Storage Wins

S2E17: Win in Business Without Sacrificing Your Life

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel take a step back from tactics and dive into something even more important: how to pursue your first deal without losing sight of what matters most. As Dan gets closer than ever to closing, the pressure begins to build—and with a new baby on the way, the tension between business and life becomes very real. This conversation goes beyond self-storage and into the internal game every entrepreneur faces. The fear of not moving fast enough. The comparison to others. The belief that more time equals more success. And the pressure we place on ourselves that can quietly slow everything down. Alex challenges these assumptions head-on, introducing concepts like thought auditing, Parkinson's Law, and redefining productivity—not by how much time you spend, but by how intentionally you use it. This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about closing deals—it's about building a business that actually supports your life. You'll Learn How To: * Release self-imposed pressure that's slowing your progress * Reframe the belief that more time equals more results * Use Parkinson's Law to become more efficient with less time * Audit your thoughts to identify limiting beliefs and false assumptions * Balance business growth with family, health, and personal priorities * Create a life-first approach that your business supports—not replaces ⸻ What You'll Learn in This Episode: [1:19] Why chasing success can cause you to lose sight of what matters most [3:09] The myth of "balance" and why it's really about focused presence [5:00] Dan's update on deal progress and building momentum [7:08] Moving toward a deal under contract and setting up the LLC [9:54] The internal pressure of not moving fast enough [11:03] How family responsibilities shift priorities and perspective [13:16] Why wanting more time is the wrong question to ask [14:06] Identifying inefficiencies and reallocating your time intentionally [15:37] The danger of comparison and how it creates unnecessary pressure [16:21] Recognizing how much progress has actually been made [17:09] Why most pressure is self-inflicted—and how to release it [18:42] The impact of mindset on performance and decision-making [21:05] Why chasing timelines can work against you [23:22] The power of constraints and working with less time [26:36] How Parkinson's Law applies to your productivity [29:26] Why less time can actually make you more effective [33:28] The importance of being intentional with your time and priorities [37:14] Designing your life first, then building your business around it Who This Episode Is For: * Entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or behind in their journey * Investors struggling with pressure, comparison, or time constraints * Anyone trying to balance business growth with family life * People chasing success but feeling like something is off * Listeners who want to build wealth without sacrificing what matters most ⸻ Why You Should Listen: Most people think they need more time, more deals, or more resources. In reality, what they need is a better way of thinking. This episode will challenge how you view productivity, pressure, and progress—and help you realize that the biggest breakthroughs don't always come from doing more, but from thinking differently. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, behind, or stretched too thin, this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity. Follow Alex Pardo here: * Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ [https://alexpardo.com/] * Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 [https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15] * Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 [https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25] * Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo [https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo] * Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/ [https://storagewins.com/] ⸻ Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/]

S2E16: The One-Page Tool That Gets Your Offers on Storage Deals Taken Seriously

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel break down what they call the "secret weapon" for standing out in a competitive deal environment: the buyer info sheet. As Dan continues building momentum and getting real traction with sellers and brokers, this one-page document becomes a key factor in shifting how others perceive him—from just another unknown buyer to someone credible, relatable, and capable of closing. What makes this conversation powerful is how simple the strategy is—and how few investors actually use it. While most buyers submit offers that are just numbers on a page, this approach adds a human element that builds trust and creates connection. The result is more responses, more conversations, and more opportunities to stay in the game instead of getting ignored. This episode highlights how small, intentional actions can create a significant edge—and why credibility is not just about experience, but about how you present yourself. You'll Learn How To: * Create a buyer info sheet that instantly builds credibility with brokers and sellers * Stand out from competing offers by adding a personal and professional touch * Position yourself as a serious buyer—even without owning deals yet * Communicate financial capability and access to capital effectively * Use storytelling and relatability to build trust in deal conversations * Turn more offers into ongoing negotiations instead of dead ends What You'll Learn in This Episode: [0:00] Why momentum doesn't eliminate challenges—it just changes them [3:06] How Dan earned continued engagement from a seller after multiple offers [6:02] The role of authenticity and relationship-building in deal flow [8:58] Introduction to the "secret weapon" buyer info sheet [10:05] What happens when offers lack a personal connection [11:27] How the buyer info sheet changes broker and seller perception [12:31] Why adding a personal story builds trust and relatability [14:02] Key elements every buyer info sheet should include [15:05] How to demonstrate financial credibility without your own capital [16:17] Leveraging relationships, mentorship, and networks to build confidence [17:48] Why being honest about being new can actually work in your favor [18:36] The importance of keeping the document simple and digestible [19:47] What to highlight to make your profile stand out quickly [20:12] Why adding a family photo can humanize your offer [21:18] The call to action: build your buyer info sheet within 24 hours Who This Episode Is For: * Investors struggling to get responses from brokers or sellers * Anyone submitting offers but not gaining traction or feedback * Beginners who don't yet own deals but want to be taken seriously * Operators looking for a simple way to stand out in competitive markets * People who want to build trust faster without relying on experience alone Why You Should Listen: Most investors think they need better deals or more capital. In reality, many just aren't presenting themselves the right way. This episode shows how a simple one-page document can completely change how others perceive you—and dramatically improve your chances of getting deals across the finish line. If you've ever felt like your offers are getting ignored, this conversation will give you a practical, actionable way to stand out immediately and start building real momentum. Follow Alex Pardo here: * Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ [https://alexpardo.com/] * Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 [https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15] * Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 [https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25] * Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo [https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo] * Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/ [https://storagewins.com/] ⸻ Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/]

