The story of Valois Burgundy is one of the most exciting of the Late Middle Ages. The four Valois Dukes of Burgundy used political intrigue, calculated splendor, economic power, and good old-fashioned violence to forge a state out of the many Duchies and Counties between France and the Holy Roman Empire. During Burgundy's height its Dukes were seen by many as the equals of Kings and Emperors and their court was at the center of Western Europe's cultural and political development. And then it ...
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Josh Zucker Podcasts
There’s a lot of focus in our industry on those already at the top, but change is driven at all levels. Rising highlights the builders, the shapers and the doers across marketing, media, and innovation — the ones tagged to be our future leaders. Each episode showcases a leader rising up and what they see ahead. Hosted by Josh Boaz and Mat Zucker, we talk to guests about career trajectory, the people who helped them, skills gained along the way, and the trends they're watching. Don't forget t ...
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Listen in as we gab about the self storage industry and focus in on particular areas. Want to learn more about auctions, operations, management, marketing, best practices, customer service, and more? Interested in what the best in the industry have to say? Melissa Huff and Josh Huff tap into a combined 30+ years of experience on operations and marketing to speak to the issues that concern owners and operators. This is also the place for the monthly Gabfocus webinar rebroadcasts where Melissa ...
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Choosing the Right Management Fit with Brad North
1:07:34
1:07:34
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1:07:34Whether you’re a hands-on owner-operator or a passive investor looking to scale, finding the right management style can make or break your self-storage success. In this episode, guest host Brad North walks us through the various management setups—from on-site managers and remote tech-driven operations to hybrid and hub-and-spoke models. We explore …
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None of us would go a year between oil changes for our cars. I can't even go 6 months without descaling my Keurig. But how long has it been since you did a tune-up of your self storage facility? The word "Audit" has gotten a bad wrap over the years, but it is one of the most essential things you can do to ensure your facility runs smoothly and avoi…
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And 116 years later, the Hundred Years War comes to an End. Time Period Covered: 1448-1453 Notable People: Charles VII of France, Henry VI of England, John of Orleans Count of Dunois, Arthur de Richemont Constable of France, John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, Edmund Beaufort Duke of Somerset Notable Events/Developments: Seizure of Fougeres, Breakdown …
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Remembering the Fallen - Never forget 9/11 - Never Forget Charlie Kirk
17:16
17:16
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17:16Another generational event has happened, and it's worth taking a break from self storage to talk about. The events of yesterday, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, remind us of the last great generational tragedy from 24 years ago today. In both cases, evil individuals plotted and carried out deadly killings against people and ideals they disagreed…
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Breaking into the professional world isn’t easy especially in today’s job market. For Ada Stout, a summer marketing intern at Prophet the path from campus to industry has been shaped by persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn by doing.In this episode, Ada shares the realities of the internship search, the lessons she’s gained through han…
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Getting a Self Storage Education (Even If You Missed the SSA Show)
38:06
38:06
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38:06If you're like us, you didn't make it out to Vegas this year for the Self Storage Association 50th Anniversary Conference. But don't despair! We have tons of other ways to find the education, networking, and vendor updates you need to keep your business competitive. Whether it's in-person events, virtual webinars, podcasts, or papers, we share all …
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Disaster Prep & Recovery with Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin
1:10:54
1:10:54
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1:10:54Today we focus on something every self storage operator hopes they never have to face—but absolutely need to be ready for: disasters. When the worst happens, every decision matters. Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin join Tommy and Melissa to share real stories from their own crisis experiences—fires, floods, and more—and the lessons they’ve learn…
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Believe it or not, the Hundred Years War is still going on, but now it's become a bit on-again-off-again. The Truce of Tours, agreed to in 1444, gave both sides the chance to take a breath and prepare for the future, whatever that might hold. Time Period Covered: 1440-1448 Notable People: Charles VII of France, Henry VI of England, Philip the Good,…
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Legal Landmines: ADA, Arbitration, & Antitrust in Self Storage - Legal Chat Episode 6 with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker
42:30
42:30
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42:30As the self storage industry moves further online, legal risks are evolving fast. In this Legal Chat episode, Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker break down the biggest legal challenges operators face today—and how to prepare for them. Key topics include: Website accessibility & ADA lawsuits Deceptive Trade Practices and Drip Pricing Mandatory arbitrati…
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Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage with Jennifer Barroqueiro
57:14
57:14
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57:14AI is everywhere in the self storage world—but how can operators actually use it day-to-day? In this episode, Jennifer Barroqueiro from All-Purpose Storage joins Josh and Melissa Huff to share real, practical ways managers and owners can leverage AI to save time, improve communication, and boost efficiency. We discuss: How AI can streamline emails,…
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Future-Proofing with Upgrades & Expansions: with Nigel Kreft
1:10:41
1:10:41
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1:10:41Is your self storage facility ready for the future—or falling behind? In this episode, Nigel Kreft from Elevate Structures joins Tommy Nguyen and Melissa Huff to talk about how to keep your property competitive, profitable, and positioned for growth through the right upgrades and expansions. We discuss: When and why to upgrade or expand (from occup…
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Your facility manager isn’t just an employee—they’re running your multi-million-dollar business. Are you training, empowering, and compensating them to reflect that responsibility? In this episode, we cover: What NOT to incentivize (and why the wrong goals can hurt your bottom line) How to educate your manager (or yourself) so they fully understand…
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Jodi Cary is the Director of Brand and Creative at Corewell Health, where she leads with empathy, clarity, and a strong creative vision. After stepping away from the workforce for over a decade to focus on motherhood, Jodi reemerged with a fresh perspective shaped by consulting, strategy, and deep curiosity. In this episode, Jodi joins us to talk a…
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In the mid-1440s, Frederick III the King of Germany and Duke Philip the Good entered into negotiations over the prospect of giving the Duke a crown. While Frederick pictured simply elevating one of Philip's territories from Duchy to Kingdom, the Duke of Burgundy was more ambitious and attempted to resurrect the old Frankish Kingdom of Lotharingia. …
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Whether you plan to sell next year or in 20 years, one thing is certain: you won’t own your self storage facility forever. So how do you ensure it’s gaining—and retaining—value? In this episode, we explore what it means to steward your storage asset with the future in mind. We break down three key areas that directly impact your facility’s long-ter…
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Social Media is Back! - How AI and META are Changing How People Find Self Storage
34:59
34:59
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34:59How's your social media presence? Do you post once a month? Once a year? If your Facebook page or Instagram profile are low priorities, it might be time for a change. A HUGE update from META dropped today. Posts on social can now be indexed on Google. Plus, Google is launching AI Mode to go along with their traditional search. What does this mean f…
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Making Tech Work For You with James Hatfield & Michael Brevdeh
1:27:30
1:27:30
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1:27:30We sat down with James Hatfield from LiveSwitch and Michael Brevdeh from Cubby to unpack how self storage operators can make the most of their technology—whether you're working with what you already have or considering your next big upgrade. We dive into: The essential tech tools every facility should have in place The most underutilized features o…
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Clear, intentional signage isn’t just for looks—it can shape the entire customer experience, reduce confusion, and cut down on unnecessary phone calls. In this episode, we break down the essential signs every facility should have and why they matter. We cover: Why your main sign should be simple and brand-driven—no phone numbers required The one si…
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After adding the Duchies of Brabant and Limburg and the Counties of Hainault, Holland, Zeeland, and Namur to his domains, Philip the Good set his sights on the Duchy of Luxembourg. But the Duke of Burgundy wasn't the only with designs on the Duchy. Time Period Covered: 1436-1443 Notable People: Philip the Good, Elizabeth of Gorlitz, Ladislaus the P…
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One of the biggest questions we get asked is, "How can I compete with my competitor down the street who is offering the same unit as me but for 50% less?" Low intro rates are a strategy many large companies are using, but don't worry. You have options other than bottoming out your prices and losing money for the first several months of a rental. We…
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Real Life VS Running a Business - Can Your Self Storage Business Run Without You?
27:37
27:37
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27:37Sometimes real life just smacks you in the face. That was our week, and it happens to us all. If you run a small business, like self storage, it can hit a little different. What happens to your business if you get that call or text that forces you to focus all of your attention on something else? If you have to step away, will your business survive…
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Greg P. Liccardi - The Holy Grail of Marketing
31:44
31:44
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31:44Greg P. Liccardi is the Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), where he connects leading brands with innovative marketing solutions. Known for his collaborative spirit, he helps brands drive engagement across the full marketing funnel as well as in his latest book, The Holy Grail of Mar…
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What do you do when a tenant passes away while renting a storage unit? This was the opening question AI came up with... Hopefully, no one has ever passed away in your office while renting a unit, but dealing with an existing tenant who has died happens more often than you think. This is one of the most uncomfortable but critical situations self sto…
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Optimizing Occupancy with Andrew Sherrard
1:15:41
1:15:41
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1:15:41In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Sherrard, owner of Reliable Storage in Seattle, to talk all things occupancy—and not just how full your units are, but how well your business is performing overall. In this rebroadcast of the May 29 webinar, we break down the three types of occupancy (yes, there are three!) and how to evaluate what’s actually…
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Supplemental 12: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 4 - The House of Habsburg Part 2: AEIOU
31:41
31:41
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31:41After the Kingships of Rudolf and Albert, the Habsburg's fortunes on the Imperial Stage diminished, but the family was still one of the leading Houses in the Holy Roman Empire, and their story is far from over. Time Period Covered: 1290-1440 Notable People: Albert II of Habsburg, Rudolf IV of Habsburg, Leopold III of Habsburg, Frederick of the Empt…
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Personal Curb Appeal - Seeing Yourself As a Self Storage Amenity
28:11
28:11
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28:11We talk a lot about amenities in self storage—security cameras, clean units, keypads, gates—but what about you? The manager is one of the most important amenities at a facility, and often one of the most under emphasized. Appearance, attitude, and professionalism can either enhance or hurt your facility’s image. What you wear and what you support d…
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AI is transforming the self-storage industry—from smarter security cameras and chatbots to automated rate comparisons and call evaluations. But how much is too much? In this episode, we take a balanced look at the role of artificial intelligence in storage operations and explore where it helps—and where it may be hurting more than helping. We discu…
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In this special on-location episode from Boerne, TX, we're joined by the team from On the Move—Jim, Sherry, CJ, and Stacie—to unpack their biggest takeaways from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, the industry's largest event. From expert-led education sessions to lively vendor conversations, this episode dives into: Why Good Questions Matter – Ho…
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Supplemental 11: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 3 - The House of Habsburg Part 1: From Hawk Castle to Vienna
31:24
31:24
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31:24When the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire chose Rudolf of Habsburg to be the new King of Germany, they were hoping that he'd be someone they could control. But Rudolf, despite being a minor Count from Swabia, would prove to be nobody's puppet, and over the course of his reign he transformed the fortunes of his family, and the Empire as a whole. Ti…
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Bankruptcy, Military Tenants, Search and Seizure - Legal Chat with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker
35:29
35:29
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35:29In this quarterly Legal Chat, self storage attorneys Scott Zucker and Carlos Kaslow tackle the toughest legal challenges operators face in 2025. From military tenants and bankruptcy stays to lean sale objections and law enforcement searches, this conversation dives deep into the real-world scenarios that take storage owners out of the office and in…
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What the Best Managers Do (That Others Don't) with Mark Green
1:07:04
1:07:04
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1:07:04What separates the good from the truly great in self-storage management? In this episode, Melissa and Tommy are joined by Mark Green from The Jenkins Organization to explore what top-performing managers do differently—and how their daily habits, communication, and customer care lead to higher occupancy and better results. Together, they dive into k…
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Become a Master Manager - Inside Self Storage Preview
25:55
25:55
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25:55What does it take to truly master self-storage management? In this episode, we give a preview of our upcoming session at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo on Friday morning, where they’ll break down the essential skills every great manager and owner needs to succeed. We will expand on these four core areas: ✅ Managing Yourself – Building disciplin…
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Before You Build - Key Considerations As You Design Your Self Storage Facility
32:35
32:35
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32:35So, you’ve got the land and a feasibility study in hand—now what? In this episode, we walk through the critical next steps before breaking ground on a new self-storage facility. From layout decisions to customer flow to operational planning, this conversation is packed with practical advice for developers and future owners. Topics covered include: …
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The Hanseatic League was a major player in Northern Europe for centuries, it dominated trade in the North and Baltic Seas, fought wars with rival powers, and dictated terms to princes. But the League was not a state, proto-state, or quasi-state, it was a collection of Merchants, Guilds, and Towns. Time Period Covered: 1143-1441 Notable Events/Devel…
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New Self Storage Legislation and More From the SSA Spring Show
38:19
38:19
