Onward to the Finish Line
Remember when I mentioned that my clients fall into two categories: time-strapped professionals lacking the expertise to develop a storage facility, and seasoned real estate developers or operators? (Of course I do Sensei, I was paying rapt attention.)
If you fall into the busy professional without the know-how category, you may encounter these challenges:
Insufficient time to locate or evaluate land and deals.
Uncertainty about how to assess or select land and deals.
Lack of confidence, data, or experience to move forward.
Difficulty maintaining momentum on the project.
Struggle to reach project completion.
Development-specific hurdles:
Inability to locate suitable land.
Uncertainty in identifying a promising submarket.
Lack of knowledge about where to search for land.
Unfamiliarity with zoning and acceptable land use, including:
Utility access requirements.
Fire code regulations.
Ingress and egress considerations.
Buildable area limitations.
Building design standards.
Environmental regulations to address.
Uncertainty about the feasibility of a zoning change if storage isn’t permitted.
Lack of understanding of the zoning change process.
Uncertainty about securing a special or conditional use permit when required for storage development.
Inexperience navigating the permit approval process.
Unawareness of new competitors in the pipeline.
Lack of clarity on the most profitable storage type for the submarket.
Uncertainty about phasing strategy—how much to build at once.
Inability to draft a letter of intent or purchase agreement.
Lack of skills to negotiate land purchase prices.
Unfamiliarity with advantageous terms and conditions for land purchases and contractor agreements.
Ignorance of required surveys, environmental reports, etc., such as:
Necessary environmental assessments.
Drainage requirements.
Lack of understanding of the next steps in the construction process.
Uncertainty about a reasonable project timeline.
Inability to create an initial budget to assess project viability.
Lack of knowledge about the financing process.
Limited connections with lenders or brokers.
Inexperience negotiating with lenders and brokers.
Difficulty packaging and presenting the project to lenders.
Struggle to stay focused and see the project through.
Lack of know-how to raise capital or collaborate with investors.
New to the storage industry.
New to development processes.
Uncertainty about whether to build, hold off, or wait based on market conditions.
Lack of insight into which amenities to include.
Uncertainty about who to consult for problems (vendors, experts).
Inexperience packaging the project for sale as a “shovel-ready development” or at certificate of occupancy (COO).
Difficulty evaluating bids or plans.
Need for assistance in creating a timeline, budget, and expense estimates.
Need for help drafting a business plan and updating financials.
Desire to save time and money while reaching the market quickly.
Lack of peers in this field—seeking a new network of like-minded individuals.
Desire to learn best practices.
No established connections at trade shows - I see you sitting over there all by your lonesome.
If you’re an experienced real estate developer or operator, you might face these challenges:
Limited time to find or assess land and deals.
Difficulty maintaining focus to complete the project.
Lack of expertise in preparing the project for sale as a “shovel-ready development” or at certificate of occupancy (COO).
Aiming to reduce costs and time while entering the market as soon as possible.
Seeking a fresh, external perspective.
Adapting to shifting market demands, such as fluctuating preferences for urban versus rural locations or competition from cutting-edge storage operators.
Staying current with evolving zoning laws, environmental regulations, and safety codes specific to these facility types can be demanding.
Managing the growing complexity of larger portfolios, including hiring and retaining staff, maintaining properties, and integrating advanced technologies like online booking or warehouse management systems, presents ongoing difficulties and leaves little time to focus on development.
I created these additional services with you in mind: onward to the finish line!
Facility Building Package: Build it Together and Open Your Facility in Two Years or Less
Join Sensei and a small group of storage developers to efficiently construct your self-storage, boat and RV storage, flex warehouse, or industrial outdoor storage facility.
Collaborate on two monthly group calls with Sensei and fellow developers to stay on track and ensure progress, address questions, offer feedback, and maintain accountability.
Get personalized text and email support from Sensei whenever needed.
Sensei knows a guy: get personal introductions to the best of the best.
Benefit from two one-on-one consultations with Sensei each year.
Sensei will review and provide feedback to your business plan and loan package.
Bonus: Complimentary site plan from Sensei’s building manufacturing partner.
Bonus: Receive checklists and resources, including how-to videos and detailed reference guides.
Bonus: Guidance for offering your facility for sale at every development stage.
Restrictions: Members must complete a Full Feasibility Study prior or during Membership in Facility Building Group. Membership requires a minimum one-year commitment after which it is on a month to month basis. Additional feasibility products and services sold separately.
Kindly note that acceptance is based on availability, the candidate’s goals and commitment to seeing the project through to fruition.
| This might not suit me—I don’t think I can manage it because: | Oh, yes I can because: |
|---|---|
| I won’t have enough time | It can be handled in 30 minutes or less daily |
| I’ll struggle to stay committed | Sensei Katherine and the group will keep me on track with twice-monthly check-ins |
| I’ll find it too difficult or confusing, and external obstacles will hinder me | Sensei Katherine and the group will guide me to solutions for every challenge |
| I might not enjoy it | If so, I can sell the project at any stage, and Katherine will walk me through the process |
| It won’t fit my schedule | The group meets every other Friday afternoon, aligning with executives’ slowest day, transforming my least productive time into a wealth-building opportunity Join calls only as needed for up to two years |
| I have another job and can’t manage all the project details | Sensei Katherine will supply checklists and tools to ensure nothing is overlooked |
| I lack sufficient funds | I can connect with investors and partners for support |
| I can’t secure a loan | I can connect with investors and partners for assistance |
| I might miss out on other investment options, like stocks, CDs, crypto, or passive investments | I can evaluate the returns of this project against stocks (10% return), CDs (0.25% to 1.78% APY), crypto, or passive investments |
I’ll be there for you every step of the way…even if you need help with your landscaping.
One on One Coaching
Sensei’s coaching relationships are structured to motivate you to achieve your goals. Development coaching is designed to help you break ground on your self-storage, boat and RV storage or flex warehouse facility as soon as possible. I want to be sure that you get all the way to the finish line while we are working together.
Throughout the process, I will be there with you every step of the way from site selection to entitlements, from engineering to site plan design, and from selecting contractors to securing financing. I will even guide you through the process of securing investors if necessary.
With this in mind, there is a $20,000 enrollment fee in addition to a 5% equity share. The purpose of the high upfront investment is to motivate you to focus and work hard, and so that it will hurt if you walk away before we get to the finish line. It also provides some return on investment for my time spent working on your projects instead of my own.
The purpose of the equity share is as you partner, not only will I have some skin in the game, my partnership will allow you to position yourself as part of an expert team to financial partners.
The ongoing meeting fee until your project is completed (or longer if you choose) is $1,000 per month and we can meet up to three times per month - whatever you need. Please note that his process does not include any feasibility studies needed but coaching clients receive a discount.
Development coaching isn’t a fit for everyone because it demands a substantial investment of time and money. However, if you’re dedicated to commencing construction within the next 6-12 months, it could be the optimal route to success.
Kindly note that acceptance is based on Sensei’s availability, the candidate’s goals and commitment to seeing the project through to fruition.
Facility Building Package: Sensei Builds and Opens Your Facility for You in Two Years or Less
Sensei is working on the details of this ultimate service - stay tuned! In the meantime, if you just can’t wait, schedule a time and we’ll talk about how this could be your dream come true.
$200,000 - $500,000