StorChats

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 • LinkedIn: Randy Huber Connect with John Manes: • jcmanes@storsuite.com • 210-818-1496 • StorSuite.com #BourbonAndBullshit #JackDanielsRye #HeritageBarrel #EagleRare #SelfStorage #ValstonConstruction #TexasSSA #ConstructionLife #NoBSBusinessTalk #StorSuite

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

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.

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   Connect with Joseph Cottle: 832 586-6336 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-cottle-478b0879/   Connect with John Manes jcmanes@storsuite.com 210-818-1496 StorSuite.com   Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, business ownership, and real conversations about building something that lasts.

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  Scott Worden on LinkedIn      #storsuite #podcast #selfstorage #entrepreneurship #realestate #founderstories #cre #goals

In this episode of Poured Perspective: Vino with Alvino, Christina Alvino, StorSuite CEO pours a comforting glass of Napa Gamay Rouge and opens up about one of the most challenging parts of leadership—balancing business and being human. From burnout and boundaries to imposter syndrome and emotional intelligence, Christina reflects on her own journey as a founder, sharing the behind-the-scenes struggles that rarely make it onto polished social posts. Pour yourself a glass and join Christina for a candid conversation where she covers: • Why kindness without boundaries invites burnout • How to set non-negotiables with clients, investors, and team members • The importance of protecting your energy like a luxury item • Lessons learned from both personal and professional relationships gone wrong • Why vulnerability and emotional intelligence are survival tools for leaders • How mentorship, therapy, and self-care can help founders stay resilient   She also leaves you with three powerful questions to sit with: What’s one boundary you’ve been afraid to set because of how others might react? Have you ever reached a milestone and felt imposter syndrome instead of pride? What did you do with those feelings? Who is in your corner to help you process the emotional side of business?   Connect with StorSuite 🔗 Christina on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/christinaalvino/ 📧 cmalvino@storsuite.com 🌐 StorSuite.com   Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into wine, self-storage, and conversations about leadership, balance, and the very human side of building a business.     #PouredPerspective #VinoWithAlvino #StorChats #SelfStorage #Leadership #Boundaries #EmotionalIntelligence #ImposterSyndrome #Resilience #StorSuite

Brews, bros, and… beef jerky? In this episode, StorSuite COO Scott Worden and VP of Sales & Client Success Damon Emerson sit down to talk about the real foundation of goal setting—why it matters, how to set achievable vs. stretch goals, and what it takes to stay motivated when life (and business) gets messy. From sports lessons that shaped their mindset to the daily habits and tools they rely on, Scott and Damon break down strategies for execution, measuring success beyond financials, and keeping teams aligned on the same vision. Plus, a look at how StorSuite is growing, what’s ahead, and why clear communication and accountability fuel real results. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just trying to hit that next milestone, this conversation brings practical insights and plenty of laughs along the way. Watch now and walk away with a sharper approach to setting, chasing, and actually achieving your goals.   Connect with the Hosts: Damon Emerson on LinkedIn https://bit.ly/46pBmSs Scott Worden on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-worden-38a0995/ https://storsuite.com/   #storsuite #podcast #selfstorage #entrepreneurship #realestate #founderstories #cre #goals

In this StorSuite special of Poured Perspective: Vino with Alvino, Christina Alvino, StorSuite CEO and founder of FineView Marketing, pours a bold Cabernet Franc and sits down with StorSuite’s Director of Marketing, Operations, and Services, Taylor Johnson, to bust the biggest myths in storage marketing. From the “set it and forget it” website myth to the misconception that more traffic always means more rentals, Christina and Taylor separate fact from fiction with real-world insights from inside and outside the self-storage industry. Pour yourself a glass and join them for a candid conversation where they cover: • Why websites can’t just go live and stay static • Why 95–100% occupancy isn’t an excuse to stop marketing • How SEO and paid media actually work better together • The truth about vanity metrics vs. quality traffic • Why instant results aren’t the only measure of success Connect with StorSuite 🔗 Christina on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/christinaalvino/ 🔗 Taylor on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/taylor-dae-hooks/ 📧 cmalvino@storsuite.com 🌐 StorSuite.com Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into wine, self-storage, and breaking down the realities of marketing strategy that actually drives results.     #PouredPerspective #VinoWithAlvino #StorChats #SelfStorage #MarketingMyths #StorSuite #Leadership #Strategy #DigitalMarketing

Tip of the Day | StorChats: Bourbon & Bullsh*t w/ John Manes Ep 6   Everyone asks John Manes the same question: “How do I get started in storage?” In this episode, he breaks it down into 4 no-BS steps: 1. Get in the right room 2. Find your resources 3. Give before you ask 4. Then make your ask   Whether you’re looking at self-storage, real estate, or any business, these principles will help you build connections, find opportunity, and set yourself apart.   Subscribe for more Bourbon & Bullsh*t - real talk with no fluff.   Connect with John Manes 📧 jcmanes@storsuite.com 📞 210-818-1496 🌐 StorSuite.com #SelfStorage     #RealEstateInvesting #SelfStorageInvesting #BusinessTips #NetworkingTips #Entrepreneurship #CommercialRealEstate #PassiveIncome #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateTips #InvestingForBeginners

