I am sitting here in the last quarter of the year in 2024. As I look into the future, there are some really exciting aspects of our business, and there are some real risks. I am planning out my next few years for myself as well as working on what I can tell people I coach and work with. As I started writing down my thoughts to make them coherent, I…

I’ve made many mistakes in my self-storage career, but one of the biggest came early on when I purchased an existing facility that included a record storage business. Let me share what it is so you don’t do the same thing. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.appl…

Let’s talk about algorithmic self-storage pricing strategies used by many in the industry today again. I also want to share a warning about pricing strategies in the aftermath of some natural disasters like Hurricane Milton or the most recent hurricane, Helene. This could keep you out of “hot water.” **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**http…

Congratulations. You now own at least one self-storage facility. In the old days, we would just set up shop, get our operating system up and running, and turn on the lights. Those days are long gone. Let’s look at a way to run a competitor analysis so you can position your facility to win today. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://T…

Although I did not attend the most recent Self Storage Association convention in Las Vegas, I have been studying many of the sessions that occurred there. One thing I found very interesting was the presentation that showed the results of StorageMart’s Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of Net Operating Income over the past five years using the data…

Let’s talk about self-storage, technology, robots at storage facilities, and why in the world I ever made this episode. Hope you enjoy. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-self-storage/id1588425875 ** 5 KPIs we measure…

We are going to discuss self-storage brand loyalty, self-storage revenue management, and customer value. And we are going to start with Netflix. It might not make sense now, but it will. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-thr…

If you took a loan or purchased your self-storage facility around 2018 and it is time to refinance, you better understand where you will stand with a bank. I suggest doing this before calling a lender. Let me share the exercise I go through to develop my strategy BEFORE reaching out to lenders. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://Th…

In the self-storage world, there is a lot of momentum towards fully automated facilities, no matter the project size. I am not here to say that is the wrong direction. I even am involved in one myself as a partner. But today, let me talk about a reason to consider the more traditional approach to self-storage management using trained managers. AND …

It seems like once a year or so, I get on a soap box and rail about sq. ft. per capita as the main measurement for self-storage supply demand calculations. This may be my last, because now is the time to rid ourselves of this benchmark as the main measurement because it more often than not, gives false data that has us owners make bad decisions. Le…

I was thinking the other day, asking myself the question, “If I could only do one more type of self-storage deal, what would it be?” The answer was right there…instantly. It was…. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-se…

Perhaps one of the best advantages of self-storage is the very few ongoing capital expenditures that are required. It is one of the main reasons I was initially attracted to this asset class. However, how does one plan for the capital expenses a project will have, and how much are they? Let’s discuss how I do it. Our goal is to never use operating …

As many of you know, I helped start a small construction company in order to Resolve a problem I was having, construction cost being extremely high today. So far, we have been able to bring in projects 15% to 27% less than previous bids we received. We are also working for other small owners and developers as a third-party owner’s representative an…

I have said recently that it really takes something to buy self-storage or create a storage opportunity today. Usually it takes a lot of work. Yet, today, even with all of this being true for me, I am optimistic about the upcoming year. Why? Let me tell you why. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen …

Often, we deal directly with a seller when buying self-storage. Or often, with listed property, we see a shiny OM (offering memorandum) and everything looks great. Then we see the other due diligence documents, and the facility can lose some of its luster. I have often stated that I could look at a random daily “Management Report” and get a lot of …

The cost of capital is high today to do a Self-Storage or Boat & RV development today. Let’s look at a creative way to reduce this cost of capital and perhaps solve another problem for us smaller developers if we are using other people’s money and/or syndicating a deal today. Let me know your thoughts and other methods you may have used. **Online C…

So, is the decade-long self-storage party over? Is self-storage still a good place for small investors to go in search of their dreams and goals? I’ll share what I think after contemplating the data from the big players after Q1-2024. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://p…

