#4 POW! (This is What Desperation Looks Like)

#4 POW! (This is What Desperation Looks Like)

In the 4th episode of “What’s Up, SSA?”, host Erin Lightfoot handles a surprise addition to the podcast production crew while juggling enlightening conversations with several members of the Self Storage Association’s team.   First, Erin speaks with SSA’s Sr. VP of Events & Education Ginny Stengel. They discuss how the Fall Conference programming promises to deliver a new twist on how we deliver our industry leading education. They also explore all the new resources that will be available to our vendor members / exhibitors in Las Vegas. Plus – a major announcement is made regarding who will be our “party captain” at the ARIA. Next, Erin summons our Sr. VP of Marketing & Communications from the shadows to highlight the data resources the SSA produces on behalf of the industry. Mike helps members understand how many publications there are to aid owners and operators in running their businesses, and how to access that information (sometimes it’s as easy as a phone call!). They also cover an ‘overlooked’ SSA resource thatmakes it easier to make successful hires. In addition to all the data resources and publications they discuss, Mike also announces a recent SSA team addition that will benefit the entire self storage industry.  We close with another unsung hero of the Self Storage Association: Tom Comi, SSA Director of Communications. Tom is also the Editor in Chief of SSA Magazine. Tom and Erin talk about how a niche industry publication managed to grow its revenue during the decade of the death of print. Tom details how he ensures SSA Magazine’s content stays unbiased and human-oriented. Tom’s tenure and unique position as the industry’s leading content generator makes him an ideal conversationalist for anyone even mildly interested in the self storage industry. Tom and Erin also touch on the series of articles Tom and his team churned out for SSA’s 50th anniversary in 2025 and puts out a call for article ideas.   Show Links: Fall Conference Information + Registration: https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference [https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference] SSA Research & Data: Data Portal Subscription Information, Available Publications for Purchase (i.e., Demand Study, Traffic Generation Study): https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Research-Data [https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Research-Data]  SSA Magazine (Current issue, archives, weekly industry report, advertising information): https://www.ssamagazine.org/ [https://www.ssamagazine.org/]   Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership: https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA [https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA]  Submit your community-serving self storage stories: info@selfstorage.org [info@selfstorage.org]   Submit your SSA Magazine content ideas: tcomi@selfstorage.org [tcomi@selfstorage.org]   Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education   Guests: Ginny Stengel, SSA SVP Events & Education Mike Blackett, SSA SVP Marketing & Communications Tom Comi, SSA Director of Communications   Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager   Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠selfstorage.org⁠ [https://www.selfstorage.org/].   Questions? Email us anytime at info@selfstorage.org [info@selfstorage.org].

#3 One Plus One Equals Three

This episode of “What’s Up, SSA?” features a conversation with our President and CEO, Tim Dietz. Tim and Erin cover the notable changes in the industry and the association during his tenure, industry challenges to address, and ultimately get censored when they try to talk about our upcoming Fall Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas this September. Before that special segment, Erin speaks with SSA’s Sr. VP of Membership & States, Julie LaRose, about what upgrades members can look forward to at Fall Conference and beyond. This episode also features the first in our Legal Take 5 series where SSA’s EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Joe Doherty, answers our members’ burning legal questions. Joe also has an important update for our California owner/operators on the L.A. County state of emergency status.    Show Links: Fall Conference Information + Registration: https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference [https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference] Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership: https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA [https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA]   Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education    Guests: Julie LaRose, SSA SVP Membership & States Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Tim Dietz, SSA President & CEO   Executive Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & CommunicationsManager    Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music    Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠selfstorage.org⁠ [https://www.selfstorage.org/]. Questions? Email us anytime at Info@selfstorage.org  [Info@selfstorage.org].

