Alex Erbs is the VP and co-owner of Storage Mall Group and Gateway Storage, a family-run business with over 60 years of experience in the self-storage industry. With more than 2 million square feet under management across 11 states and over 12,000 units, Alex has played a pivotal role in scaling operations across the Midwest and Northeast. He also serves as Vice President of the Missouri Self-Storage Association and sits on the board of the Illinois Self-Storage Association. His career began while still in college, supporting his uncle’s operations before launching a self-storage business with his father that quickly grew into a regional force.

In this episode, Alex shares deep insights into self-storage investing, third-party management, and automation trends. He unpacks how remote management works in practice, why feasibility studies are non-negotiable, and the biggest mistakes new investors make—like overpaying for facilities. The conversation covers acquisition strategy, the shift away from kiosks, the rise of dynamic pricing and smart tech, and the importance of local market saturation. Listeners will walk away with a practical understanding of how to succeed in self-storage, from setup to scaling.

Connect with Raj:

Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with Alex:

Website: https://www.storagemall.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-erbs

Email: alex@storagemall.com

Timestamps:

00:00 Why “Build It and They Will Come” No Longer Works

02:18 How Alex Got Started in Self-Storage with Family

05:17 Finding Opportunity Where REITs Wouldn’t Go

07:25 Launching Third-Party Management by Accident

10:07 The Rise of Remote & Hybrid Management Models

14:32 How Big Operators Use Management to Buy Later

18:14 When to Use Remote vs On-Site Staffing

28:34 The 4 Core Tech Upgrades Every Storage Site Needs

39:30 Using AI and Dynamic Pricing to Maximize Revenue

54:10 The Real Cost of Overpaying for a Storage Facility

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

#SelfStorage #CommercialRealEstate #StorageInvesting #RealEstateStrategy #PassiveIncome #RemoteManagement #REITs #StorageBusiness #AutomationInRealEstate #MidwestInvesting #MultifamilyInvesting #FeasibilityStudy #SmartStorage #DynamicPricing

Tim Crowley is a St. Louis-based real estate investor and entrepreneur who built a decades-long career in triple net sale-leasebacks, conservative underwriting, and long-term investing. With no formal real estate background, Tim entered the industry after careers in manufacturing and oil & gas, eventually becoming a respected figure across 21 states. He’s also known for his role in golf course development, having helped build Gateway National, widely considered the best public golf course in the St. Louis region.

In this episode, Tim shares the story of how he transitioned from commission sales into oil and gas and ultimately found his calling in real estate. He explains the mechanics behind triple net leasebacks, how to evaluate private credit risk, and why treating real estate as inventory changed the game. He opens up about failures, market shifts, and his conservative investment principles. Whether it’s raising a family, navigating recessions, or turning buildings into cash flow, Tim reveals timeless principles that guided his success.

Connect with the Host

Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-crowley-10881015/

Timestamps

00:00
01:50 Lessons from his mentor Stanley Grossman
03:00 Growing up in a working-class immigrant family

05:45 Why oil and gas investing didn’t work out

08:19 Tim’s first real estate deal: a bank leaseback
10:44 Risk-taking and getting married without a deal closed

12:00 Early bank sale-leaseback transactions

13:05 Why he avoided value-add outside St. Louis

14:10 What is a triple net leaseback?

15:13 How they underwrote tenant credit

17:03 Real estate as paying inventory

18:24 Creating favorable loan terms with banks

20:35 Operating through rising interest rates
22:50 Navigating bankruptcies and receiverships

25:16 The golden years: a 10-year run of opportunity

27:18 How they structured 101% financing

28:09 What counts as value-add in net lease deals

30:01 Lease terms that protect investors

31:27 Why he avoided inflated rent deals

33:10 Golf course investing and Gateway National

35:27 The downtown St. Louis real estate opportunity

37:03 Challenges facing St. Louis today

39:18 Safety then vs. now

40:00 Building Gateway National Golf Links

42:43 Buying Stonewolf Golf Club
44:51 Legacy, parenting, and moral grounding
46:16 Why he chose to walk away from upside on Gateway

48:28 Why the fundamentals always mattered more than flash

49:30 Tim’s hole-in-one advice: “Do what you say you’re going to do”

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/ LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Cortney Mauldin is a seasoned FHA loan originator based out of St. Louis with a remarkable track record in commercial real estate finance. Over the past five years, he has originated $375 million in HUD-backed loans and has overseen more than $4 billion in loan volume throughout his career. Beginning his journey in 2003 as an entry-level FHA underwriter, Cortney rose through the ranks thanks to his analytical mindset and passion for real estate. He now plays a critical role in FHA multifamily lending, working on everything from market-rate apartments to senior housing projects nationwide.