Smitty is my partner in a self-storage company designed to take the small investor through the entitlement process for self-storage projects in an affordable way and then bid on the construction of the project in a competitive environment, ensuring clients get the best value possible. We feel this is a powerful way, in today’s high-cost environment…

Self-Storage tends to attract lone wolves who want the freedom and independence this business can offer. But here’s the deal: no one can be successful by themselves. It takes a village. Or a team, in this case. Let’s discuss the basics of who I think are the players on your self-storage team if you are creating a self-storage project. I have the pr…

I had a few ah-ha moments at the recent Inside Self-Storage Convention (ISS) a few weeks ago. One of them was about the future of Boat & RV developments as a niche in the storage space. I heard a statistic that I’ve heard a few times before, but this time, something happened. I had a revelation and could see it all. Let me share it with you. **Onli…

As many of you know, I attended the Inside Self Storage (ISS) Convention two weeks ago in Las Vegas. Not everyone could go, so here are a few takeaways in no particular order. In some future episodes, I will cover others in more detail. However, here are some higher view on some broader aspects of the self-storage space. **Online Courses at The Qui…

Let’s talk about the physics of self-storage today. I finally figured out that REITs must have physicists on their payroll. Let’s look at how we can apply laws of physics, at both the Newtonian level and the Quantum level to our storage business. Enjoy. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple …

Over the years, I have worked with many people who need to “raise investment money” from “investors.” I have seen many not succeed. I struggled some when I first got started, as well. Let me share the big reasons I see investors fail. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://p…

There are two main organizations that put on seminars in the self-storage space in the US. One is the Self-Storage Association (SSA), and the other is Inside Self Storage (ISS). I love the SSA; it is a vital organization for self-storage owners. For people new to the storage space and small investors, I find the ISS very helpful. How the convention…

In this episode, I will cover material that will be important to you regardless of whether you are joining us in this upcoming QuickStart Self-Storage Boot Camp on March 8th & 9th, 2024. A lot of things are changing in the economy and the self-storage industry itself. This will be a very timely and important time to hold a bootcamp. Let’s go over t…

In my world of self-storage acquisition, there are two big obstacles today. One is financing challenges, and the other is construction costs. Now, it is true construction costs have leveled off somewhat, but they are still high. Let’s talk about some effective ways to get these costs down today. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULWjkI-Bx…

In the world of self-storage investments, capitalization rates, or CAP rates, are more widely discussed and understood. You certainly will never see one in an offering memorandum. Let’s talk about what they really are, how I suggest using them today, and their role in my suggested process for determining what you can pay for an existing self storag…

I am writing this in early Jan. 2024 and focusing on a back-to-the-basics series for getting into the self-storage industry. Because we have a lot of new people in the community, and because I have just put out two detailed episodes on how to analyze, I thought I might discuss my thoughts on negotiating and controlling a potential storage deal. Let…

I am writing this in early Jan. 2024 and focusing on a back-to-the-basics series for getting into the self-storage industry. Because we have a lot of new people in the community, and because I have just put out two detailed episodes on how to analyze, I thought I might discuss my thoughts on negotiating and controlling a potential storage deal. Let…

Lets take a look at a video I did on how to analyze Conversion in Episode 211. Conversions are a great way to get in the self-storage business. But a lot has changed since I first recorded this episode. And yet, a lot remains the same. Let’s take a look together at my past self, and my current self will share what is different today and what number…

Here is a video I did on how to analyze expansions in Episode 210. Expansions are still a major way I, and the people I work with are using to get in the self-storage business. But a lot has changed since I first recorded this episode. And yet, a lot remains the same. Let’s take a look together at my past self, and my current self will share what i…

Let’s use to use Jan. of 2024 as a back to the basics on how to get in the self-storage business, or grow one in these challenging times, I thought I would talk again about what makes a good site for self-storage. I have made some real mistakes here in the past. I think there are four main elements that make a great self-storage site for developmen…

