Why are two seasoned developers turning their focus to self-storage, and what makes this niche so powerful in a shifting economy?

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel Williams welcomes Ben Salzberg and Bill Kanatas, co-founders of Self Storage Developers. With backgrounds in engineering, finance, and decades of commercial real estate experience, Ben and Bill break down why they shifted into self-storage, what sets their approach apart, and how they navigate everything from zoning to construction. The discussion also dives into their development philosophy, how their teaching experience shapes their leadership, and why self-storage thrives even during economic downturns.

[00:01 - 04:00] Who Are Ben & Bill?

• How Bill and Ben's combined experience in engineering, finance, and real estate development informs their approach
• Why their roles in operations and finance create balance in their partnership.
• The significance of their passion for people and problem-solving in real estate.

[04:01 - 08:00] Educators Turned Entrepreneurs

• How working in education prepares people for real estate and leadership.
• Why educators often bring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking into business.
• The importance of communication and empathy in both teaching and entrepreneurship.

[08:01 - 12:00] The Shift to Self-Storage

• Why the transition from car washes to self-storage was a strategic move.
• The need for research and analytics before entering the self-storage space.
• How their first conversion project laid the foundation for their development model.

[12:01 - 15:00] Why Self-Storage Works

• The significance of storage needs during life transitions like divorce, downsizing, or death.
• How self-storage holds up during economic downturns compared to multifamily.
• What makes self-storage operationally easier and financially less volatile.

[15:01 - 18:97] Ground-Up vs. Conversions

• Why ground-up development allows for more flexibility in design and amenities.
• How building codes, zoning, and structural load considerations impact development.
• The need to factor in taxes, incentives, and city approvals early in the process.

Connect with Benjamin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensalzberg/

Connect with Bill:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-kanatas-micp-999255141/

Key Quotes:

"We come to work with a smile and go home with a smile. That’s the goal." - Bill Kanatas

"Storage is one of the few things people always need—death, divorce, downsizing, it all leads back to storage." - Ben Salzberg

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