What does it take to truly master self-storage management? In this episode, we give a preview of our upcoming session at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo on Friday morning, where they’ll break down the essential skills every great manager and owner needs to succeed.

We will expand on these four core areas:

✅ Managing Yourself – Building discipline, consistency, and strong leadership habits
✅ Managing Your Message – Mastering marketing, brand communication, and first impressions
✅ Managing Your Tenants – Delivering excellent customer service and building strong relationships
✅ Managing Your Facility – Staying on top of maintenance, security, and operational details

You’ll also hear why ongoing education is critical in a fast-evolving industry. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned owner, it’s important to stay sharp, stay current, and invest in learning—because your competitors are doing just that.

🎧 Listen now for a sneak peek at what it takes to level up your management game—and why you don’t want to miss this year’s ISS World Expo!

Register today - Management Mastery Workshop at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

So, you’ve got the land and a feasibility study in hand—now what? In this episode, we walk through the critical next steps before breaking ground on a new self-storage facility. From layout decisions to customer flow to operational planning, this conversation is packed with practical advice for developers and future owners.

Topics covered include:

• Designing with the Customer in Mind – How your layout impacts customer experience, from unit accessibility to traffic flow
• Operational Planning – Will you have an on-site manager or run it remotely? Your answer should shape your design and tech choices
• Avoiding Common Layout Mistakes – Keypad placement, truck access, and avoiding bottlenecks at entrances and exits
• Technology & Automation – What systems do you need to run your facility smoothly, how should they factor into your build, and how do they relate to each other?

Whether you’re brand new to the industry or planning your next site, this episode helps you think through what matters most before you build—customer experience and operational strategy.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Fresh off the Self Storage Association (SSA) Spring Conference & Expo in Orlando, we break down key legislative updates and share our top takeaways from the event.

• New and Pending Legislation – Updates on non-monetary defaults, unsigned leases, and the push to remove outdated newspaper advertising requirements
• Why Industry Self-Regulation Matters – The risks of government overreach, rent control legislation, and why letting the market decide is best for the industry
• The Power of Networking – How peer-to-peer learning and hallway conversations can be just as valuable as formal education sessions
• Education & Exposure – Why attending industry events is essential for staying current with trends, discovering new tools, and growing your business
• Trade Show Highlights – Cool finds, must-know vendors, and tips for getting the most out of the expo floor

Plus, we explain why events like SSA and ISS are so valuable—and how you can find one near you using the ISS events calendar - Click here for the Inside Self Storage Events Calendar

🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead of industry changes and find out why making space in your schedule for these conferences is one of the smartest moves you can make!

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions