MODERN STORAGE® Unpacked™ | ISS World Expo Series (Part 1)

ISS World Expo is one of the self storage industry's biggest annual gatherings, drawing operators, vendors, investors, and developers from across the country to one location. For Modern Storage®, it was the perfect opportunity to step off the studio and into the middle of the action, capturing candid conversations with the companies actively building and supporting the self storage space. Part 1 of their ISS World Expo series delivers exactly that, giving listeners an inside look at what the industry is talking about when the cameras are on and when they are not. Storable is one of the most recognized names in self storage technology, offering software solutions that help facility operators manage rentals, payments, and customer communication from a single platform. Their presence at ISS World Expo reflects how central technology has become to running a competitive storage operation. In this conversation, listeners can expect insight into how operators are adopting new tools, what challenges remain in the digital transition, and where Storable sees the industry heading as automation and data become more important to day-to-day management. K.I.S.S., which stands for Keep It Simple Storage, brings a philosophy to the industry that resonates with independent operators and small portfolio owners who want efficient systems without unnecessary complexity. Their approach to self storage operations focuses on streamlining processes and reducing friction for both owners and tenants. A conversation with K.I.S.S. at a major industry expo like this one is relevant for anyone exploring how to run a leaner, more profitable storage business without overcomplicating the systems behind it. Matthews Real Estate Investment Services adds a capital markets and investment perspective to this episode that is hard to find in most self storage content. As a national commercial real estate brokerage with deep expertise in net lease and self storage transactions, Matthews brings visibility into how buyers and sellers are navigating the current market. For investors, developers, and operators thinking about acquisitions or dispositions, this conversation sheds light on valuation trends, buyer demand, and how self storage stacks up against other commercial real estate asset classes right now. On The Move rounds out the episode with a look at the portable storage and moving truck rental side of the self storage business. Their truck rental program is designed to give self storage facilities an added revenue stream while increasing value for tenants who need help moving their belongings in and out. This kind of ancillary service conversation is increasingly relevant as operators look for ways to differentiate their facilities and drive more revenue per customer without major capital investment. Taken together, these four conversations paint a picture of a self storage industry that is maturing fast. Technology is becoming a baseline expectation rather than a competitive advantage. Capital is still flowing into the asset class, though with more scrutiny than in prior years. And operators at every level are looking for practical ways to improve margins and serve tenants better. This episode is a strong starting point for anyone who wants to understand where the self storage industry stands today and what the companies shaping it are focused on next.