StorChats

Building A Business and Keeping A Grounded, Hands-On Life | Bourbon & Bullsh*t with John & Randy

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes Randy Huber, Business Development Manager at Valston Construction, a general contractor specializing in self-storage, retail, and commercial projects across the Southeast. The two reconnect in Texas after six years in the industry—this time over pours of Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye, a 100-proof Tennessee rye with a nose that surprises and a palate that hits with cinnamon, caramel, and classic bourbon heat. Grab a pour and join them as they dig into: • The earthy nose vs. cinnamon-forward palate of Heritage Barrel Rye • Why Randy bought two bottles of Eagle Rare within 15 minutes of landing • Valston’s construction work across retail, commercial, and self-storage • Parenting teens, travel-ball weekends, and raising a family in South Carolina • “Old school” values: work ethic, honesty, and showing up • The power of relationships in the self-storage industry • Why doing your research matters—especially when investing • Behind the scenes of Texas SSA and why it’s one of the industry’s best events Tasted & Talked About: • Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye – 100 proof • Eagle Rare 10 Year (found for just $64 in Texas!) Connect with Randy Huber: • (864) 887-5775 • randy@valston.com [randy@valston.com] • LinkedIn: Randy Huber Connect with John Manes: • jcmanes@storsuite.com [jcmanes@storsuite.com] • 210-818-1496 • StorSuite.com #BourbonAndBullshit #JackDanielsRye #HeritageBarrel #EagleRare #SelfStorage #ValstonConstruction #TexasSSA #ConstructionLife #NoBSBusinessTalk #StorSuite

Rum, Leadership, and Life Lessons with Dave Deems | StorChats: Bourbon & Bullsh*t w/ John Manes

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes Dave Deems, Business Development Manager at Storage Asset Management (SAM) — one of the fastest-growing self-storage operators in the U.S., expanding from 40 to nearly 600 stores in just over a decade. In true Bourbon & Bullsh*t fashion, they kick things off with a twist — rum instead of bourbon — including a hand-selected Bacardi Single Barrel from Puerto Rico and Treaty Oak Distilling Reserve Rum (119 proof). Between pours, John and Dave talk business, leadership, friendship, and the lessons learned over 37 years of marriage, 11 years in storage, and a lifetime of doing the right thing by people. Grab a pour (or a double) and join them as they dig into: • The difference between bourbon and rum (and why John calls “bullsh*t” right out of the gate) • Storage Asset Management’s growth from 40 to 600 properties • Why confidence, authenticity, and keeping your word matter most in business • The story behind their first “heated” meeting — and how it turned into a long-term friendship • The power of mentorship, humility, and choosing relationships over transactions • Family, fishing, and life lessons from raising kids to training a service dog named Rip • Real talk on burnout, balance, and why slowing down matters Tasted & Talked About: • Bacardi Single Barrel (Puerto Rico, bottle #23 of 49) – 86 proof • Treaty Oak Distilling Reserve Rum – 119 proof Connect with Dave Deems: (724) 650-5513 ddeems@storageasset.com storageasset.com Connect with John Manes jcmanes@storsuite.com 210-818-1496 StorSuite.com

Building Business & Brotherhood ft The Arizona Guys | StorChats: Bourbon & Bullsh*t w/ John Manes

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes “The Arizona Guys” — Andrew Wisdom and Jorge Varela from OpenTech Alliance — who flew in from Phoenix to Katy, Texas for a few good pours and even better stories. With bottles of Stagg Jr. (Batch 23C) and Elmer T. Lee 90 Proof open on the bar, the crew talks bourbon, business, fatherhood, and finding humour (and wisdom) in the grind. Grab a pour and join them as they dig into: • The Texas Self Storage Association bourbon & wine night — 30+ bottles, incredible food from Peché, Austin • What “PropTech” really means in the self-storage world • From call centre to VP of Sales — 13 years of lessons and loyalty • Marriage, ex-wives, kids, and why bourbon might be the best therapy • Cooking, construction, golf, and making a mean pot of beans • How butter, beans, pasta, and stock became life rules worth following Tasted & Talked About: 🥃 Stagg Jr. (Batch 23C) – 125.9 proof 🥃 Elmer T. Lee – 90 proof Connect with OpenTech Alliance: - opentechalliance.com - Andrew Wisdom – (480) 249-7947 | awisdom@opentechalliance.com - Jorge Varela – (602) 324-8655 | jvarela@opentechalliance.com Connect with John Manes - jcmanes@storsuite.com - 210-818-1496 - StorSuite.com Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, business, and real talk about building something that lasts.

Bourbon Flights & Leadership ft Joey Cottle | StorChats: Bourbon & Bullsh*t w/ John Manes

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes Joey (Joseph) Cottle, General Manager of Anthonie's Market Grill in Simonton, Texas - where Tuesdays mean legendary bourbon flights and live-music vibes. Between pours of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof (Batch 13), a vintage 1995 Weller Antique 107, and Joey’s Elijah Craig Single Barrel pick, they talk bourbon, restaurant leadership, and building a community around great food and drink.   Grab a pour and join them as they dig into: • Anthonie's Tuesday Bourbon Flights • The “Platinum” flight • Why Anthonie's now stocks Chattanooga Single Barrel • Running a 380-seat mostly-outdoor restaurant (fans, misters, live music) • Monthly wine & bourbon dinners and the humble genius of Chef Jesús Pineda • Real talk on leadership: empowerment, accountability, and servant mindset • Barrel picks (sold via Cyprus Wine & Liquor in Katy) • The Bourbon Mafia Facebook group (3,100+ members) for first dibs on dinner tickets   Tasted & Talked About: - E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, Batch 13 (2024) – 127.3 proof - Weller Antique 107 (1995, Stitzel-Weller era) – 107 proof - Elijah Craig Single Barrel (Joey’s pick) – 94 proof   Visit Anthonie's Market Grill: anthonies.com [https://www.anthonies.com]   Connect with Joseph Cottle: 832 586-6336 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-cottle-478b0879/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-cottle-478b0879/]   Connect with John Manes jcmanes@storsuite.com 210-818-1496 StorSuite.com [https://www.storsuite.com]   Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, business ownership, and real conversations about building something that lasts.

The Real ROI of Service | StorChats: Bros, Brews, and Business Ep 4

In this episode, StorSuite CEO Scott Worden and VP of Sales & Client Success Damon Emerson dive into what truly sets great companies apart - service. Not the buzzword kind, but the real, lived-out, people-first approach that creates loyalty, trust, and yes, even hugs from clients. From Starbucks drive-thru moments to Disney “backstage” lessons, Scott and Damon share personal stories that shaped how they think about service and why it’s the backbone of every successful business. They highlight team members like Paul, Amanda, and Janet, whose genuine care and extra-mile efforts define what service really looks like in action. They unpack why listening matters more than talking, how authenticity builds lasting partnerships, and why price doesn’t always win when great service is on the table. Plus, a few laughs, some sports rivalries, and even a Tommy Boy quote (because why not). If you’ve ever wondered how to make clients feel valued, how to lead with empathy, or how service can drive real revenue, this conversation is packed with insights worth taking back to your own team. Watch now and walk away ready to level up your approach to service - StorSuite style. Connect with the Hosts: Damon Emerson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-emerson-18473920/]  Scott Worden on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-worden-38a0995/]      #storsuite #podcast #selfstorage #entrepreneurship #realestate #founderstories #cre #goals