S2E15: The $100K Storage Deal That Slipped Away

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel unpack a painful but powerful lesson: a deal that slipped through Dan's hands that would have produced over six figures in annual cash flow with no money out of pocket. What makes this moment so impactful isn't just the loss—it's the realization that the deal was misunderstood, not unavailable. They break down exactly what went wrong in the analysis, how focusing too narrowly on one exit strategy caused Dan to overlook a highly profitable opportunity, and why understanding multiple deal paths—especially long-term cash flow—can completely change your decision-making. The conversation also dives into negotiation dynamics, including how to follow up without chasing, how to use "pull-away" communication to re-engage sellers, and why asking questions—not making statements—is the key to getting responses. Alex shares tactical language shifts that can dramatically improve seller communication and positioning. This episode is a real-time case study in turning a painful loss into a long-term advantage—and why the lessons from one missed deal can unlock dozens of future opportunities. You'll Learn How To: * Recognize when a deal works—even if it doesn't fit your original strategy * Evaluate deals based on cash flow vs equity vs refinance timelines * Avoid over-analyzing deals and missing clear opportunities * Use pull-away language to regain leverage in seller conversations * Ask better questions that actually get responses from sellers * Balance persistence with not coming across as pushy or desperate What You'll Learn in This Episode: [0:00] Recap of Dan's progress and current deals in motion [3:20] The wins: multiple offers out and strong broker conversations [5:04] How relationships led to access to a pocket listing opportunity [7:29] Why building trust with brokers creates off-market deals [10:02] The importance of communicating credibility and seriousness [12:31] The "buyer info sheet" and how it builds confidence with sellers [14:22] The confidence shift from personal wins and momentum [19:25] Breakdown of a seller-financing deal that stalled out [21:37] Why chasing sellers can hurt your position in negotiations [24:15] Using pull-away language to re-engage conversations [26:11] Why questions—not statements—drive seller responses [28:59] The painful lesson: missing a six-figure cash flow deal [31:01] What went wrong in the underwriting and analysis [32:50] The mindset shift: cash flow can be the primary win [33:40] How one lesson unlocks multiple past deal opportunities [35:04] Why deals aren't always lost—even after going under contract [36:10] The importance of staying in touch without chasing [37:01] Teaching others as a way to accelerate mastery [41:18] Feedback from a broker: coming across as too pushy [42:28] The fine line between persistence and pressure [43:46] Why brokers will advocate for you when you build trust [45:21] The next step: increasing offer volume and revisiting past deals Who This Episode Is For: * Investors who have passed on deals and are second-guessing their decisions * Listeners struggling to evaluate deals beyond one strategy * Anyone trying to improve their negotiation and follow-up approach * Entrepreneurs learning how to balance persistence with positioning Why You Should Listen: Every investor misses a deal at some point—but most don't fully extract the lesson from it. This episode shows how one missed opportunity can completely transform how you evaluate deals, communicate with sellers, and approach future opportunities. Instead of letting the loss hold you back, it becomes the exact moment that sharpens your instincts and accelerates your growth. If you've ever felt like you "missed one," this conversation will help you turn that experience into a competitive advantage. Follow Alex Pardo here: * Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ [https://alexpardo.com/] * Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 [https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15] * Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 [https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25] * Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo [https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo] * Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/ [https://storagewins.com/] ⸻ Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/]

