StorChats

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes Randy Huber, Business Development Manager at Valston Construction, a general contractor specializing in self-storage, retail, and commercial projects across the Southeast. The two reconnect in Texas after six years in the industry—this time over pours of Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye, a 100-proof Tennessee rye with a nose that surprises and a palate that hits with cinnamon, caramel, and classic bourbon heat.
Grab a pour and join them as they dig into:• The earthy nose vs. cinnamon-forward palate of Heritage Barrel Rye• Why Randy bought two bottles of Eagle Rare within 15 minutes of landing• Valston’s construction work across retail, commercial, and self-storage• Parenting teens, travel-ball weekends, and raising a family in South Carolina• “Old school” values: work ethic, honesty, and showing up• The power of relationships in the self-storage industry• Why doing your research matters—especially when investing• Behind the scenes of Texas SSA and why it’s one of the industry’s best events
Tasted & Talked About:• Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye – 100 proof• Eagle Rare 10 Year (found for just $64 in Texas!)
Connect with Randy Huber:• (864) 887-5775• randy@valston.com
• LinkedIn: Randy Huber
Connect with John Manes:• jcmanes@storsuite.com
• 210-818-1496• StorSuite.com
#BourbonAndBullshit #JackDanielsRye #HeritageBarrel #EagleRare #SelfStorage #ValstonConstruction #TexasSSA #ConstructionLife #NoBSBusinessTalk #StorSuite

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes Dave Deems, Business Development Manager at Storage Asset Management (SAM) — one of the fastest-growing self-storage operators in the U.S., expanding from 40 to nearly 600 stores in just over a decade.
In true Bourbon & Bullsh*t fashion, they kick things off with a twist — rum instead of bourbon — including a hand-selected Bacardi Single Barrel from Puerto Rico and Treaty Oak Distilling Reserve Rum (119 proof). Between pours, John and Dave talk business, leadership, friendship, and the lessons learned over 37 years of marriage, 11 years in storage, and a lifetime of doing the right thing by people.
Grab a pour (or a double) and join them as they dig into:• The difference between bourbon and rum (and why John calls “bullsh*t” right out of the gate)• Storage Asset Management’s growth from 40 to 600 properties• Why confidence, authenticity, and keeping your word matter most in business• The story behind their first “heated” meeting — and how it turned into a long-term friendship• The power of mentorship, humility, and choosing relationships over transactions• Family, fishing, and life lessons from raising kids to training a service dog named Rip• Real talk on burnout, balance, and why slowing down matters
Tasted & Talked About:• Bacardi Single Barrel (Puerto Rico, bottle #23 of 49) – 86 proof• Treaty Oak Distilling Reserve Rum – 119 proof
Connect with Dave Deems:(724) 650-5513ddeems@storageasset.comstorageasset.com
Connect with John Manesjcmanes@storsuite.com210-818-1496StorSuite.com

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes “The Arizona Guys” — Andrew Wisdom and Jorge Varela from OpenTech Alliance — who flew in from Phoenix to Katy, Texas for a few good pours and even better stories. With bottles of Stagg Jr. (Batch 23C) and Elmer T. Lee 90 Proof open on the bar, the crew talks bourbon, business, fatherhood, and finding humour (and wisdom) in the grind.
Grab a pour and join them as they dig into:• The Texas Self Storage Association bourbon & wine night — 30+ bottles, incredible food from Peché, Austin• What “PropTech” really means in the self-storage world• From call centre to VP of Sales — 13 years of lessons and loyalty• Marriage, ex-wives, kids, and why bourbon might be the best therapy• Cooking, construction, golf, and making a mean pot of beans• How butter, beans, pasta, and stock became life rules worth following
Tasted & Talked About:🥃 Stagg Jr. (Batch 23C) – 125.9 proof🥃 Elmer T. Lee – 90 proof
Connect with OpenTech Alliance:- opentechalliance.com- Andrew Wisdom – (480) 249-7947 | awisdom@opentechalliance.com- Jorge Varela – (602) 324-8655 | jvarela@opentechalliance.com
Connect with John Manes- jcmanes@storsuite.com- 210-818-1496- StorSuite.com
Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, business, and real talk about building something that lasts.

