A Self-Storage Investor’s Unique Approach to Acquisitions

When it comes to acquiring self-storage facilities, Jonas Duckett doesn’t just think outside the box, he redefines it entirely. As the founder of Store-It Quick, a growing portfolio of properties spanning Arkansas and Missouri, he’s built a reputation for creativity, personal connection, and an unwavering focus on quality over quantity. His story isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how innovation and relationship-building can transform an industry.

A Novel Approach

Duckett’s journey into self-storage began in January 2020, during a time of intense market uncertainty. Undeterred, he quickly found his footing. In just a few years, he’s grown his portfolio to 40 properties and successfully bought and sold an additional 10 facilities.

But this rapid success wasn’t fueled by volume alone. It was driven by a deliberate focus on building meaningful relationships and finding the right opportunities. Amid a crowded field of investors vying for the same properties, Duckett quickly realized that to stand out, he needed to do something different—something memorable. That’s when the Thanksgiving turkey idea hatched.

“I thought about what would genuinely grab someone’s attention and make them feel appreciated,” Duckett says. “Self-storage owners get inundated with generic letters and offers. I wanted to reach out in a way that made them smile and showed I was serious about building a relationship.”

So, he and his wife decided to send Thanksgiving turkeys to self-storage owners in their target markets. Not gift cards, not fliers but actual turkeys, delivered with a handwritten note of gratitude. The response was nothing short of remarkable.

From Turkey to Trust

The turkey campaign wasn’t just a whimsical gesture, it was a strategic masterstroke. By leading with gratitude, Duckett sparked conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. One recipient reached out almost immediately saying, “You’re the first person who’s ever sent me something like this.” That connection turned into a self-storage deal within weeks.

Over time, the results piled up. In one season alone, the turkey strategy helped the Ducketts secure three self-storage facilities without spending a dime on traditional advertising. These weren’t just any deals, either. They were high-quality properties that aligned perfectly with Store-It Quick’s long-term vision.

“It’s not about doing the most deals,” Duckett explains. “It’s about doing the right deals. I’m not interested in scaling for the sake of scaling. Each acquisition has to make sense financially, operationally and personally.”

The Human Side of Business

The Ducketts’ approach underscores a fundamental truth that’s often overlooked in the real estate world. At its core, this is a people business. Self-storage owners aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet or names on a deed. They’re individuals with unique stories, challenges and aspirations.

“When I’m talking to a potential seller, my first goal isn’t to negotiate a price,” Duckett says. “It’s to understand their story. Why did they get into this business? What’s their vision for the property? What’s important to them in this transaction?”

This emphasis on connection hasn’t only led to more deals but also better ones. By building trust and rapport, Duckett often gains insights that competitors miss. For example, he’s had sellers reveal operational inefficiencies or unadvertised revenue streams simply because they felt comfortable opening up to him.

Quality Over Quantity

In an industry in which “growth” often means chasing as many acquisitions as possible, Duckett takes a different path. His focus on quality ensures that Store-It Quick isn’t just growing, it’s thriving. Each property in the portfolio is carefully selected based on market potential, operational fit and long-term profitability.

“There’s a lot of noise in the market,” Duckett admits. “It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game, but that’s not sustainable. I’d rather own 30 great facilities than 100 mediocre ones.”

This disciplined approach has paid off. Store-It Quick has become known for well-maintained properties that prioritize tenant satisfaction. Features like 24/7 access, robust security measures and convenient online tools reflect his commitment to excellence.

Duckett’s success offers valuable lessons for other self-storage investors and entrepreneurs. First, it highlights the power of creativity. In a crowded market, doing something different—whether it’s sending turkeys or hosting community events—can make all the difference.

Second, it emphasizes the importance of relationships. Deals are rarely made on spreadsheets alone. They’re built on trust, understanding and mutual respect.

Finally, Duckett’s story is a reminder to stay focused on what truly matters. In his case, that means prioritizing quality over quantity and staying true to his vision, even when others are chasing accelerated growth.

Looking Ahead

As the Ducketts continue to expand Store-It Quick, their strategy remains rooted in gratitude and connection. Whether it’s a turkey delivered to a potential seller or a friendly conversation with a long-time self-storage tenant, they understand that small gestures can lead to big opportunities.

“At the end of the day, this business is about people,” Duckett says. “If you take care of the relationships, the deals will take care of themselves.”

For the self-storage community, his story is more than an inspiring anecdote. It’s a blueprint for how creativity, empathy and a commitment to excellence can redefine what’s possible.

Christine King is a self-storage operations expert who entered the industry as an investor in 2024 after a successful career in the technology sector. She helps facility owners grow their business through digital marketing, search engine optimization and Google Ads at StorIQ, a provider of self-storage marketing services and software. Outside of work, she’s actively building her own self-storage portfolio and currently owns 33,000 net rentable square feet in Illinois. To reach her, email [email protected].

About the Author

Christine King

StorIQ

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