As 2025 draws to a close, self-storage developers are wondering if the headwinds against which they struggled this year will subside or continue into the year ahead. Understanding the market dynamics and essential factors that drive success has never been more crucial to securing profitable outcomes in an increasingly complex landscape.
In this “Sounds of Storage” podcast, Inside Self-Storage (ISS) Associate Editor Ron Matejko speaks with Aaron Saunders, president of Golden, Colorado-based Spartan Construction, which offers self-storage due-diligence, entitlement, design and construction services for projects nationwide. Listen as they discuss the biggest challenges being faced by developers and builders as we reach the end of 2025, whether those headwinds are likely to improve in 2026 and why (or why not), and when we might see another surge in product demand. You’ll also hear about the market indicators Saunders is watching and get his advice for professionals who are serious about launching a new project. Learn the critical factors you need to keep top-of-mind to build successfully and make money while doing it.
Related:Finding Our Self-Storage Purpose: Why We Decided to Build Ranch House Storage in Pine Valley, CA
With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry and a background in real estate since 2006, Saunders holds a general-contractor’s license and is a certified project-management professional. He leads and supports the SCM team through every stage of a self-storage project, from development and estimating to execution and closeout, with a focus on strategic planning, operational efficiency and corporate goals. He’s also a multi-time speaker for the annual ISS World Expo.
Duration: 12 minutes, 16 seconds
For more free content about self-storage development, visit this page. For additional insight, browse development-related products in the ISS Store. To hear additional installments in the “Sounds of Storage” series, visit the ISS podcasts page.
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