#2 Everything Looks Like a Bill

In this edition of “What’s Up, SSA?” host Erin Lightfoot speaks with SSA staff to shed light on a variety of topics curated specifically for our members. SSA's EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Joe Doherty, dives into a recently passed law in California and how operators can comply. He and Erin also discuss lame duck governors and how they can influence industry legislation. If you want to get even more in depth on California self storage industry legislation, make sure to register for SSA's special edition California Legislative Update live webinar happening on May 12. The webinar is free to attend; link to register is below. Erin also chats with SSA's Director of Meetings & Vendor Support, Carol Franklin. She and Carol cover how to ensure you don't miss the notifications when registration opens for exhibitors for our spring and fall conferences, as well as a new way to exhibit that we are launching at Fall Conference in September. Carol also gives some tips for vendor success at our shows. NOTE: Since this conversation was recorded, all traditional booths and tabletop display spaces are now SOLD OUT.  We close the episode with a conversation with Julia Bankerd, SSA's Director of Membership. Erin and Julia discuss new valuable educational content coming down the pipeline for our members and how to save money on Fall Conference Registration.  Show Links: Fall Conference Information + Registration: https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference [https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference] California Legislative Update Live Webinar on May 12 Registration:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1917764481593/WN__INTH71eTvmD3vhwP_EXvQ?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYjodleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4N2dLTzJVYkIyTkFiTjN5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlgUJuxooHOHc12gfZvmrprQSTF25-yvvQ03eETHhVPqSrO_rAEDkP7Rc-x-_aem_p4cFCP-3olU32zowlOUGXQ#/registration [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1917764481593/WN__INTH71eTvmD3vhwP_EXvQ?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYjodleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4N2dLTzJVYkIyTkFiTjN5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlgUJuxooHOHc12gfZvmrprQSTF25-yvvQ03eETHhVPqSrO_rAEDkP7Rc-x-_aem_p4cFCP-3olU32zowlOUGXQ#/registration] Member Support Email: Info@selfstorage.org  [Info@selfstorage.org ] Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education  Guests: Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Carol Franklin, SSA Director of Meetings & Vendor Support Julia Bankerd, SSA Director of Membership  Executive Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager  Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music  Discover more member resources or become a member at ⁠selfstorage.org⁠ [https://www.selfstorage.org/].

#1 Open Kimono Industry (Live from Spring Conference)

In the premiere episode of “What’s Up, SSA?” we hear directly from the staff of the Self Storage Association while they host the national SSA Spring Conference & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas in March of 2026. Host Erin Lightfoot, SSA’s Director of Events & Education, procures the inside scoop on: * How surveillance pricing bills are affecting self storage operators and what the SSA is doing to protect the self storage industry * How the SSA keeps educational topics fresh * How sharing best practices moves the whole industry forward, and why it’s so important to “keep the kimono open” so to speak * Planning SSA’s Fall Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas (Psst…another something BIG is coming…) * Where to easily engage with SSA staff and other SSA members while at conferences * How SSA’s Young Leaders Group (YLG) is setting the tone during a generational shift in our industry * Exhibitor best practices and how to maximize your time at conference from a vendor perspective   Host: Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education   Guests: Ginny Stengel, SSA Sr. VP of Events & Education Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer Julie LaRose, SSA Sr. VP of Membership & States Brynn Lee, Xercor Insurance Director of Marketing & Communications  / YLG Board Member Cydney L’Hoste, Elevate Structures Regional Director of Business Development / SSA Vendor Member & Exhibitor   Executive Producer: Sarah Kautzman, SSA Marketing & Communications Deptartment   Music: Licensed Adobe Stock Music   Discover more member resources or become a member at selfstorage.org [https://www.selfstorage.org/].

Coming Soon: What's Up, SSA?

You think you know your Self Storage Association...but do you really know what's up with the SSA? When we're not hosting the highest caliber national self storage industry events, the team at the SSA is hard at work protecting the industry through advocacy, curating the latest research and data, supporting regional and state events, and fulfilling our duty as the only not for profit self storage trade association in America. But we have a feeling you may not have known all that. And that's why we needed a podcast. On What's Up SSA, you'll hear directly from our team to get the inside scoop on industry legislation efforts, how to maximize your SSA membership benefits for your bottom line, and where to find the education and events that will connect you with the people and resources you need to grow your business. What's Up with the SSA? You'll have to listen to find out. Look for What's Up, SSA? with your host Erin Lightfoot coming soon to Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.