S2E14: The Buy Box Rule That Instantly Filters Good vs Bad Deals Storage Deals

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel walk through the current state of Dan's deal pipeline, including one opportunity that's verbally accepted and moving toward contract, and another that requires deeper analysis to determine if it's actually worth pursuing. As the conversation unfolds, Alex highlights the importance of clarity—specifically having a defined Buy Box Blueprint—and how that clarity allows Dan to quickly identify when a deal fits his long-term goals versus when it should be positioned as a wholesale opportunity. This distinction becomes critical as they break down a deal that looks promising on the surface but reveals challenges when you evaluate the market, demographics, and income potential. They also dive into real-world execution: managing sellers who operate "old school," staying consistent with communication, learning from small mistakes, and continuing to stack wins through daily action. The episode closes with a deeper look at deal valuation, cap rates, and how to approach sellers with unrealistic expectations—setting the stage for creative deal structuring in the next episode. You'll Learn How To: * Define your buy box so you stop forcing deals that don't fit your goals * Identify when a deal should be wholesaled instead of held * Analyze rural markets and spot red flags in demographics * Estimate deal value using quick NOI and cap rate calculations * Handle sellers with unrealistic price expectations * Use consistent communication to keep deals moving forward What You'll Learn in This Episode: [0:00] Recap of Dan's progress and current position in the journey [2:18] Wins stacking up: VA lead flow, increased outreach, and offers [5:10] How underwriting deals for others improves your skillset [8:08] Viewing deals through multiple lenses to create opportunity [11:39] Lessons learned from sending a contract to the wrong address [13:20] How to work with sellers who don't use email [16:09] Why this deal is being considered as a wholesale opportunity [17:14] The importance of having a clearly defined buy box [20:04] Why consistent seller communication is critical [21:03] Breakdown of a 66-unit deal with below-market rents [22:18] How to identify an unsophisticated operator [26:02] Evaluating pros and cons of a rural storage market [30:22] Back-of-the-napkin math to estimate NOI [36:30] Using cap rates to determine offer ranges [40:07] Navigating unrealistic seller expectations [42:11] Structuring creative terms to make deals work Who This Episode Is For: * Investors actively working toward their first self-storage deal * Listeners evaluating multiple deals and unsure which to pursue * Anyone struggling to determine what makes a "good" deal * Entrepreneurs looking to improve decision-making and deal analysis Why You Should Listen: Momentum in real estate isn't just about finding deals—it's about knowing what to do with them. This episode shows how clarity, consistency, and better analysis lead to smarter decisions. Not every deal is meant to be owned, and not every opportunity fits your goals—but when you understand how to evaluate and structure deals properly, you create more paths to win. If you're in the phase of taking action, analyzing deals, and trying to figure out what actually makes sense, this conversation will help you think more strategically and move forward with confidence. Follow Alex Pardo here: * Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ [https://alexpardo.com/] * Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 [https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15] * Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 [https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25] * Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo [https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo] * Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/ [https://storagewins.com/] ⸻ Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/]

S2E13: The Breakthrough That Led to His First Storage Investment Deal

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo and Dan Wentzel break down a major milestone in the journey: Dan officially gets his first self-storage facility under contract. But what makes this moment even more powerful isn't just the deal—it's the shift in thinking that made it possible. After completing a full time audit and validating that his days are focused on the right activities, Dan shares how tracking his time, doubling down on revenue-generating actions, and staying consistent led to real traction. From there, the conversation shifts into the breakthrough that unlocked this deal: learning how to evaluate opportunities through multiple lenses—including the wholesale strategy. Alex walks through how one shift in perspective can turn a "dead deal" into a viable opportunity, and why having multiple strategies (cash flow, equity, or wholesale) dramatically increases your chances of winning. This episode highlights the moment where effort meets clarity—and results follow. ⸻ You'll Learn How To: * Turn one deal into multiple opportunities by changing your perspective * Evaluate storage deals through cash flow, equity, and wholesale lenses * Use time tracking to validate productivity and eliminate inefficiencies * Increase deal flow by focusing on revenue-generating activities * Leverage virtual assistants to scale outreach and opportunities * Identify when a deal works for you—or for someone else ⸻ What You'll Learn in This Episode: [0:00] Recap of the time tracking challenge and why it mattered [2:11] Dan's biggest takeaway: validating productive use of time [5:30] Why only 50% of time was spent on revenue-generating activities [6:35] The goal of shifting toward 80%+ high-impact work [7:21] Doubling VA hours to increase deal flow [8:21] Why tracking KPIs leads to better performance and results [10:16] The importance of "eating the frog" and prioritizing key actions [12:02] The big announcement: Dan gets a deal under contract [12:46] Why this deal will be wholesaled instead of purchased [13:51] The mindset shift that unlocked the wholesale opportunity [15:09] How viewing deals through different lenses creates opportunity [16:21] The three ways to evaluate a deal: debt, equity, and wholesale [18:42] Why most investors miss deals due to limited perspective [20:46] Breaking down deal analysis from a cash and NOI perspective [22:19] Aligning deal strategy with personal goals and timeline [25:16] Why tracking KPIs is the next level of execution ⸻ Who This Episode Is For: * Investors working toward their first self-storage deal * Listeners struggling to make deals "work" with limited strategies * Anyone who wants to increase deal flow and unlock more opportunities * Entrepreneurs ready to turn effort and consistency into real results ⸻ Why You Should Listen: Most investors think they need better deals. In reality, they need better perspective. This episode shows how one shift in thinking can completely change your results. The same deal, the same numbers, the same opportunity—but a different lens can unlock a path forward that didn't exist before. If you've been analyzing deals and coming up empty, this conversation will help you see opportunities you may have been missing—and give you the tools to act on them. Follow Alex Pardo here: * Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ [https://alexpardo.com/] * Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 [https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15] * Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 [https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25] * Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo [https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo] * Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/ [https://storagewins.com/] ⸻ Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/]