What do you do when a tenant passes away while renting a storage unit? This was the opening question AI came up with... Hopefully, no one has ever passed away in your office while renting a unit, but dealing with an existing tenant who has died happens more often than you think.

This is one of the most uncomfortable but critical situations self storage operators face—and getting it wrong can come with serious legal consequences.

In this episode, we break down the must-know legal and practical steps operators need to take when a tenant dies. They cover everything from probate considerations to next-of-kin contact, and how to avoid common missteps that could land your business in hot water.

Key topics include:

• Legal obligations when a tenant dies

• Understanding your lien rights in these situations

• Why having a secondary contact in your lease matters

• When to hold off on selling the contents of a unit

• Practical advice on handling the emotional side with surviving family

• Steps you should take before this ever becomes an issue

If you’ve never dealt with this situation before, you probably will. Death is a part of life, and hopefully your business can be a part of the solution rather than adding to the stress.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Sherrard, owner of Reliable Storage in Seattle, to talk all things occupancy—and not just how full your units are, but how well your business is performing overall.

In this rebroadcast of the May 29 webinar, we break down the three types of occupancy (yes, there are three!) and how to evaluate what’s actually holding your numbers back. Spoiler: it’s not always your rates.

Here’s what we cover:

• Unit, Area & Economic Occupancy – What they mean and how to track them
• Diagnosing the Problem – Are you getting enough leads? Are you converting them?
• Conversion Wins – How missed calls and poor scheduling may be your biggest leaks
• Smart Rate Strategies – When to raise rates, when to hold, and why copying the REITs might backfire
• Promos & Discounts – When to use them, when not to, and how to measure impact
• Boosting Retention – Why keeping the right tenants matters more than keeping every tenant
• Top Tips – Andrew’s rapid-fire list of what’s cheapest, easiest, and most effective to boost occupancy

Whether your occupancy is dipping or you just want to sharpen your strategy, this episode is packed with insight.

Guest: Andrew Sherrard, with Reliable Storage

Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff

Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

We talk a lot about amenities in self storage—security cameras, clean units, keypads, gates—but what about you? The manager is one of the most important amenities at a facility, and often one of the most under emphasized.

Appearance, attitude, and professionalism can either enhance or hurt your facility’s image. What you wear and what you support during company time all sends a message about your business. Is it the message you want to send? Is it the message your organization wants to promote?

We cover:

✅ Why your personal presentation matters just as much as your property’s
✅ How to think about yourself as part of the customer experience
✅ Tips for keeping a clean, professional appearance without losing personality

Digital curb appeal and property curb appeal get a lot of attention these days. But don't forget that sometimes it's the personal curb appeal that makes or breaks the final sale.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

AI is transforming the self-storage industry—from smarter security cameras and chatbots to automated rate comparisons and call evaluations. But how much is too much? In this episode, we take a balanced look at the role of artificial intelligence in storage operations and explore where it helps—and where it may be hurting more than helping.

We discuss this balance regarding:

• Where AI Works Well – Data-driven tasks like rate comparison, call scoring, and tech enhancements (security, chatbots, drones)
• Where AI Falls Short – Creative work like content writing, marketing voice, and brainstorming where human insight is still essential
• AI and Customer Experience – The risk of losing personal touch when AI replaces too much of your team’s interaction
• Practical Use Cases – Evaluating vendors, optimizing marketing campaigns, and using AI to improve—not replace—your systems
• How to Avoid Overuse – Guidelines for keeping your business human-centered while still embracing new tools

Use AI strategically, not automatically. People still matter most in self storage success.

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this special on-location episode from Boerne, TX, we're joined by the team from On the Move—Jim, Sherry, CJ, and Stacie—to unpack their biggest takeaways from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, the industry's largest event.

From expert-led education sessions to lively vendor conversations, this episode dives into:

• Why Good Questions Matter – How smart, thoughtful questions from vendors and operators can lead to better decisions and stronger operations
• Key Expo Education Highlights – Risk management, marketing, and operational insights that left a lasting impression
• New Vendors to Watch - Software providers that might be worth a first or second look
• The Value of Trade Shows – The importance of continuing education, even if you can’t attend a national self storage event
• Top Regional Trade Show Recommendations – Hear our go-to suggestions for great local events that still deliver big value

🎧 Plus, stick around for a fun bonus segment with the Huff Girls, who share their unique (and entertaining) impressions of the self-storage industry and what giveaways might appeal to a younger crowd.

Guests from On the Move: CJ Stratte, Jim Ferguson, Stacie Maxwell, and Sherry Miller

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

In this quarterly Legal Chat, self storage attorneys Scott Zucker and Carlos Kaslow tackle the toughest legal challenges operators face in 2025. From military tenants and bankruptcy stays to lean sale objections and law enforcement searches, this conversation dives deep into the real-world scenarios that take storage owners out of the office and into the courtroom.

Whether you're a new facility owner or a seasoned operator, this episode will give you clear legal context and practical strategies to protect your business.

Topics Covered:

• When storage owners are forced to go to court
• Navigating military tenant protections (SCRA)
• Handling bankruptcies the right way
• State-specific rules on lien sale objections
• Search & seizure: When to cooperate with law enforcement

You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 5 on YouTube

Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes.

Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network

Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What separates the good from the truly great in self-storage management? In this episode, Melissa and Tommy are joined by Mark Green from The Jenkins Organization to explore what top-performing managers do differently—and how their daily habits, communication, and customer care lead to higher occupancy and better results.

Together, they dive into key areas of successful management:

• First Impressions Matter – From Google Business Profile and curb appeal to phone etiquette and in-person greetings, learn how to wow customers before they ever sign a lease
• Converting More Leads – Proven techniques for identifying customer needs, recommending the right units, and closing the deal—both in person and over the phone
• Overcoming Objections – How to respond when you don’t have the size a customer needs or when you're more expensive than a REIT down the road
• Standout Customer Service – Tips for smooth move-ins and move-outs, exceeding expectations, and turning great experiences into reviews and referrals
• Daily Excellence – Actionable habits and sales skills any manager can use every day to boost performance

Plus more Mark-isms than we can count, like-

"Just be yourself, unless you're a jerk."

"Don't give them what they expect. Give them what they want."

"Know the difference, show the difference, be the difference."

If you want to become the kind of manager that owners rave about and tenants never forget, this episode is full of ideas and inspiration you can put to work immediately.

*There were a few audio issues with Mark's mic that clear up at the 19:20 spot in the podcast, so hang in there

Guest: Mark Green, The Jenkins Organization

Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff

Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

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