In this episode of Bourbon & Bullsh*t, John Manes welcomes Joey (Joseph) Cottle, General Manager of Anthonie's Market Grill in Simonton, Texas - where Tuesdays mean legendary bourbon flights and live-music vibes. Between pours of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof (Batch 13), a vintage 1995 Weller Antique 107, and Joey’s Elijah Craig Single Barrel pick, they talk bourbon, restaurant leadership, and building a community around great food and drink.
 
Grab a pour and join them as they dig into:
• Anthonie's Tuesday Bourbon Flights
• The “Platinum” flight
• Why Anthonie's now stocks Chattanooga Single Barrel
• Running a 380-seat mostly-outdoor restaurant (fans, misters, live music)
• Monthly wine & bourbon dinners and the humble genius of Chef Jesús Pineda
• Real talk on leadership: empowerment, accountability, and servant mindset
• Barrel picks (sold via Cyprus Wine & Liquor in Katy)
• The Bourbon Mafia Facebook group (3,100+ members) for first dibs on dinner tickets
 
Tasted & Talked About:
- E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, Batch 13 (2024) – 127.3 proof
- Weller Antique 107 (1995, Stitzel-Weller era) – 107 proof
- Elijah Craig Single Barrel (Joey’s pick) – 94 proof
 
Visit Anthonie's Market Grill:
anthonies.com
 
Connect with Joseph Cottle:
832 586-6336
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-cottle-478b0879/
 
Connect with John Manes
jcmanes@storsuite.com
210-818-1496
StorSuite.com
 
Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into bourbon, business ownership, and real conversations about building something that lasts.

In this episode, StorSuite CEO Scott Worden and VP of Sales & Client Success Damon Emerson dive into what truly sets great companies apart - service. Not the buzzword kind, but the real, lived-out, people-first approach that creates loyalty, trust, and yes, even hugs from clients.
From Starbucks drive-thru moments to Disney “backstage” lessons, Scott and Damon share personal stories that shaped how they think about service and why it’s the backbone of every successful business. They highlight team members like Paul, Amanda, and Janet, whose genuine care and extra-mile efforts define what service really looks like in action.
They unpack why listening matters more than talking, how authenticity builds lasting partnerships, and why price doesn’t always win when great service is on the table. Plus, a few laughs, some sports rivalries, and even a Tommy Boy quote (because why not).
If you’ve ever wondered how to make clients feel valued, how to lead with empathy, or how service can drive real revenue, this conversation is packed with insights worth taking back to your own team.
Watch now and walk away ready to level up your approach to service - StorSuite style.
Connect with the Hosts:Damon Emerson on LinkedIn Scott Worden on LinkedIn 
 
 
#storsuite #podcast #selfstorage #entrepreneurship #realestate #founderstories #cre #goals

In this episode of Poured Perspective: Vino with Alvino, Christina Alvino, StorSuite CEO pours a comforting glass of Napa Gamay Rouge and opens up about one of the most challenging parts of leadership—balancing business and being human.
From burnout and boundaries to imposter syndrome and emotional intelligence, Christina reflects on her own journey as a founder, sharing the behind-the-scenes struggles that rarely make it onto polished social posts.
Pour yourself a glass and join Christina for a candid conversation where she covers:
• Why kindness without boundaries invites burnout
• How to set non-negotiables with clients, investors, and team members
• The importance of protecting your energy like a luxury item
• Lessons learned from both personal and professional relationships gone wrong
• Why vulnerability and emotional intelligence are survival tools for leaders
• How mentorship, therapy, and self-care can help founders stay resilient
 
She also leaves you with three powerful questions to sit with:
What’s one boundary you’ve been afraid to set because of how others might react?
Have you ever reached a milestone and felt imposter syndrome instead of pride? What did you do with those feelings?
Who is in your corner to help you process the emotional side of business?
 
Connect with StorSuite
🔗 Christina on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/christinaalvino/
📧 cmalvino@storsuite.com
🌐 StorSuite.com
 
Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into wine, self-storage, and conversations about leadership, balance, and the very human side of building a business.
 
