AJ Osborne is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and investor who owns and manages his self-storage portfolio of over $350 million of assets through his companies Cedar Creek Capital and Self-Storage Income.

He’s the owner and host of the largest self-storage podcast, Self-Storage Income. As an operator and private owner with over 1.2 million square feet of self-storage, he regularly keynotes at national conferences on operations related to investing in, buying, and managing self-storage facilities.

AJ specializes in developing, converting and turning around underperforming facilities with a value-add strategy, and loves to show other entrepreneurs and investors how to focus on technology and self-storage automation.

Chapters

00:00 Market Cycle Insights and Predictions

08:50 AJ Osborne's Journey to Self Storage Success

17:24 Understanding Self Storage as a Business Model

21:44 Centralizing Operations in Self-Storage

22:08 Understanding Recession Resistance in Self-Storage

25:16 Development Trends in Self-Storage

28:15 Opportunities for Passive Investors

31:34 Challenges in Raising Capital

33:36 Preparing for Future Capital Needs

36:27 Educational Resources for New Investors

39:51 Due Diligence in Self-Storage Investments

41:02 Personal Insights and Future Investments

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Summary

In this episode, Randy Smith interviews AJ Osborne, CEO of Cedar Creek Capital, discussing the current state of the market cycle, predictions for the self-storage industry, and AJ's personal journey from insurance to becoming a leading figure in self-storage. AJ shares insights on the impact of interest rates, government spending, and the transition into a new market cycle, while also detailing his personal challenges and how self-storage provided financial stability during tough times. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of self-storage as a business model and its operational efficiencies. In this conversation, AJ Osborne discusses the current state of the self-storage industry, addressing misconceptions about recession resistance, development trends, and the challenges faced by passive investors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics, the impact of interest rates on valuations, and the need for education in the industry. AJ also shares insights on capital raising and the shift towards family offices for funding, while providing resources for new investors to navigate the self-storage space effectively.

Keywords

self storage, market cycle, passive income, AJ Osborne, real estate, investment strategies, financial freedom, business model, economic trends, asset management, self-storage, recession resistance, passive investing, capital raising, market trends, educational resources, due diligence, investment strategies

Cathy Christen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and executive coach with over two decades of experience helping leaders and business owners thrive in their careers without sacrificing what matters most. As the co-founder of GoBundance Women®️ and CEO of Elevated You, Inc., Cathy specializes in creating smart systems, fostering strong team cultures, and empowering leaders to reclaim their time and lead with purpose. Known for her dynamic coaching and actionable strategies, she’s passionate about helping others build a life they love while achieving lasting success.

Summary

In this episode, Randy Smith interviews Kathy Christen, a division manager for Vector Marketing and CEO of Elevated You. They discuss the current market conditions affecting passive investors, Kathy's personal journey from a low-income background to financial success, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for solopreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Kathy emphasizes the need for a long-term investment mindset, the significance of documenting processes, and innovative hiring strategies to foster growth. In this conversation, Cathy Christen and Randy Smith discuss the evolving landscape of passive investing, emphasizing the importance of mindset shifts, education, and mentorship for new investors. They explore the appeal of fractional roles that offer lifestyle flexibility, the significance of viewing money as a tool for freedom, and the necessity of due diligence when investing in businesses. Cathy shares her personal experiences and insights on diversifying investments and learning from successful investors, while also highlighting valuable resources for passive investors.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Market Uncertainty

05:59 The Importance of Mentorship

12:00 Scaling Beyond Cutco

17:55 Hiring Strategies for Growth

23:42 Mindset Shifts for New Investors

30:51 Diversification and Long-Term Thinking

36:23 Due Diligence in Business Investments

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Andrew McNair is a financial expert, philanthropist, and author dedicated to helping families achieve financial peace of mind. As the President of SWAN Capital in Pensacola, Florida, Andrew’s mission is to help families "Sleep Well At Night" through Total Wealth Management, offering integrated retirement plans that address income, tax, health care, and estate needs.

Andrew began his financial career at 14, interning at a financial firm and later founding SWAN Capital after studying finance at the University of West Florida. He is an Investment Adviser Representative, licensed insurance professional, and creator of the Cygnet Fund for real estate investments.

A passionate advocate for stewardship and giving, Andrew hosts the Rich Young & Powerful podcast and the weekly radio show What Your Money Would Say. He is also the author of Don’t Be Penny Wise & Dollar Foolish, Tithe: A Living Testimony, and The Giving Crisis. Featured on The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Fox Business, Andrew encourages others to align their finances with their values to create lasting impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew McNair and Market Insights

06:14 Andrew's Journey to Financial Success

12:49 Navigating the Current Economic Landscape

19:41 Investment Strategies and Asset Allocation

26:59 The Importance of Giving and Family Experiences

33:47 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor