Efrain Fernandez from Storage Defender joins Jon to dive into the innovative world of smart storage solutions. At the heart of their conversation is how Storage Defender is transforming traditional self-storage units into smart units that enhance both security and the tenant experience.

Efrain explains how their system allows tenants to receive real-time alerts whenever motion is detected inside their unit, offering a level of peace of mind that hasn’t been possible before. Jon and Efrain also discuss the competitive landscape of the storage industry and how operators can leverage smart technology to drive additional revenue while standing out in an increasingly saturated market.

Tune in as they unpack the technology behind these smart devices, explore real-world applications, and discuss why solutions like this are becoming essential for modern storage facilities.

AI is making waves in our everyday lives, and today Jon dives into how it’s impacting the self-storage industry and the job market as a whole. While he doesn’t claim to be an AI expert, he’s been hearing plenty of discussion about its potential to disrupt jobs — and understandably, that can feel overwhelming.

In this conversation, Jon explores what these changes could mean for various professions, especially within the self-storage space, where he believes innovation may actually create new business opportunities. Rather than getting caught up in the fear that often surrounds AI, he encourages us to stay informed and proactive.

The key takeaway? Instead of resisting change, we should focus on how to adapt and leverage AI as a powerful tool to enhance what we do — all while preserving the human touch that keeps our businesses strong.

Stop being cheap. That’s the main point Jon is diving into today, and it’s something he learned the hard way in his real estate journey.

He kicks things off by sharing his early days with single-family rentals, when he thought doing everything himself would save money. But as he quickly found out, that mindset can actually cost you more in the long run.

So many entrepreneurs get stuck pinching pennies instead of investing in their businesses and themselves — and that’s a trap. Jon breaks down the importance of recognizing what your time is truly worth, the value of hiring professionals, and how being frugal in the wrong areas can actually slow your growth.

This episode is all about shifting your mindset — moving from being cheap to making smart, strategic investments in your future.