Best Self Storage University Podcasts (2025)

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How To Get The Lowest Vendor Prices 6:36

Play Pause

2h ago6:36

6:36

Unless you can do everything yourself, you will have to hire contractors to perform certain services at your storage facility. But are you paying too much for them? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some strategies to get you the lowest cost from vendors.By Frank Rolfe

1
#16 Peyton Fry: Optimizing Healthcare Operations 37:19

39m ago37:19

37:19

How Call Centers Shape Patient Access In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson welcome Peyton Fry, founder of Glass Raven, to discuss the intricacies of healthcare operations, particularly focusing on call centers and patient access. Peyton shares his journey from working in call centers to c…

1
How To Build A Fire Under The Seller 8:08

15d ago8:08

8:08

Creating a sense of urgency for your self-storage facility seller can often be difficult. But when you’ve been waiting for a while for them to sign a contract, you realize that you have to take some proactive action. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some of the most effective ways to build a fire under sellers.…

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#15 Zohar Strinka: Solving the Meta Problem 26:44

16d ago26:44

26:44

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, Zohar Strinka discusses the concept of meta-problems in problem solving, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right problem to tackle. She shares real-world examples of how solving the wrong problem can lead to disastrous outcomes and highlights the iterative nature of problem-solving…

1
Bad Stats Should Yield Opportunity 8:13

1M ago8:13

8:13

Self-storage properties recently made the #1 position on the lists that nobody wants to be on: 1) fastest declining same-store occupancy and 2) fastest declining same-store rents. But with every storm cloud there is a silver lining for those who stay on top of the trends and make their plans accordingly.…

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#14 Warren Lieberman: Revenue Optimization in Self-Storage 43:39

24d ago43:39

43:39

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson engage with Warren Lieberman, President, Veritec Solutions, to explore the evolution of revenue optimization, particularly in the self-storage industry. Warren shares his journey from high school computer science to operations research at Yale, and his…

1
How To Find Seller Financing 8:52

1M ago8:52

8:52

By Frank Rolfe

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#13 Filippo Focacci: Constraint Programming & Decision Optimization 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Laboratory podcast, Dr. Filippo Focacci, co-founder and CEO of DecisionBrain, shares insights into the world of optimization, the evolution of their DB Gene platform, and the impact of generative AI on decision-making processes. The conversation covers Filippo's journey into optimization, the strengths o…

1
#12 Jon Petersen: Solving Urban Mobility Problems with Data 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson interview Jon Petersen, Vice President of Data at Archer, an aerospace company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. The conversation explores Archer's mission to revolutionize urban mobility, the critical role of data…

1
The Correct Way To Renegotiate 8:14

2M ago8:14

8:14

There is an art to renegotiation based on the science of what’s worked in the past. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the best methods to get what you want when renegotiating a contract.By Frank Rolfe

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#11 Carolyn Mooney: DecisionOps, Testing, and Iterative Development 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson discuss the concept of DecisionOps with Carolyn Mooney, Co-Founder & CEO of Nextmv. They discuss the evolution of decision-making systems, the importance of simulation and testing, and how to build trust within organizations. Carolyn shares insights on…

1
Ranking Sellers By Odds Of Success 9:28

3M ago9:28

9:28

There are three types of sellers and only two of them typically result in a successful negotiation. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the different types of sellers in today’s market and rank your odds of achieving a winning deal with them.By Frank Rolfe

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#10 Kartik Gada: Technology, Change, and Management 33:48

3M ago33:48

33:48

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson engage with Karthik Gada, a CFO and author, to explore the accelerating rate of change in technology and its implications for businesses, economies, and individuals. Gada discusses how technological advancements are interconnected and how they impact v…

1
The Potential Power Of Reg. D Changes 9:54

3M ago9:54

9:54

If you are trying to expand your self-storage portfolio, but have run into a wall called available capital, you may have looked into the Reg. D 506 structure under the JOBS Act. But a proposed change to this opportunity may yield even greater potential. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the pending change and what the im…

