
Hosted by Jon Farling · EN

Ben Golden joins us to share his journey from the fast-paced software world to owning self-storage facilities and launching his reputation management platform, Revy. We dive into his unique approach to sales, where he emphasizes the value of building relationships rather than simply closing deals.Ben's story is all about finding the perfect balance between professional ambition and family life, as he transitioned from a demanding corporate role to entrepreneurship, allowing him more time with his loved ones. We also explore the ins and outs of seller financing and how it can be a game-changer for both buyers and sellers in the self-storage industry.Additionally, Ben shares how keeping a pulse on tenant satisfaction can lead to stellar reviews and improved retention, along with valuable insights on leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience and drive business growth.

If you've been scratching your head wondering why so many commercial real estate deals are falling apart, you're not alone! Today, we're diving into the top reasons behind this unsettling trend, with a special focus on self-storage and multifamily properties.It turns out that investing is often a bit of a gamble—speculation is part of the game, and sometimes even the best underwriting can't predict the future. We'll discuss the impact of short-term debt, the dangers of aggressive underwriting, and the consequences of failing to keep a close eye on changing market conditions.Plus, I'll share my thoughts on the importance of cash flow and why it should be your north star when navigating these challenging waters. So, grab a comfy seat and join us as we unravel this commercial real estate conundrum together!

Does unit count really matter in the world of real estate? Spoiler alert: yes—but maybe not for the reasons you think.In today’s episode, I’m diving into why unit count shouldn’t be just a bragging point or an ego boost, but rather a crucial metric for scaling your business effectively. We’ve all seen people flaunting their million-dollar portfolios, but let’s be honest—numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.I’ll break down how having more units can lead to better financing options, improved operational systems, and ultimately a more sustainable business model. So grab your favorite drink and settle in as we explore why scaling smartly can make all the difference.

Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked but crucial topic of focus in our lives and businesses. It’s easy to think that being busy equals being productive, but let me tell you—many people are just spinning their wheels!We’ll unpack the recent drama in the real estate world involving a well-known investor who reportedly lost a staggering $15 million on a deal, and how a lack of focus—particularly when it comes to social media—may have played a role in that outcome.Throughout this episode, I’ll share some of my own experiences and discuss the importance of keeping your eye on the ball, whether you’re in real estate or any other business venture. If you’re tired of chasing shiny objects and want to focus on what truly moves the needle, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s dive in!

Rob Dubroc is our guest today, and he's here to share his journey from aerospace to self-storage—and trust me, it's a wild ride! After a series of unexpected career twists, Rob found himself in the self-storage industry, and boy, does he have some insights to share about scaling a business in this niche. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of how he went from flipping houses to managing a portfolio of storage facilities and the lessons he learned along the way. Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think about software and operations? Rob has some thoughts on that too, discussing how AI is more than just a shiny new toy—it's a game-changer for efficiency. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's unpack the world of self-storage with Rob!

Youth sports have taken a wild turn, and I’m here to spill the tea! Today, I’m diving into how the landscape of kids’ sports has shifted from equal playing time to a cutthroat level of competition that even third graders are feeling.I’m sharing my own experiences as a dad navigating this new world with my young athletes—my son, who’s knee-deep in soccer and basketball, and my daughter, who’s flipping her way through gymnastics.We’ll chat about the pressure on coaches to win rather than focus on developing young talent, and how that impacts our kids’ love for the game. Spoiler alert: It’s not all sunshine and trophies. I’ve got some thoughts on how we can balance that competitive drive with a little more fun, growth, and fulfillment.So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s unpack this together!

Buying based on cap rate? That’s a no-go, folks! In today’s chat, we’re diving into why you should steer clear of cap rates when considering your next commercial property purchase. First off, let’s break it down: a cap rate is essentially the return you’d expect on an all-cash investment. But let’s be real—most of us aren’t shelling out cash for these properties like we’re at a garage sale.I’ll share some juicy tidbits about how sellers and brokers can twist the numbers to make a cap rate look more enticing than it really is. Instead of getting caught in that trap, we’ll discuss the metrics that actually matter when buying, like cash-on-cash return, which can lead to a much more profitable investment down the line.So grab your favorite beverage, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making smarter investment choices!

When did it become cool not to work? That’s the burning question we’re tackling today, and trust me, it’s a juicy one. We’ve all seen those folks flaunting their four-hour workweeks and endless vacations, but what about the hard workers who are grinding away? It seems like the pandemic turned the working world upside down, and now some people are celebrating a carefree lifestyle instead of pouring their talents into something meaningful.I’ve got a bit of a rant brewing about how that mindset can be not just misguided, but downright selfish. So whether you’re a hustler or just someone enjoying the fruits of their labor, let’s chat about why it’s crucial to keep pushing the envelope and contribute value to others. Because after all, what’s the point of freedom if you’re just sitting around?

Understanding the intricacies of real estate investing is crucial, especially in today’s fluctuating market. One of the main points I want to share today is the importance of a solid capital stack and how it can make or break your deals. Many investors stumble by overlooking the stability of their financing, often getting caught up in short-term debt that can lead to serious financial strain down the line.We’re diving into the top two mistakes that can derail your self-storage investments, and I’ll be sharing insights from recent conversations I’ve had with fellow real estate investors that really highlight these pitfalls. Along with that, we’ll discuss the vital role operations play in ensuring your investment thrives, especially when occupancy rates are lower than expected.Stick around as we unpack these important topics that could help you avoid costly missteps in your investment journey.

Tyler Harper joins us to share his journey into the self-storage industry, which has seen remarkable growth under his leadership. Since starting in 2022, Tyler and his team have acquired 26 storage facilities, with a rapid pace of purchasing that has them aiming for one deal a week. He discusses how they transitioned from traditional financing methods, like SBA loans, to more streamlined cash purchases as their operations scaled. A key element of their success is the innovative software they’ve developed, which enhances operational efficiency and integrates AI for call management and vendor oversight.Join us as we delve into the strategies and tools that are reshaping the self-storage landscape, and learn how Tyler’s approach sets them apart from the competition.