 
#PouredPerspective #VinoWithAlvino #StorChats #SelfStorage #Leadership #Boundaries #EmotionalIntelligence #ImposterSyndrome #Resilience #StorSuite

Brews, bros, and… beef jerky? In this episode, StorSuite COO Scott Worden and VP of Sales & Client Success Damon Emerson sit down to talk about the real foundation of goal setting—why it matters, how to set achievable vs. stretch goals, and what it takes to stay motivated when life (and business) gets messy.
From sports lessons that shaped their mindset to the daily habits and tools they rely on, Scott and Damon break down strategies for execution, measuring success beyond financials, and keeping teams aligned on the same vision. Plus, a look at how StorSuite is growing, what’s ahead, and why clear communication and accountability fuel real results.
Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just trying to hit that next milestone, this conversation brings practical insights and plenty of laughs along the way. Watch now and walk away with a sharper approach to setting, chasing, and actually achieving your goals.
 
Connect with the Hosts:Damon Emerson on LinkedIn https://bit.ly/46pBmSs Scott Worden on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-worden-38a0995/ https://storsuite.com/
 
#storsuite #podcast #selfstorage #entrepreneurship #realestate #founderstories #cre #goals

In this StorSuite special of Poured Perspective: Vino with Alvino, Christina Alvino, StorSuite CEO and founder of FineView Marketing, pours a bold Cabernet Franc and sits down with StorSuite’s Director of Marketing, Operations, and Services, Taylor Johnson, to bust the biggest myths in storage marketing.
From the “set it and forget it” website myth to the misconception that more traffic always means more rentals, Christina and Taylor separate fact from fiction with real-world insights from inside and outside the self-storage industry.
Pour yourself a glass and join them for a candid conversation where they cover:• Why websites can’t just go live and stay static• Why 95–100% occupancy isn’t an excuse to stop marketing• How SEO and paid media actually work better together• The truth about vanity metrics vs. quality traffic• Why instant results aren’t the only measure of success
Connect with StorSuite🔗 Christina on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/christinaalvino/🔗 Taylor on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/taylor-dae-hooks/📧 cmalvino@storsuite.com🌐 StorSuite.com
Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into wine, self-storage, and breaking down the realities of marketing strategy that actually drives results.
 
 
#PouredPerspective #VinoWithAlvino #StorChats #SelfStorage #MarketingMyths #StorSuite #Leadership #Strategy #DigitalMarketing

Tip of the Day | StorChats: Bourbon & Bullsh*t w/ John Manes Ep 6
 
Everyone asks John Manes the same question: “How do I get started in storage?”
In this episode, he breaks it down into 4 no-BS steps:
1. Get in the right room
2. Find your resources
3. Give before you ask
4. Then make your ask
 
Whether you’re looking at self-storage, real estate, or any business, these principles will help you build connections, find opportunity, and set yourself apart.
 
Subscribe for more Bourbon & Bullsh*t - real talk with no fluff.
 
Connect with John Manes
📧 jcmanes@storsuite.com
📞 210-818-1496
🌐 StorSuite.com #SelfStorage
 
 
#RealEstateInvesting #SelfStorageInvesting #BusinessTips #NetworkingTips #Entrepreneurship #CommercialRealEstate #PassiveIncome #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateTips #InvestingForBeginners

Join Co-Founders Damon Emerson (VP of Sales & Client Success) and Scott Worden (COO) for another episode of Bros, Brews, and Business, as they swap their favorite movie quotes and unpack how films can inspire, motivate, and break up the grind of sales and leadership.
 
Pull up a chair (and maybe a bucket of popcorn) for a conversation where they cover:
• Sales lessons from classics like Glengarry Glen Ross, Boiler Room, and The Wolf of Wall Street
• Why humor and quick quotes can build stronger team connections
• How movies double as “life tools” for perspective and motivation
• The link between balance, fun, and better business performance
• Favorite lines that keep them fired up during the toughest days
 
Connect with the Hosts:
Damon Emerson on LinkedIn 
Scott Worden on LinkedIn 
StorSuite.com
 
Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re into sales, leadership, and the occasional perfectly timed movie quote.
 
#BrosBrewsBusiness #StorChats #SalesLeadership #MovieQuotesInBusiness #SelfStorageSaaS #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #AlwaysBeClosing #StorSuite