How is the Self Storage Association working for you? Join your host Erin Lightfoot as she pulls back the curtain on what's happening inside the SSA and how to get the most out of your national membership and time spent at events. From the inside scoop on the latest legislative advocacy wins to candid conversations within our organization and industry, What's Up SSA will give you a deeper understanding of the work we do, the value of membership, and why it's so important to have a national nonprofit working on behalf of the self storage industry.
What's Up, SSA?
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6 episodes
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Podcast Overview
How is the Self Storage Association working for you? Join your host Erin Lightfoot as she pulls back the curtain on what's happening inside the SSA and how to get the most out of your national membership and time spent at events. From the inside scoop on the latest legislative advocacy wins to candid conversations within our organization and industry, What's Up SSA will give you a deeper understanding of the work we do, the value of membership, and why it's so important to have a national nonprofit working on behalf of the self storage industry.
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Publishing Since
3/11/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 15, 2026
Minisode 1 - E-Test
<p>In the first bonus minisode of "What's Up, SSA?", Erin and SSA SVP of Marketing & Communications, Mike Blackett, break down an often overlooked member benefit that can save immeasurable time and money when it comes to hiring self storage facility managers: the <a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Facility-Manager-Aptitude-e-Test" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">SSA E-Test program</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Interested in this clip? Enjoy Erin and Mike's full conversation in <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ilfqmP6nDQRbZQENBlRxS?si=992c31ca18ab4940" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">episode 4 of "What's Up, SSA?"</a> where they cover even more data resources that the SSA generates on behalf of the self storage industry.</p>
July 6, 2026
#4 POW! (This is What Desperation Looks Like)
<p>In the 4th episode of “What’s Up, SSA?”, host Erin Lightfoot handles a surprise addition to the podcast production crew while juggling enlightening conversations with several members of the Self Storage Association’s team. </p><p><br /></p><p>First, Erin speaks with SSA’s Sr. VP of Events & Education Ginny Stengel. They discuss how the Fall Conference programming promises to deliver a new twist on how we deliver our industry leading education. They also explore all the new resources that will be available to our vendor members / exhibitors in Las Vegas. Plus – a major announcement is made regarding who will be our “party captain” at the ARIA.</p><p><br /></p><p>Next, Erin summons our Sr. VP of Marketing & Communications from the shadows to highlight the data resources the SSA produces on behalf of the industry. Mike helps members understand how many publications there are to aid owners and operators in running their businesses, and how to access that information (sometimes it’s as easy as a phone call!). They also cover an ‘overlooked’ SSA resource thatmakes it easier to make successful hires. In addition to all the data resources and publications they discuss, Mike also announces a recent SSA team addition that will benefit the entire self storage industry. </p><p><br /></p><p>We close with another unsung hero of the Self Storage Association: Tom Comi, SSA Director of Communications. Tom is also the Editor in Chief of SSA Magazine. Tom and Erin talk about how a niche industry publication managed to grow its revenue during the decade of the death of print. Tom details how he ensures SSA Magazine’s content stays unbiased and human-oriented. Tom’s tenure and unique position as the industry’s leading content generator makes him an ideal conversationalist for anyone even mildly interested in the self storage industry. Tom and Erin also touch on the series of articles Tom and his team churned out for SSA’s 50th anniversary in 2025 and puts out a call for article ideas. </p><p><br /></p><p>Show Links: </p><p>Fall Conference Information + Registration: </p><p><a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference</a></p><p><br /></p><p>SSA Research & Data: Data Portal Subscription Information, Available Publications for Purchase (i.e., Demand Study, Traffic Generation Study):</p><p><a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Research-Data" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Research-Data</a> </p><p><br /></p><p>SSA Magazine (Current issue, archives, weekly industry report, advertising information):</p><p><a href="https://www.ssamagazine.org/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ssamagazine.org/</a> </p><p> </p><p>Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership:</p><p><a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA</a></p><p><br /></p><p> Submit your community-serving self storage stories:</p><p><a href="mailto:info@selfstorage.org" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@selfstorage.org</a></p><p> </p><p>Submit your SSA Magazine content ideas:</p><p><a href="mailto:tcomi@selfstorage.org" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tcomi@selfstorage.org</a> </p><p> </p><p>Host:</p><p>Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education </p><p> </p><p>Guests: </p><p>Ginny Stengel, SSA SVP Events & Education </p><p>Mike Blackett, SSA SVP Marketing & Communications </p><p>Tom Comi, SSA Director of Communications </p><p> </p><p>Producer:</p><p>Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & Communications Manager </p><p> </p><p>Music:</p><p>Licensed Adobe Stock Music </p><p> </p><p>Discover more member resources or become a member at <a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">selfstorage.org</a>. </p><p> </p><p>Questions? Email us anytime at <a href="mailto:info@selfstorage.org" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@selfstorage.org</a>. </p>
June 4, 2026
#3 One Plus One Equals Three
<p>This episode of “What’s Up, SSA?” features a conversation with our President and CEO, Tim Dietz. Tim and Erin cover the notable changes in the industry and the association during his tenure, industry challenges to address, and ultimately get censored when they try to talk about our upcoming Fall Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas this September. </p><p><br /></p><p>Before that special segment, Erin speaks with SSA’s Sr. VP of Membership & States, Julie LaRose, about what upgrades members can look forward to at Fall Conference and beyond. </p><p><br /></p><p>This episode also features the first in our Legal Take 5 series where SSA’s EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Joe Doherty, answers our members’ burning legal questions. Joe also has an important update for our California owner/operators on the L.A. County state of emergency status. </p><p> </p><p>Show Links:</p><p><br /></p><p>Fall Conference Information + Registration:</p><p><a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.selfstorage.org/Events-Education/Events/National-Fall-Conference</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Join the SSA or Renew Your Membership:</p><p><a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.selfstorage.org/Membership-JOIN/Join-the-SSA </a></p><p> </p><p>Host:</p><p>Erin Lightfoot, SSA Director of Events & Education </p><p> </p><p>Guests:</p><p><br /></p><p>Julie LaRose, SSA SVP Membership & States</p><p>Joe Doherty, SSA EVP & Chief Legal Officer</p><p>Tim Dietz, SSA President & CEO</p><p> </p><p>Executive Producer:</p><p>Sarah Kautzman, SSA Digital Content & CommunicationsManager </p><p> </p><p>Music:</p><p>Licensed Adobe Stock Music </p><p> </p><p>Discover more member resources or become a member at <a href="https://www.selfstorage.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">selfstorage.org</a>. Questions? Email us anytime at <a href="mailto:Info@selfstorage.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Info@selfstorage.org </a>.</p>
6 total episodes available
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