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#9 Borja Menéndez: Making Planners into Super Heroes 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Laboratory podcast, Borja Menéndez, Lead Operations Research Engineer at Trucksters who also earned his PhD in OR, joins us to discuss his journey into the field of operations research, the impact of his work at Trucksters, and the importance of integrating data science with traditional optimization meth…

1
Smoke, Mirrors And The Achilles Heel Of Large Storage Operators 9:45

4M ago9:45

9:45

The self-storage industry for larger owners is much more in peril than what they claim, yet many investors fail to heed the warning signs. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review why most large U.S. operators are in big trouble and how to learn from their mistakes.By Frank Rolfe

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#8 Ben Alamar: Business Lessons from Sports Analytics 40:05

4M ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson engage with Ben Alamar, a PhD economist and sports analytics expert. They explore the evolution of sports analytics, the impact of motion tracking technology, and the challenges of integrating data into decision-making processes in sports. Ben shares p…

1
Navigating The Variable Rate Puzzle 10:32

4M ago10:32

10:32

In many self-storage loans today, there’s one major question for the borrower: “do you want a fixed rate or floating?”. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the good and bad of each option and how you can make your own decision based on your perception of the future.By Frank Rolfe

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#7 Peter Cacioppi: Real-Time Model Deployment 37:25

4M ago37:25

37:25

In this episode, Mike & Vijay sit down with Peter Cacioppi, Principal Operations Research Scientist at Decision Spot to dive into the intersection of model building and production software development. Peter shares insights on the tools he's developed, the role of Python in the Gurobi ecosystem, and the transformative impact of LLMs on software dev…

1
The Calm Before The Storm 10:03

5M ago10:03

10:03

America is filled with uncertainty, yet many storage owners have the mistaken idea that these challenges are quietly behind them. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review many of the headwinds the self - storage industry is facing and how to best position yourself to survive these shocks.…

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#6 Zahir Balaporia: The Politics of Data Science 36:49

5M ago36:49

36:49

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, host Vijay Mehrotra and co-host Michael Watson engage with Zahir Balaporia, an expert in analytics and decision-making. They explore the concepts of the 'last mile' and 'extra mile', and the politics of analytics. Zahir also shares real-world examples of how organizational dynamics can impac…

1
Lessons Learned From Commodity Traders 9:44

5M ago9:44

9:44

While copper and soybeans are some of the best-known commodities to trade, self-storage facility owners are also dependent on commodity pricing of their units. And there are certain winners and losers in this trading environment. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the future of the storage commodity and pick the winners a…

1
#5. Ganesh Ramakrishna: Navigating the Startup Landscape 34:34

5M ago34:34

34:34

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, Ganesh Ramakrishna joins our hosts Vijay & Mike to share his journey from co-founding Opex Analytics to launching Lyric. He discusses the challenges of building a software company, the importance of fundraising with scaled ambitions, and the critical role of product-market fit. Ganesh emphas…

1
#4 Harley Davis: Combining LLMs with OR and Business Rules for Mission Critical Applications 30:18

6M ago30:18

30:18

In this podcast episode, Michael Watson & Vijay Mehrotra interviews Harley Davis, Founder and CEO of Athena Decision Systems. They discuss the rise of generative AI and its integration with business rules, emphasizing the importance of reliable decision-making in mission-critical applications. Harley explains the limitations of LLMs, referring to t…

1
The Importance Of Asking The Right Questions 9:58

6M ago9:58

9:58

When performing due diligence on a self-storage facility, the questions you ask have a huge impact on gathering facts – especially regarding the costs of capital improvements or maintenance projects. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the questions to ask and the questions to avoid.…

1
All About Closing Dates 9:44

6M ago9:44

9:44

Many buyers feel the least of their worries is the actual date of closing, but that’s not true. There’s a strategy to closing on a deal that can determine just how smoothly the transition goes. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the impact of the closing date you choose (or get railroaded into choosing).…