Join Co-Founders Damon Emerson (VP of Sales & Client Success) and Scott Worden (COO) for another episode of Bros, Brews, and Business, as they swap their favorite movie quotes and unpack how films can inspire, motivate, and break up the grind of sales and leadership.   Pull up a chair (and maybe a bucket of popcorn) for a conversation where they cover: • Sales lessons from classics like Glengarry Glen Ross, Boiler Room, and The Wolf of Wall Street • Why humor and quick quotes can build stronger team connections • How movies double as “life tools” for perspective and motivation • The link between balance, fun, and better business performance • Favorite lines that keep them fired up during the toughest days   Connect with the Hosts: Damon Emerson on LinkedIn  Scott Worden on LinkedIn  StorSuite.com   Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into sales, leadership, and the occasional perfectly timed movie quote.   #BrosBrewsBusiness #StorChats #SalesLeadership #MovieQuotesInBusiness #SelfStorageSaaS #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #AlwaysBeClosing #StorSuite

In this StorSuite special of Poured Perspective: Vino with Alvino, Christina Alvino, StorSuite CEO and founder of FineView Marketing, swaps her usual red for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and takes us on the winding journey from launching a boutique marketing agency to merging with StorSuite. From the early days of consulting for a handful of self-storage facilities to building a 60-person team combining tech, marketing, and service under one roof, Christina shares the opportunities, challenges, and leaps of faith that shaped the path. Pour yourself a glass and join her for a candid conversation where she covers: • How FineView Marketing landed its very first client (and why it was a gamble) • The scramble that launched their custom WordPress website platform • Why service—not just technology—was always the foundation • Building API integrations before online rentals were even a thing • How cross-ownership led to a full merger with StorSuite • The growing pains and opportunities of scaling from 1 client to 60+ team members Connect with Christina 🔗 Christina on LinkedIn 📧 cmalvino@storsuite.com 🌐 StorSuite.com Like, comment, and subscribe if you're into wine, self-storage, and honest conversations about building a business that evolves without losing its roots. #PouredPerspective #VinoWithAlvino #StorChats #SelfStorage #Entrepreneurship #StorSuite #Leadership #FounderStories #MarketingToMerger  

In this birthday special of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes sits down with longtime friend and first-time business owner Bradley Elliott for a conversation about bourbon, entrepreneurship, and work ethic — all while sipping Rabbit Hole Cavehill.   What starts with a bottle pop quickly turns into a deep dive into Bradley’s journey from BB guns and blue-collar grind to buying his first small business: Hill Country Embroidery in Bandera, Texas. Together, they break down what it takes to run and grow a Main Street business today — from due diligence and equipment upgrades to community support and creative marketing.   Grab a pour and join them as they talk: • Rabbit Hole Cavehill Bourbon tasting notes (spoiler: it’s a good one) • How Bradley turned trailer rentals into a wedding and a business mindset • Buying an existing embroidery business vs. starting from scratch • What DTF, vinyl, and embroidery actually mean — and why it matters • Upgrading tech, improving turnaround times, and modernizing operations • Using small business to give back to the Hill Country community after recent floods Sampled Bourbon: 🥃 Rabbit Hole Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 95 proof. Sweet fruit, subtle vanilla, a touch of spice. Clean and smooth.   Support Hill Country Embroidery 🌐 hillcountryembroidery.com 📞 830-796-7806 📍 Bandera, TX 🌐 Connect with Brad Elliott   Connect with John Manes 📧 jcmanes@storsuite.com 📞 210-818-1496 🌐 StorSuite.com   👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, business ownership, and real conversations about building something that lasts.     #BourbonAndBullshit #RabbitHoleBourbon #HillCountryStrong #SmallBusiness #Embroidery #MainStreetMillionaire #StorSuite #Entrepreneurship #DTFExplained #NoBSBusinessTalk

Join Co-Founders Damon Emerson (VP of Sales & Client Success) and Scott Worden (COO) for the premiere of their podcast Bros, Brews, and Business, as they have honest conversation about their journey from the sports field to the self-storage boardroom. Grab a mug (or a can) and join them for a candid first episode where they cover: • Why sports taught them more about business than business school ever could • The power of showing up even when you get knocked down • How coaching kids shaped their leadership style • What it really means to lead with authenticity • Learning to break free from the boxes others put you in   Connect with the Hosts: Damon Emerson on LinkedIn  Scott Worden on LinkedIn  StorSuite.com   Like, comment, and subscribe if you're into leadership, laughter, and unfiltered stories about building something that lasts.   #BrosBrewsBusiness #StorChats #FounderStories #Leadership #SelfStorageSaaS #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #FromLockerRoomToBoardroom #StorSuite

