The Do More Podcast

Rob Dubroc – from 0 to 40-plus Storage Facilities in 4 years

Rob Dubroc is our guest today, and he's here to share his journey from aerospace to self-storage—and trust me, it's a wild ride! After a series of unexpected career twists, Rob found himself in the self-storage industry, and boy, does he have some insights to share about scaling a business in this niche. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of how he went from flipping houses to managing a portfolio of storage facilities and the lessons he learned along the way. Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think about software and operations? Rob has some thoughts on that too, discussing how AI is more than just a shiny new toy—it's a game-changer for efficiency. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's unpack the world of self-storage with Rob!

When does competitive drive serve you and when does it own you?

Youth sports have taken a wild turn, and I’m here to spill the tea! Today, I’m diving into how the landscape of kids’ sports has shifted from equal playing time to a cutthroat level of competition that even third graders are feeling. I’m sharing my own experiences as a dad navigating this new world with my young athletes—my son, who’s knee-deep in soccer and basketball, and my daughter, who’s flipping her way through gymnastics. We’ll chat about the pressure on coaches to win rather than focus on developing young talent, and how that impacts our kids’ love for the game. Spoiler alert: It’s not all sunshine and trophies. I’ve got some thoughts on how we can balance that competitive drive with a little more fun, growth, and fulfillment. So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s unpack this together!

Why you should NEVER buy based off Cap Rate and which metric you should be using

Buying based on cap rate? That’s a no-go, folks! In today’s chat, we’re diving into why you should steer clear of cap rates when considering your next commercial property purchase. First off, let’s break it down: a cap rate is essentially the return you’d expect on an all-cash investment. But let’s be real—most of us aren’t shelling out cash for these properties like we’re at a garage sale. I’ll share some juicy tidbits about how sellers and brokers can twist the numbers to make a cap rate look more enticing than it really is. Instead of getting caught in that trap, we’ll discuss the metrics that actually matter when buying, like cash-on-cash return, which can lead to a much more profitable investment down the line. So grab your favorite beverage, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making smarter investment choices!

When did it become cool to not work?

When did it become cool not to work? That’s the burning question we’re tackling today, and trust me, it’s a juicy one. We’ve all seen those folks flaunting their four-hour workweeks and endless vacations, but what about the hard workers who are grinding away? It seems like the pandemic turned the working world upside down, and now some people are celebrating a carefree lifestyle instead of pouring their talents into something meaningful. I’ve got a bit of a rant brewing about how that mindset can be not just misguided, but downright selfish. So whether you’re a hustler or just someone enjoying the fruits of their labor, let’s chat about why it’s crucial to keep pushing the envelope and contribute value to others. Because after all, what’s the point of freedom if you’re just sitting around?

Top 2 underwriting mistakes people make when deals fail

Understanding the intricacies of real estate investing is crucial, especially in today’s fluctuating market. One of the main points I want to share today is the importance of a solid capital stack and how it can make or break your deals. Many investors stumble by overlooking the stability of their financing, often getting caught up in short-term debt that can lead to serious financial strain down the line. We’re diving into the top two mistakes that can derail your self-storage investments, and I’ll be sharing insights from recent conversations I’ve had with fellow real estate investors that really highlight these pitfalls. Along with that, we’ll discuss the vital role operations play in ensuring your investment thrives, especially when occupancy rates are lower than expected. Stick around as we unpack these important topics that could help you avoid costly missteps in your investment journey.