The AAA Storage Podcast

AI is changing how businesses operate, and that uncertainty has some investors hesitating. In this episode of The AAA Storage Podcast, Paul Bennett looks at what AI can and can't replace in real estate. Paul explains how AI pricing agents have already changed self-storage operations, why office demand is tied to headcount while self-storage and small-bay demand is tied to physical need, and how a Samsung chip plant near Austin led AAA to make its Hutto, Texas project all small-bay. He closes with the questions he asks to find investments with optionality, and why he has always favored simple, bricks-and-mortar businesses he understands.

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Chapters
[00:00] Introduction
[01:43] How AI Changed Self-Storage Pricing
[05:31] Which Real Estate Is Exposed
[07:49] Self-Storage and Small-Bay Meet a Physical Need
[10:49] The Doorman Fallacy
[12:06] How a Business Operates vs. Why It Operates
[14:22] Life Events, Small Businesses, and Demand for Space
[22:03] Where the Digital and Physical Economies Collide
[27:20] Investing for Optionality
[32:29] Buy Boring

Creators and Guests

Host
Paul Bennett
Managing Director at AAA Storage

What is The AAA Storage Podcast?

Investing in self storage gives you the fundamentals and growth you need to grow your portfolio. But skip the opportunities from golf buddies and gurus—invest in a real track record. Started by John Muhich in 1993, AAA Storage has delivered 19% IRR across 90 deals, totaling $450M in exits. Listen to our expert insights on investing from the AAA Storage team. See more at aaastorageinvestments.com.