In this StorSuite special of Poured Perspective: Vino with Alvino, Christina Alvino, StorSuite CEO and lifelong entrepreneur, pours a glass of red and shares her unfiltered origin story in business, leadership, and self storage. From the steel towns of Pittsburgh to founding a marketing agency and now leading a portfolio of brands under StorSuite, Christina opens up about the women who shaped her, the bosses who challenged her, and the legacy that fuels her drive to support the next generation of leaders. Pour yourself a glass and join her for a bold kickoff episode where she covers: • The unexpected inspiration behind the name FineView Marketing • Family roots in entrepreneurship (no, not the mob) • The hard lessons from early bosses and bad bosses • Why women supporting women isn't optional • Creating your own seat at the table, even when one isn't offered Connect with Christina 🔗 Christina on LinkedIn 📧 cmalvino@storsuite.com 🌐 StorSuite.com 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if you're into wine, self-storage, and honest conversations about building a business without losing who you are. #PouredPerspective #VinoWithAlvino #StorChats #WomenInBusiness #SelfStorage #Entrepreneurship #StorSuite #Leadership #FounderStories

In this StorSuite special of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes breaks down the most misunderstood metric in self-storage investing: the cap rate. Over a pour of Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (because this episode deserves a classic), John calls BS on broker proformas, unrealistic expense ratios, and overpriced deals that don’t pencil out in today’s interest rate environment. If you’re buying off of cap rate - listen up. Grab a glass and join him as he breaks down: What a cap rate actually is - and how to calculate it The danger of buying when interest rates exceed your yield Why broker expense ratios are often misleading The real numbers seasoned operators use  How to write your own proforma and protect your investment Sampled Bourbon: 🥃 Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon – by Heaven Hill Distillery 94 proof. Notes of toasted oak, baking spice, rich caramel, and a warm finish. Connect with John Manes 📧 StorSuite.com 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, straight-shooting investment advice, and self-storage business strategy. #BourbonAndBullshit #SelfStorage #CapRates #CommercialRealEstate #ElijahCraig #StorSuite #FinanceStrategy #NoBSInvesting

In this StorSuite special of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes sits down with Peter Spickenagel—owner/operator, industry veteran, and longtime friend—for a candid conversation over a pour of Rowan’s Creek Bourbon (crafted by Willett Distillery). From touring in bands to building a self-storage portfolio from the ground up, Peter shares how a call from his mom led to a $13/hour job that launched a 17-year (and counting) career in the business. Grab a glass and join them as they talk: What it means to lead with relationships—not ego Peter’s unlikely path from classical guitar to self-storage The hustle of scaling in a recession Tariffs, lumber, steel, and the real impact on development Jackets, lawn care, and the art of taking pride in what you build Sampled Bourbon: 🥃 Rowan's Creek Bourbon – by Willett Distillery 100 proof. Notes of vanilla, caramel, light honey, and (maybe) a few bad decisions. Connect with Peter Spickenagel 🔗 Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-spickenagel-02203216/ Connect with John Manes 📧 jcmanes@storsuite.com 📞 210-818-1496 🌐 StorSuite.com 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if you're into bourbon, self-storage, and stories that hit a little deeper than spreadsheets. #BourbonAndBullshit #SelfStorage #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #RowansCreek #StorSuite #PeopleFirst #FounderStories

Welcome to the first episode of Success with Jess! Jessica Johnson is back on the mic to share battle-tested insights on how small tweaks can lead to big success in your business—and in life. Today, Jess dives into why your storage facility should prioritize renting online instead of reserving, and how this strategy creates faster move-ins, better revenue certainty, and happier custom`ers. Whether you're in self-storage or just looking for smarter business strategies, Jess delivers actionable advice with her trademark candor (and a little humor). 🔗 For more: https://storsuite.com

In this StorSuite special of Bourbon and Bullshit, John Manes sits down with David Allan, President of Apple Self Storage, for a no-BS conversation over a pour of Rowan's Creek Bourbon (crafted by Willett Distillery). With 54 facilities and over 2.4 million square feet under management, David shares his real-world lessons on scaling from 10 to 50+ self-storage sites in Canada—and what pain points hit hardest along the way. Grab a glass and join them as they talk: - The "lumpy" journey of scaling a storage business - Turning data into behavior-based decisions - Why tech should support people, not replace them - 🇺🇸🇨🇦 A little U.S. vs. Canada banter (Boxing Day, anyone?) - Why strategy isn’t worth much unless it reaches every level of your team Sampled Bourbon: 🥃 Rowan's Creek Bourbon – by Willett Distillery 100 proof. Notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and sweet orange peel. Connect with David Allan 📧 dallen@applestorage.com 🔗 David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dallan2/ Connect with John Manes 📧 jcmanes@storsuite.com 📞 210-818-1496 🌐 StorSuite.com 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, storage biz strategy, and unapologetically real conversations. #BourbonAndBullshit #SelfStorage #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #RowansCreek #StorSuite #ServiceMatters

Join StorSuite Chairman and bourbon enthusiast John Manes for the premiere of "Bourbon and Bullshit." In this episode, John sits down with Damon Emerson, StorSuite's VP of Sales and Client Success, as they share a glass from John's personal bourbon collection. They discuss industry insights, leadership lessons, and candid experiences from their careers in self-storage. Grab your favorite drink and join the conversation for an authentic, relaxed dive into the storage world.   Bourbon's Sampled:  Justin's House of Bourbon: https://www.thehouseofbourbon.com/