Welcome back to Self Storage Lab, the podcast where we deconstruct how operators are adapting to today’s technology-driven landscape and what it means for the future of the industry.This episode features a special roundtable conversation with the leadership team at Access Self Storage, a Northeast-based operator approaching its 50th anniversary. Joining us are Andrew Rockoff (Marketing), Brian Russ (Third-Party Management), and Chris Feild (Operations), three long-tenured leaders who have helped shape Access’s reputation for hyper-local execution, people-first culture, and thoughtful adoption of technology.In this episode, we explore how a regional operator competes and wins in REIT-heavy markets by leaning into relationships, local expertise, and disciplined systems thinking. The conversation spans marketing, operations, culture, and technology, with plenty of humor and hard-earned insight along the way.If you’re a midsize operator wondering how to scale without losing your soul, this episode offers a candid look inside a business that’s been doing exactly that for decades.In This EpisodeHow Access Self Storage balances technology adoption with boots-on-the-ground serviceWhy employee experience and retention improve when tech removes frictionThe case for hyper-local marketing in dense, competitive marketsWhat most operators misunderstand about automation and unmanned facilitiesHow third-party management can be a scalable growth leverWhy integration and simplicity matter more than shiny new toolsHow Access evaluates ROI before rolling out new systemsThe internal dynamics between marketing, ops, and leadershipLessons from nearly 50 years of operating through industry shiftsPizza takes, radio DJ throwbacks, and some very honest hot takesKey ThemesPeople First, AlwaysAccess emphasizes ownership at the store level, long-term employee development, and trust as the foundation of the business. Managers are treated like operators, not order-takers.Hyper-Local WinsFrom knowing the best pizza place in town to tailoring ads by neighborhood, Access believes storage is a three-to-five mile business where local relevance beats national branding.Technology as an Enabler, Not a ReplacementAutomation and AI are embraced when they remove repetitive work and improve the customer experience, but never at the expense of human connection.Culture Is Built on PurposeWith clearly defined fundamentals, open dialogue, and long-term careers, Access shows how intentional culture building creates durability and alignment.“Self storage isn’t one size fits all.”“Technology and people aren’t in conflict if you use tech to eliminate pain points.”“Hyper-local beats national every time in our markets.”“Unmanned facilities are overhyped.”🔗 Learn more about Access Self Storagehttps://www.accessselfstorage.com🔗 Connect with the guests on LinkedInAndrew RockoffBrian RussChris Feild

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