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=IseSapYfcJAΑπό τον 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…

Im starting to see the distressed self-storage listings. I said they were most likely coming and I am starting to see a trickle of them, soon to be more. Let me share with you an example of what to look for and then go on a rant. **Fundraising Course Release Notification**https://creatingwealththroughselfstorage.lpages.co/self-storage-fundraising-c…

Online marketing has never been more critical than it is today. Especially if you are in lease up. Let me share how I approach it now, and hopefully somone will change my mind. **Fundraising Course Release Notification**https://creatingwealththroughselfstorage.lpages.co/self-storage-fundraising-course-notification/ **Online Courses at The Quickstar…

A lot has changed since I first dipped my toes into the self-storage waters in 1995. Perhaps the most interesting and-fast paced changes have revolved around tech innovations. Not all tech innovations are right for your facility. Let’s look at innovations and tech upgrades we have used that made a difference. **Fundraising Course Release Notificati…

Are you ready to hear what I think is critical to finding a good self storage site? I might do an episode on my philosophy of life, but this episode is not it. This episode is my philosophy of what makes a good self storage site and the demographic metrics I focus on and why. Some may disagree with this approach, but nonetheless, this is mine. Enjo…

We talk a lot about buying self storage in these episodes. Let’s discuss selling. In this episode, we discuss valuable insights to help you navigate the complex process of selling your self storage facility. There is a real art to this. I’ll cover the current market trends, assessing your facility’s value, implementing effective marketing strategie…

There is one big benefit of having been in and around the self storage business for almost 30 years (in other words being old). You learn some lessons you did not and could not have known when you began. Let me share five lessons about self storage operations I have learned. Some of these lessons I learned the hard way. I share these with you in th…

If you live in Indiana, did you know the default time for being able to assess a late penalty and deny tenants access to their units has been shortened? Did you know Indiana, the time-period has been shortened between when somone is late and when a lien sale can be initiated? You would if you were a member of the Indiana Self Storage Association or…

I just returned from a two week break from self storage and business I took as I traveled with my wife to Florida. I did no writing, and little real estate and calls. But I did continue my morning practices and realized just how much a certain practice has made a difference in my life and business. Let me share with you something that has had a big…

Over the last three weeks, we have been discussing an overview of fundraising for small self storage investors getting in the business or growing their business from my perspective. This will be the last in this mini-series. I have organized this large and complicated world of fundraising into three main buckets, syndications, joint ventures, and f…

Over the last two weeks, we have been discussing an overview of fundraising for small self storage investors getting in the business or growing their business. I have organized this large and complicated world of fundraising into three main buckets, syndications, joint ventures, and funds (or private placements). But it does touch on the majority o…

Last week, I introduced self storage Fundraising 101 and discussed three main types of raising capital for self storage investments. I have organized this large and complicated world of fundraising into three main buckets, syndications, joint ventures, and funds (or private placements). Today, let’s look closer into the world of syndications. This …

As a small investor who raises money for equity in the deals I do and as a self storage coach who helps people get into the self storage business who often have to raise money, I have seen a lot of deals and deal structures. Of all the training I have attempted to systematize and create, “fundraising” has been the most difficult for me to organize …

Last week, as a self storage person, not an economist, I shared my ideas on inflation. Inflation is the driver of what is happening to our economy at this moment in time. So if inflation is the train barreling down the tracks, what does the landscape look like, and what is in front of the train self storage wise. Let me share with you my ideas and …

Yes, I am a self storage person interpreting the economic data points and sharing how I see it fitting into our area of interest, self storage. Now depending on which news silo, you get most of your “news” from, you hear vastly different interpretations of economic data. I say it is almost impossible, if not totally impossible, to draw any conclusi…

In the world of self storage, fundraising for self storage, or any other worthwhile endeavors in life, one needs to know what to do, but the most important aspect to success is one’s mindset. One’s thinking. Most people are not present to it, but you’re thinking is actually the filter through which reality is experienced. That is why 80% of your su…

Last week I introduced the idea that no matter what the industry, or niche in any industry, the more I hang around people who are at the top of their game, the less they discuss tactics and strategies, and the more they discuss the breakthroughs they had in their thinking. Last week I introduced what I consider to be Mindshift Number 1. This week l…

No matter what the industry, or niche in any industry, the more I hang around people who are at the top of their game, the less they discuss tactics and strategies, and the more they discuss the breakthrough they had in their thinking. When it comes to fundraising for self storage, that is no exception. Let’s discuss the first of three Mindset Shif…

Do you know you can talk to the person you hire for a self storage feasibility report and ask them to focus on a few additional things before you engage them? At least I do. So far it has worked. Let me share with you some of the things I may ask for. -Online Courses at https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/-Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.a…

As I discussed last week, I love doing self storage expansions. But sometimes, as I analyze an expansion, and I run a preliminary analysis figuring how much additional self storage I can get on the excess land and the numbers still don’t work very well. It’s not a deal we want to do. Let me share with you an idea that has made some of them work. -O…

Last week I told you I love self storage conversions. I also love self storage expansions. Like conversions, we have made a lot of money for our families, partners, and investors. I have also seen lots of people I coach and train do well with expansions. But I have seen and made some mistakes underwriting expansions. Let me share with you the three…