In this episode, Cortney unpacks the structure and strategy behind FHA and HUD loans, including the advantages of step-down prepayment models, streamlined refinancing options like 223(a)(7), and the nuanced role of underwriting vs origination. He offers clarity on how HUD compares to Fannie and Freddie in terms of cost, timing, and leverage, and shares timely insights into how rising interest rates are affecting deal valuations and debt proceeds. Cortney also discusses the importance of mentors, professional resilience, and finding personal joy outside of work — all while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to manage complex real estate transactions.

Connect with the Host

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with the Guest LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-mauldin-86703b6/

Company Website: https://berkadia.com/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Cortney and her FHA loan experience

00:44 Cortney’s career background and transition into origination

02:53 How she entered commercial real estate and her early real estate investments

04:36 The underwriting-to-origination journey and differences in skillsets

06:51 Art vs science in underwriting and origination

08:13 HUD’s low default rate and how the insurance model works

10:02 Comparing HUD, Fannie, and Freddie — process, timing, and leverage

12:04 What limits HUD loans today and how interest rates impact them

14:54 Step-down prepayment penalties and HUD refinancing options

17:10 Loan mods vs 223(a)(7) streamlines explained

18:50 Minimum deal size and when HUD makes financial sense

21:13 Accessibility standards and post-closing repairs

23:09 How Cortney evaluates deals and determines pricing

25:38 The coming wave of maturities and why multifamily is more resilient than office

27:40 How HUD plays a countercyclical role in the capital markets

29:08 Appraisal strategy and how underwriters adjust value estimates

31:06 Risk, compliance, and protecting underwriter credibility

34:07 How Cortney manages complex workflows and borrowers’ expectations

37:55 Why borrowers should consider FHA financing

40:54 New HUD rule changes making it easier to refinance new construction

42:19 Cortney’s advice on mentorship, long-term growth, and life balance

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

In this episode, we interview Jake Klamen, founder of Klamen Commercial Advisors and co-owner of My Ten Management. With deep family roots in St. Louis real estate, Jake has successfully completed over 48 commercial transactions valued at over $125 million since founding his brokerage in 2021. Beyond brokerage, Jake plays a key role in managing a large residential and commercial portfolio through his family-run management company.Throughout the conversation, Jake shares how focusing on revenue-generating activities, reputation, and relationship-building has been the backbone of his success. He dives into the resilience of neighborhood retail centers, strategies for positioning properties for sale, and insights into navigating the nuances of the St. Louis market. Key themes include the importance of working hard early in your career, maintaining client trust, and why focusing on daily activities rather than just results is critical in commercial real estate.

Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with James:

Website: klamencommercial.com

Email: jake@klamencommercial.com

Phone: (314) 680-9919

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-klamen-6916ab1a0/

Timestamps:

00:00

00:54 Jake’s background and founding Klamen Commercial Advisors

05:58 Family legacy: Three generations in real estate

08:21 Core values that built a lasting real estate business

11:36 Early brokerage years at Marcus & Millichap and Colliers

13:05 Overcoming the brutal first year in real estate

14:35 How sports mentality shaped Jake’s success in brokerage

15:51 Challenges and wins in starting his own brokerage

19:49 Why neighborhood retail centers remain a resilient investment

22:29 Ideal tenant mix for successful shopping centers

24:34 Expanding beyond St. Louis into regional markets

30:32 How unsophisticated sellers create buying opportunities

32:02 Current retail cap rates, lending, and positive leverage

40:11 Why St. Louis confuses out-of-state investors

42:23 Preparing a property for sale + strategic advice from Jake

48:37 Jake’s advice for young brokers: Focus on daily activities, not just results (Hole in One)This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Yonason Goldson, a globally recognized thought leader on ethics, leadership, and culture, joins Raj to share insights from his remarkable journey. Yonason is a TEDx speaker, former hitchhiker, world traveler, and author of seven books, regularly contributing to Fast Company and having been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, and the Washington Post. His distinctive blend of ancient wisdom and modern business ethics positions him uniquely to advise organizations worldwide.

Throughout the episode, Yonason and Raj explore the foundations of ethical decision-making, emphasizing why compliance alone isn't enough—true ethics require a mindful approach rooted in empathy, humility, and trustworthiness. Yonason shares actionable strategies, including his "ETHICS" acronym for leadership and the "Four Muses" for ethical decision-making, providing powerful tools to cultivate ethical leadership, strengthen organizational culture, and drive sustainable success.

