I’ve often mentioned how vital it is to stay on top of evolving technologies, and that’s never been more important than now. The ever-expanding role of hand-held devices and social media is changing the way we connect with friends, family and customers. But balancing technology with old-fashioned relationship-building is something we all must deal with in today’s world. No matter how state-of-the-art your social media skills are and no matter how advanced you are with the technical aspects of managing your facility, there is no substitute for interacting with people in real time, face-to-face.

Growing a business involves both joy and pain, much as parenting does.

Unless you live in the woods and have no electricity, chances are you’re dependant on computers and software in many aspects of your life and business. And chances are you’ve run into “glitches” that throw a speed-bump in your way.

What qualities do real leaders possess? How do they become leaders? Why do they lead? There are endless lists of leadership traits/qualities, but I like these top five...

TSSA offers one exclusive event, geared specifically to self-storage executives, multi-site owners and active developers. Find out why.

While TSSA offers a number a substantial number of online educational resources, we also host a number of live educational events, which include regional lunches.

In recent months, the self-storage sector has become a prime target for lenders across the country, and the Texas market, in particular, has taken its rightful place among the most prized. Lenders are recognizing that self-storage facilities in Texas are achieving the best occupancy levels in the nation.

With an influx of investment capital and cap rates at an all-time low, the self-storage REIT sector is hotter than ever. According to Wall Street Journal real estate analyst A.D. Pruitt,“Self-storage facilities are now the biggest ticket properties in commercial real estate.” Investors are drawn to self-storage properties due to high margins, steady cash flow, and a unique ability to perform well in economic downturns.

What Did You Think of the Legal Seminar? TSSA has held two legal seminars within the last two months. During that time, I have been asked that question over & over again.

What makes your self-storage facility any different from the rest? How about passion for what you do? Whatever it is you do, do it with all your heart.

Many businesses choose to act generously and get involved with their communities, and self-storage facilities are in a great position to do so...

Empowering your employees can have a huge impact on your life. While this concept can be initally scary, the rewards can be outstanding. Teaching, training and letting go pave the way to success and freedom.

Our eyes were opened to some amazing things happening at the Shriners Hospital for Children - Galveston when our members toured the hospital. A $70,000 donation goes a long way towards helping fund cutting-edge research and a "Safe Zone" for kids being treated for life-changing burns.

As a self-storage owner, how big of a role would you say your facility manager plays in the successful performance of your property? Would you agree the job requires the manager to wear many hats and entails covering a lot of ground on a daily basis? Here are just some of managers' daily tasks...

What better time is there to examine fresh ideas than at the dawn of a new year? As any company (or person) grows, it faces a certain degree of adversity. Some call it “growing pains” and to be sure, at times, it can be indeed, painful. That’s why growth, both personally and in business, requires fresh ideas.

I wonder what Thomas Edison would think, were he alive today. The genius inventor helped open the gateway to widespread use of electricity with inventions like the light bulb and sound recording devices. But even Edison would most likely be amazed at the world we live in today...

I recently saw the acronym FUD, for Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, used to sum up the most pervasive feelings experienced in 2012. I have my own FUD acronym to propose for 2013: Forward-thinking, Undaunted, and Discovery-focused.

It’s a much-looked at and very interesting question. I recently had the opportunity to find out. Our mini-van is eight years old, and my wife has been hinting that it’s time to get her a new vehicle. What’s more, my youngest daughter is now 16, and about to get her license. There was no avoiding it. Time to go car shopping.

One of the joys of working with other people is the sharing of ideas. This was quite evident last week when I had my first conference call with the 2013 Communications Committee. As communications director for TSSA, I work directly with the Communications Committee, which is responsible for providing guidance for TSSA resources like our magazine and website.

When it comes to serving on TSSA's committees, the people who serve best are also the busiest ones. These folks are the movers and shakers, the people who want to see things improve, and the people in self storage who are willing to do something to help things improveWhen it comes to serving on TSSA's committees, the people who serve best are also the busiest ones. These folks are the movers and shakers, the people who want to see things improve, and the people in self storage who are willing to do something to help things improve.