{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Kevin Bledsoe did it all in storage before taking the biggest bet possible.","description":"I talk with Kevin Bledsoe, President of The Bledsoe Storage Group at Marcus & Millichap, about his transition from operations to brokerage and his outlook on the 2026 self-storage market. Kevin's story is one of hard work, he started by installing gate controllers and sweeping storage units before becoming a Director of Operations for major firms like Simply Self Storage. This deep operational knowledge allows him to look at a P&L and instantly identify $500,000 opportunities that sellers overlook. What You'll Hear: The Operational Edge: Kevin explains how his experience managing over 100 properties gives him an advantage in providing immediate, value-add advice to sellers. Betting on Himself: He shares the entrepreneurial mindset, inspired by mentors like John Gilliland and Alyssa Quill, that pushed him to leave his secure job and start his own brokerage firm during a difficult market period. The Myth of the Mom & Pop: Kevin believes that while opportunities in top markets are "dwindling," 25%\u201335% of the assets he values are still great deals for regional investors that major REITs will never acquire. 2026 Forecast: Kevin is bullish, forecasting that continued interest rate drops will spur transaction velocity and make 2026 a much better year for the self-storage market. Connect with Thaddeus Campbell: Email: thaddeus@s3.partners Website: https:\/\/s3.partners\/ LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/thaddeuscampbell Connect with Kevin Bledsoe: Email: kevin.bledsoe@marcusmillichap.com Direct: (215) 531-7113 | Office: (215) 531-7000 This episode was brought to you by: https:\/\/www.kiwiconstruction.com ","author_name":"Stories Behind the Door","author_url":"https:\/\/safestorageusa.com","html":"