As I write this in Jan 2024, I get asked a lot “What and where are the best self-storage opportunities today.” If you are a small investor or new to the space, let me share with you what and where I am focused on today, given the current realities. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podca…

Most of us who are in the self-storage business or own our own businesses set yearly goals. I recently went through the process I use prior to setting my goals with the members of our Inner Circle community, and it seemed to make an impact, so I thought I would share it with you. Before I create any new goals, I want to make sure nothing that can s…

A quick holiday message for you and wishing you a Happy Holiday season from Mark Helm. Let’s make 2024 one for the books. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-self-storage/id1588425875 ** 5 KPIs we measure**https://crea…

This year has been an interesting one for many of us small investors in the self-storage space. Let me share some of my challenges with you, but more importantly, a way to create the following year for you in the self-storage space. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://pod…

Four hundred episodes over eight years. Here is what it looks (or sounds) like. The numbers change. The people change. But do the fundamentals remain the same? Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IseSapYfcJABy Creating Wealth Through Self Storage

How To Create A Successful Self-Storage Business Many of us get into self-storage because we are looking for freedom. Both financially and with the freedom to manage our time as we see fit. And yet, we are often even busier than ever before. But if we are not careful, one day, we wake up and wonder why we are not anxious to get up and “run” our bus…

In today’s self-storage industry, one of the biggest challenges we have today as small self-storage entrepreneurs is the rising disconnect between the rates quoted by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and the actual rental prices in the market, including their own effective rental rates. Let’s look at how that affects small self-storage investo…

Why in the world would someone ever consider a hard-money loan for refinancing a self-storage facility? Well, for a few it may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Let’s look at a few scenarios. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wea…

Let’s talk about property insurance. I don’t think many of us are prepared for the premium increases we are going to see over the next few years. The days of predictable, marginal increases are behind us; in fact, we’re now entering an era where insurance costs could skyrocket by as much as 10% to 20% annually, if not more. Let’s discuss how this c…

“Is now the time to get in self storage?” I get asked that multiple times a week. Let me give you my opinion today. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-self-storage/id1588425875 ** 5 KPIs we measure**https://creatingwe…

Let me share a case study of how a deal was done in tough economic times. I offer this not as “here is how to do deals, or here are some tips or techniques to use.” I offer this case study example to motivate you to ask different questions. It is the questions we ask ourselves that are the most important part of using create alternatives. But I am …

I am starting to have fun again as I work on getting my next self-storage project. Nothing has really changed that much in the market…but I am beginning to notice a shift. Let me share with you what it is and my recommendations today as we hunt for the net deal. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen …

I am starting to have fun again as I work on getting my next self-storage project. Nothing has really changed that much in the market…but I am beginning to notice a shift. Let me share with you what it is and my recommendations today as we hunt for the net deal. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen …

Interest rates are going up! No… They’re flattening out and going down. No, wait… They are going up again. What is a small self-storage person to do? How can we navigate these strange and choppy waters? Let me share with you how I am doing it. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts**…

Let me share with you an idea I got as I was working with a person I coach. It is a strategy you can deploy to come in right under the nose of the larger self storage projects in development and lease up all around you. I think this is one most of us can deploy. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy**https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen …

Yes, I have a self-storage facility where there is no manager. Automation has allowed that. But, for the most part, projects I have been involved in have managers. I like managers. Let’s take a different kind of look at using managers in self-storage in the age of automation. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJKdzuXLB1Y…

Yes, I see more distressed self-storage being marketed. It is actually something I didn’t see very often early in my career. I can remember telling people things like, “If you see a distressed self-storage facility, odds are you don’t want it. It is usually distressed because of fundamental reasons going on in the trade area that you can’t solve.” …

I have been threatening for months to release my new Fundraising Course. Well… It is ready. I am going to launch it with a live event. 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Eastern time Friday & Saturday, August 18 & 19,2023. The course/event is called – Fundraising For The Small Self Storage Investor. If you need to use other people’s money to get in or grow your se…