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38:19Fresh off the Self Storage Association (SSA) Spring Conference & Expo in Orlando, we break down key legislative updates and share our top takeaways from the event. New and Pending Legislation – Updates on non-monetary defaults, unsigned leases, and the push to remove outdated newspaper advertising requirements Why Industry Self-Regulation Matters –…
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Owning Your Local Market with Stephanie Tharpe
1:13:51
1:13:51
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1:13:51Five years ago, Gabfest kicked off the Gabfocus webinar series to bring expert insights and real-world strategies to the self-storage industry. Now, in our 70th webinar episode, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for storage operators: How to Dominate Your Local Market. In this special episode, Tommy and Melissa sit down with indust…
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Kenny Smithnanic - The Direct Response Marketer
32:38
32:38
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32:38Kenny Smithnanic is an experienced marketing leader with a strong background in driving growth through digital strategy, content marketing, and customer engagement. Currently serving as a key figure at Mint Mobile, Kenny has led successful initiatives that enhance brand presence and deliver measurable results. With previous roles emphasizing data-d…
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The Best Self Storage Software - 2025 Edition
50:09
50:09
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50:09With so many self-storage management software options available, how do you choose the right one for your facility? We unpack the key features and must-haves for 2025, helping you navigate the software landscape to find the best fit for your business. Online Rentals & Payments – How to streamline the tenant experience with electronic signatures, ID…
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Pricing your self-storage units isn’t just about setting a number and hoping for the best—it’s about staying informed and adapting to market conditions. In this episode, we break down why keeping an eye on your local competition, regional trends, and even seasonal factors is essential for optimizing your rates and specials. Topics covered include: …
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Throughout the later 1430s, Charles I Duke of Bourbon found his influence at the court of Charles VII falling day after day. Bourbon was not content to take his sidelining laying down, and so he began to plot, and when that failed he plotted again, and when that failed... Time Period Covered: 1435-1442 Notable People: Charles VII of France, Charles…
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A consultant shows you the path you need to walk, but a mentor walks the path with you. In a business as nuanced and unique as self storage, enlisting a mentor can be the difference between a successful business venture and one that never makes it through lease up. As the industry evolves, new investors often face overwhelming decisions about facil…
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2025 State of the Industry with John Chang
1:10:04
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1:10:04In this rebroadcast of our February 20, 2025 webinar, John Chang from Marcus & Millichap provides an in-depth analysis of the self-storage industry's economic landscape in 2025. With inflation stabilizing, interest rates remaining high, and occupancy trends shifting, John breaks down key market forces shaping the industry and what operators should …
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Beyond the 4 Ds: Why Business Owners Need Storage with Jamie Boros
45:49
45:49
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45:49Self-storage isn’t just for life transitions anymore—more and more small business owners, gig workers, and entrepreneurs are using storage units to run and grow their businesses. From Etsy sellers and antique dealers to pharmaceutical reps and lawn care companies, these customers have unique needs and can be some of the longest-staying tenants. In …
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Today we dive into figuring out your self storage story- the characters, the plot, and the target audience. It's only after those pieces are in place that an effective story can be told, and your business is no different. But that's only half of the journey. Once you've figured out your story, you have to tell it, and often words just aren't enough…
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When Philip the Good signed the Treaty of Arras, he hoped that he would be able to put all the years of war and strife behind him. However, the ill will built up over the years of Anglo-Burgundian alliance would be hard to surmount and the Duke of Burgundy is now on the lookout for allies at the French Court. Thank you to Emmanuel Dubois from the L…
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We're back for part 2 of the self storage SEO discussion that began on last week's episode. There were so many unanswered questions that needed a response: What if you have multiple locations? Do you use 1 website, 1 Google Profile? How do you get in the Map Pack if your not already? Should my website list every single chain restaurant near my faci…
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SEO 101: How to Rent More Units Online
1:11:12
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1:11:12What is SEO, why does it matter, and how does it work for self-storage specifically? Today we tackle search engine optimization basics and discuss the impacts of the REITs, AI, and changes to expect in the coming year. Do you need to still be on page 1 of Google? What metrics should you pay attention to? Who and how do you target your ideal custome…
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When is the last time you looked through your self storage operations manual, assuming you have one in place? Is it still fully applicable and relevant? Are you using it to train new employees or is it so out of date it just collects dust on the shelf? Today we talk best practices for optimizing your operations manual. These documents should be reg…
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As Philip the Good retreated from Calais, he found himself going out of the frying pan and into the fire. The militias of Flanders had mutineed and the county was on the brink of rebellion. Time Period Covered: 1432-1438 Notable People: Philip the Good, Isabella of Portugal Duchess of Burgundy, Roland d'Uutkercke, Jan Van Hoorn, Simon de Lalaing, C…
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The More Things Change- Is it Time for TikTok, AI, and Billboards?
33:03
33:03
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33:03A new year is here and change is in the wind! Is it time to get into TikTok? Do you need to pivot to AI search? Maybe a billboard strategy or having a manager available 24/7 is what you need. As more and more options for doing self storage become available, what do you need to be doing as a business owner or operator? As with most things, the more …
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