1
#3. Laura Albert: Thinking Big and Educating Differently 30:49

7M ago30:49

30:49

We live in a world filled where our lives and livelihoods increasingly depend on complex systems. In this episode, Professor Laura Albert from the University of Wisconsin discusses a recent paper on the “Grand Challenges in Industrial and Systems Engineering” and offers some suggestions on how educational programs must evolve in the age of Artifici…

1
#2. Doug Gray: Why Data Science Projects Fail 38:35

7M ago38:35

38:35

In this episode’ of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast we have Doug Gray, Director of Data Science at Walmart Global Tech and co-author of Why Data Science Project Fail. Whether you are a business leader trying to capture value from your analytic investments, a practicing data scientist, or a student in a technical field aspiring to bring your s…

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#1. Irv Lustig: Identifying and Mitigating AI Project Risk 39:55

7M ago39:55

39:55

In the first episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson interview Dr. Irv Lustig from Princeton Consultants about the Princeton 20, a framework for identifying and mitigating AI and Optimization project risks. This evaluation framework includes both business and technical factors, and is a valuable met…

1
The Decision Intelligence Lab Podcast - Trailer 1:08

7M ago1:08

1:08

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast explores the practical challenges of implementing data science, analytics, and AI projects, shining a light on many diverse links in the information value chain that transform raw data into real business outcomes. Each episode features conversations with leaders from technology firms, consultancies, enterprise …

1
Performance Anxiety 10:40

7M ago10:40

10:40

Many of the self-storage deals out there are wholly unappealing. So what does it take to make a storage facility acquisition compelling? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the metrics behind evaluating a property and come to some conclusions on what should make you interested as well as what should make you run away.…

1
How Not To Get Caught Swimming Naked 9:48

7M ago9:48

9:48

There’s an old saying “when the tide goes out you find out who was swimming naked”. And with all of the economic chaos in the U.S. right now, the tide certainly appears to be going out. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review strategies to not be caught swimming naked.By Frank Rolfe

1
How To Get A Loan 9:54

8M ago9:54

9:54

It costs money to build or buy a billboard, and for many people that means getting a loan. But how can you find a lender and get a loan when you are just starting out? In this Billboard Mastery podcast we’re going to explore this topic and discuss some real-life methods to make lending attainable.By Frank Rolfe

1
Take-aways From The U-Haul Report 10:30

8M ago10:30

10:30

U-Haul has historically been a great source of information on population movement. On a regular basis they publish the results of “one-way” rentals that give insight into both where Americans are going but also where they’re leaving. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the meaning behind the latest numbers.…

1
All About Contract Modifications 10:31

9M ago10:31

10:31

A contract is a legal agreement that is signed by both parties – and sometimes you have to alter that basic agreement to get one or both parties to execute it. But how far can you go in modifying these documents? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review what’s acceptable and not, as well as what the ramifications are as you edi…

1
Avoiding Buyer Mouse Traps 10:42

9M ago10:42

10:42

Webster’s Dictionary defines a “trap” as “a situation in which people lie in wait to make a surprise attack”. We’re all familiar with doing this to mice using a spring and a piece of cheese. But some self-storage owners use this same principle when selling their storage property. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss the co…

1
Understanding Emotional Vs. Rational Seller Behavior 10:31

10M ago10:31

10:31

Every self-storage facility seller has two basic traits that guide their decision-making: 1) emotional and 2) rational. How you appeal to and guide these factors can be a key ingredient to forging a successful deal. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to drill down on how to use these attributes to your benefit.…

1
Only Believe What You Can See Yourself 10:11

10M ago10:11

10:11

There are too many people extolling the virtues of self-storage investing that have a stake in convincing you of false narratives. They will claim that demand is growing when, in actuality, occupancy in plunging. They will tell you that a market is "hot" when, in reality, it's a buyer's market. In this Self-Storage University podcast we're going to…

