Self Storage Is More Than Metal Boxes | Operating Like a Real Business

About this episode

James Shepherd discusses with leaders from Alaska Mini Storage the importance of treating self storage as a real business.

In this week’s episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, James Shepherd sits down with leaders from Alaska Mini Storage to discuss why self storage is more than just renting metal boxes—it’s about operating a real business. They share lessons from modernizing outdated systems, transitioning from handwritten records to digital tools, simplifying payments and autopay, improving lien auctions through online platforms, and building a team culture focused on customer experience and sales. Whether you operate a single facility or manage multiple sites, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, tenant experience, and operational strategies that can improve occupancy and long-term performance.

People in this episode

Host: Ben Shirey

Guest: James Shepherd

Topics covered

• self storage
• business operations
• customer experience
• digital tools
• leadership
• occupancy improvement

Keywords

• self storage
• business strategy
• customer service
• digital transformation
• occupancy rates

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alaska Mini Storage

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