Episode 162: Building a Self-Storage Empire: Operational Insights and Investing Strategies with Jacob Vanderslice Artwork

The Real Estate Mindset

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The Real Estate Mindset

Episode 162: Building a Self-Storage Empire: Operational Insights and Investing Strategies with Jacob Vanderslice

April 29, 2024 • Eric Nelson • Season 1 • Episode 162

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a handful of single-family homes into a self-storage empire spanning 38 facilities and over 18,000 units?

In this episode of The Real Estate Mindset, Jacob Vanderslice, a real estate investor, reveals the blueprint for his impressive ascent within the competitive storage space. As he dissects the operational strategies that catapulted his properties from overlooked to outstanding, we gain an insider's perspective on the industry's unique benefits and hurdles, touching on the nation's shift towards renting and the emotional gravitas that accompanies personal storage.

We also talked about how scaling a self-storage enterprise isn't all smooth sailing, and our conversation takes a deeper look at the trials that come with the territory.

Jacob is a co-founder of VanWest Partners and has been investing in real estate since 2005.

He leads the Investor Relations team and the launch of private Funds to raise capital for self-storage acquisitions. On behalf of VanWest, Jacob has deployed over $250 million in

capital for value-add self-storage investments throughout the United States.

Additionally, Jacob acquired 1,000+ residential properties on behalf of a national private investment firm. Prior to founding VanWest, Jacob was a professional firefighter and arson investigator in the state of Colorado.

Jacob sits on the Board of Directors for Craig Hospital Foundation, a neurorehabilitation and research hospital in Englewood, Colorado specializing in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and research.

Jacob enjoys flying airplanes, skiing and hiking, and spending time with his wife and two young sons.

We also discuss..

(00:27) Real Estate Investing and Growth

(05:28) Comparison of Landlord Evictions vs. Self-Storage

(14:53) Emotional Aspects of Self-Storage

(17:17) Troubles With Monthly Storage Payments

(23:03) Economic Uncertainty and Rate Cuts

(26:36) Real Estate Investment in Market Flux

(30:04) Managing Risk in Real Estate Investing

(35:08) Perspective on Family and Business

(39:06) Challenges of Building With Shipping Containers

To learn more about Jacob Vanderslice:

Website: https://www.vanwestpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b