podcast created from the live discussion at Storage Meetup #73 (04-10-26). In this episode, we break down some of the most practical conversations happening in self storage right now: • A new tool using Google Maps to visualize and estimate property rebranding upgrades • The real debate: electronic locks vs traditional locks and the liability tradeoffs • How operators are using referrals and local partnerships to drive more rentals • Turning Google reviews into a consistent marketing system • Why property appearance and branding directly impact occupancy and value The big takeaway from this session: 👉 The facilities that win are the ones that combine strong operations with consistent, visible marketing This AI Overview gives you the highlights… but the real value is being in the room live. Join us every Friday: Pre Show Hangout: 11:30 AM ET Main Session: 12–1 PM ET 👉 https://storagemeetup.com/live

April 15, 20265 min

AI Call Answering for Self Storage: What Actually Works (And What Doesn't)

In this AI Quick Hit, we break down the real role of AI call answering in self storage. While AI can handle routine questions, capture leads, and support after-hours calls, it's not a full replacement for human interaction. The real value comes from using AI to reduce missed opportunities and support your team — not replace it. This episode explores what actually works, what to watch out for, and how to think about implementing AI call answering the right way. If you want real conversations with real operators, join us live every Friday at StorageMeetup.com