Connect with the Host: Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with the Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonason-goldson/Website: YonasonGoldson.comSubstack: yonasongoldson.substack.com00:00 Introduction to Ethics and Compliance

00:37 Yonason Goldson's Background & Accomplishments

02:25 Early Life & Growing Up in California

05:26 Life-Changing Hitchhiking Journey

09:14 Exploring the World & Finding Roots in Israel

12:30 Discovering Ethical Foundations in Judaism

17:13 Ethics as the Bedrock of Jewish Teachings

18:25 Compliance vs. True Ethical Leadership

20:12 ETHICS Acronym Explained

24:01 Practical Steps to Develop Ethical Traits

26:59 Influence of Jewish Cultural Teachings

32:05 Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Modern Business

34:33 The Four Muses of Ethical Decision-Making

38:10 The Importance of Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

39:36 Ethics, Trust, and Relationship-Building

41:59 Immediate Steps to Improve Company Ethics

44:58 Core Values: Theory vs. Practice

54:33 Avoiding Binary Thinking & Embracing Complexity

57:57 Defining "Home" and Choosing Where to Live

01:02:02 The Importance of Community & Belonging

01:07:20 Yonason's Final Advice on Listening and Growth

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Discover the power of storytelling in creating legendary brands with Gair Maxwell, author of "Big Little Legends" and renowned international speaker. In this insightful conversation, Gair reveals how businesses and entrepreneurs can stand out by tapping into their authentic stories and building unique brand identities that resonate across industries and cultures. From the surprising history of the Mona Lisa to the compelling stories behind Nike, Dollar Shave Club, and the Green Bay Packers, learn how storytelling can elevate your brand beyond mere products and services.

Connect with Raj:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with Gair:

Website: https://www.gairmaxwell.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Little-Legends-Everyday-Irresistible/dp/1774581663

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gairmaxwell

YouTube: youtube.com/@GairMaxwell

Timestamps:

00:00:00

00:00:55 Introduction and Welcome to Gair Maxwell

00:01:25 Gair's Insights on St. Louis' Legendary Sportscasters

00:03:04 Importance of Creating Legends Through Storytelling

00:05:37 Gair’s Early Life and Journey from Broadcasting

00:09:05 How Gair Entered Branding and Marketing

00:10:47 Case Study: Creating Canada's Huggable Car Dealer

00:15:26 Core Theme: Identity Beyond Products & Services

00:17:01 Nike vs. Reebok: The Power of Branding

00:21:39 Dollar Shave Club and the Commodity Branding Example

00:22:04 Why is Mona Lisa the Most Famous Painting?

00:24:01 Differentiating a Lawyer as the "Game Day Attorney"

00:27:14 West Shore Home: Navy SEALs of Home Renovations

00:33:55 Branding's Impact on Customer and Talent Acquisition

00:37:17 Why Every Company Should Be a Media Company

00:39:16 Tips on Discovering Your Brand’s Unique Story

00:43:06 The "Authentic Swing" Concept Explained

00:47:30 How Childhood Influences Shape Your Brand Story

00:51:23 Moving from Target Audience to Ecosystem Thinking

00:55:14 Gair's Upcoming Event at Lambeau Field

00:59:07 Hole-in-One Advice: "Reject Ordinary, Be Legendary"

01:00:36 Connect with Gair Maxwell & Closing Remarks

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/ LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Jim Stewart, founder and CEO of Stewart Properties, brings over 40 years of experience in commercial real estate, particularly in multifamily investments. He is also a founding shareholder of Enterprise Bank, the largest bank headquartered in St. Louis. Jim’s career journey is one of resilience and strategic decision-making, from starting out as a young entrepreneur selling candy bars and performing magic shows to becoming a prominent real estate investor and business leader. His ability to identify opportunities, build valuable relationships, and stay ahead of industry trends has contributed to his long-standing success.

In this episode, Jim shares invaluable insights into wealth-building through real estate ownership, the importance of holding onto assets for long-term appreciation, and why he decided to bring property management in-house. He discusses his early brokerage career, lessons learned from mentors, and the turning points that led him to focus on multifamily properties. He also highlights his experience co-founding Enterprise Bank and how it shaped his understanding of financial statements and deal structuring. The conversation is filled with real-world experiences, making it a must-listen for investors and entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable wealth.

Connect with the Host

Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with Jim Stewart:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-stewart-5815a519/

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:00:01 - Introduction and Jim Stewart’s Background

00:00:19 - Lessons from Managing Properties Firsthand

00:00:36 - The Difference Between Brokering and Owning Real Estate

00:01:23 - Early Entrepreneurship: Selling Candy Bars and Magic Shows

00:04:25 - The Story Behind Marcus the Magician

00:07:46 - Networking and the Power of Relationships

00:12:03 - Journalism School and Unexpected Path to CBS

00:19:17 - The Ronald Reagan Story and Lessons in Confidence

00:25:01 - Transition into Commercial Real Estate

00:27:42 - The Defining Moment That Shifted Jim’s Investment Strategy

00:29:32 - First Apartment Deal and Challenges with HUD

00:35:00 - The Importance of Long-Term Ownership

00:40:06 - Why Jim Brought Property Management In-House

00:45:16 - Using Technology and Pricing Software in Property Management
00:50:10 - The Tornado That Transformed a Property
.00:54:47 - Lessons from Being on the Board of Enterprise Bank
00:56:33 - Final Advice: Stay Positive and Develop an “Iron Gut” for Business

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website:https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/