1
All About Buying Properties In Default 8:19

11M ago8:19

8:19

There is a lot of pain and suffering among self-storage owners that paid too much for their facility, didn't operate it effectively, bought in the wrong location, or have been obliterated by competition. These type of situations often lead to mortgage default. So you do you buy self-storage properties in default? In this Self-Storage University pod…

1
Don’t Fall For The Seller’s Bluff 9:12

11M ago9:12

9:12

Bluffing is not just a part of playing poker – it’s also found in working with self - storage facility sellers. In this Self - Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some of the most common seller bluffs and how to diffuse them.By Frank Rolfe

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Is The "Commercial Mortgage Apocalypse" Really A Hoax? 8:59

12M ago8:59

8:59

There is $2 trillion of commercial real estate mortgage debt coming due over the next two years. Given the low values and occupancy of much of these holdings, it’s assumed there will be a “commercial mortgage apocalypse” as a result. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review this event and where it currently stands.…

1
Understanding The "Crocodile Defense" 8:35

12M ago8:35

8:35

Understanding The "Crocodile Defense" Maybe it’s a slip-and-fall claim or someone who make the false assertion that you sold their unit for non-payment in contradiction to the law. Regardless of the problem, a smart move is to adopt the "crocodile defense". In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review what this means and how you ca…

1
How To Push Along The Procrastinating Seller 9:23

1y ago9:23

9:23

You don’t have a deal until both parties have signed. So what do you do when the seller is dragging their feet? Is there a way to push them along? That’s the focus of this Self-Storage University podcast, in which we explore the methods available to get the seller to get out their pen and actually sign your deal.…

1
What Can You Do About A Bad Appraisal? 8:20

1y ago8:20

8:20

Webster’s Dictionary defines an “appraisal” as “an expert opinion of value”. But sometimes the expert gets it wrong and your deal can collapse under the weight of that mistake. In this Self-Storage University podcast, we’re going to explore what the options are when the appraisal comes in too low.By Frank Rolfe

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Why Smaller Deals Are A Whole Lot Safer 7:50

1y ago7:50

7:50

Everyone likes to talk about giant storage deals because they associate size with “sexiness”. However, the truth is that many of those big deals are total failures and there’s nothing attractive about losing money. Instead, for many investors in self-storage, smaller deals offer greater safety and financial returns. In this Self-Storage University …

1
What It Means When The Promises, P&l, And Tax Return Don’t Align 8:02

1y ago8:02

8:02

Most every self-storage property you look at buying seemingly has three sets of books: 1) what the seller promises you 2) the Profit & Loss statements they give you and 3) the tax returns. And the problem is that often these three different viewpoints don’t align. What does that mean and what can you do about it?…

1
Understanding The Problem With "Hot Markets" 8:40

1y ago8:40

8:40

Most real estate buyers have an endless attraction to what are called “hot markets”. But this pursuit has some disastrous results for most self-storage buyers. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the truth about “hot markets” and how to approach them properly.By Frank Rolfe

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The Facts About Hard-money Lending 8:21

1+ y ago8:21

8:21

Seller carry, bank debt, conduit financing – those are the typical ways you finance a self-storage facility. But there’s another method that rarely gets discussed: “hard-money” lending. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the concept of hard-money loans and drill down on the risks associated with this alternative funding …

1
The Fundamentals Of Working With Contractors 9:06

1+ y ago9:06

9:06

Whether you’re building a storage facility or just getting routine maintenance completed, you can’t really be in the storage business without working with contractors. But there is a certain etiquette to this relationship that is essential to protect your interests. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss how to properly stru…

1
How To Set The Interest Rate On A Seller-carry Note 7:55

1+ y ago7:55

7:55

Every loan must bear interest, and when you borrow from a bank that number is typically non-negotiable. However, with seller financing the interest rate is subject to negotiation. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore strategies for determining the correct interest rate on seller-carry debt.…