In this captivating episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of John Manes, a beacon of resilience and strategic acumen in the self-storage industry. From overcoming a challenging childhood to ascending as a visionary entrepreneur, Manes’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance, networking, and unwavering focus.
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Key Highlights:
- Early Influences: Discover how Manes’ stepfather shaped his work ethic and set him on a path to leadership, underscoring the importance of early life lessons in carving a successful career.
- Leadership Across the Board: Manes’ tenure with industry giants like Life Storage and Extra Space paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures, including Pinnacle Storage Holdings and Fine View Marketing. Learn how these experiences contributed to his comprehensive understanding of the self-storage market.
- A Strategic Shift: The episode sheds light on Manes’ transition from CEO of Pinnacle Storage Properties to Chairman of Store Suite, marking a significant milestone in his career. This move exemplifies strategic consolidation in the self-storage industry, aiming to create a vertically integrated powerhouse.
- The Art of Networking: Manes emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections by offering value and assistance. This philosophy not only propelled his career forward but also nurtured a network of invaluable relationships.
- Investment Insights: With a keen eye on the self-storage sector, Manes discusses the nuances of investing in “jockeys” (talented individuals) and “horses” (promising business opportunities). His analysis of the self-storage market’s recession-resistant appeal, coupled with cautionary advice on market oversaturation, offers listeners a balanced perspective on real estate investment.
- Navigating Competitive Waters: The challenge of competing with big money and institutional investors is real in the self-storage space. Manes shares strategic approaches to stand out and succeed in a competitive market, reinforcing the value of specialization and industry expertise.
- Staying the Course: A personal anecdote highlights the risks of venturing outside one’s domain of expertise, reinforcing Manes’ advocacy for focusing on what you know best, particularly in the volatile realm of real estate investment.
- Philanthropic Endeavors: The episode concludes on an inspiring note with a mention of Manes’ commitment to philanthropy, particularly towards improving horse treatment – a cause close to his heart.
- Bonus: Listeners are invited to a webinar on real estate investing, promising a deeper dive into strategies that have guided Manes’ successful career.
This episode is not just a narrative of John Manes’ professional journey; it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of real estate investment with resilience, strategy, and integrity. Join us to uncover the principles that can transform challenges into stepping stones for success.
Biography of John Manes:
John Manes is CEO and co-owner of Pinnacle Storage Properties and Pinnacle Storage Managers. John is responsible for driving the culture, direction and overall operation of the organization. He has been involved in self storage since 2005 serving in multiple executive level rolls.
Prior to starting his own self storage real estate investment company John most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for The Jenkins Organization (TJO), a fully integrated real estate company specializing in the self-storage industry. As the COO, John’s primary function was to oversee all home office and field operations.
John joined TJO in 2011 after serving as one of 3 Regional Vice Presidents with Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage (now Life Storage), one of the five publicly traded Self-Storage REITs. John began at Uncle Bob’s as a District Manager in 2005 overseeing the Austin and San Antonio markets and in 2009 was promoted to one of three Regional Vice Presidents. In this capacity, John was responsible for the performance of over 120 properties and 200 employees. For three consecutive years, John had the best performing region in the portfolio. He is a former board member of the Texas Self Storage Association, where he has served on a number of TSSA committees and chaired the Education Committee in 2018.