Self Storage Brokerage Group

Michael Cunningham: A Journey of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Self-Storage Mastery

Hey there! I’m Michael Cunningham, and I’ve got a story that’s a bit off the beaten path. Born and bred in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve somehow found myself in the middle of a love affair with, of all things, the self-storage industry. Sounds quirky, right? But stick with me; it’s been quite the adventure.

My journey started in pretty familiar territory – marrying my high school sweetheart and raising two amazing kids. But when it came to my career, I decided to take the road less traveled. I’ve always had this entrepreneurial itch. After selling my first business, I dove into real estate in 2002, but it wasn’t until I stumbled into the Inside Self Storage Trade Show in Las Vegas in 2006 that I found my true calling.

Over the past 18 years, I’ve been on this wild ride of building, owning, and operating storage facilities. My first big project was a mammoth 100,000-square-foot facility with 896 units on 10 acres. And let me tell you, that was just the beginning. I’ve worn many hats since then – from broker to builder, from renovator to industry innovator.

Now, I’m the proud owner of five state-of-the-art facilities across California. But here’s the thing – for me, it’s never been just about the numbers. I thrive on the day-to-day challenges, the thrill of the build, and the satisfaction of solving the puzzle that is the self-storage business.

These days, I’m not just keeping busy with my own projects. I’m also sharing the journey with my kids in our brokerage firm, guiding others to find their own success in the self-storage world. And if that wasn’t enough, I’ve even turned author, penning “The Sellers Advantage: A Strategic Playbook for Selling Storage Facilities.” It’s my way of packing up everything I’ve learned – the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens – into something that can help others navigate this unique industry.

So, if you ever find yourself curious about the ins and outs of self-storage, or if you’re just up for a good chat about turning unconventional passions into a thriving business, I’m your guy. It’s been an unexpected journey, but one thing’s for sure – it’s never been dull. Who knew storage units could be so exciting?

About Dylan Cunningham

I’m on an exciting path in the self-storage real estate world, backed by my Bachelor’s degree in Finance from San Diego State University. This journey started with a passion for wealth management, which led me straight to Merrill Lynch. Working there alongside two of California’s most accomplished financial advisors wasn’t just a job; it was a masterclass in sharpening my financial instincts and spotting solid investment opportunities.

After I wrapped up my degree, it wasn’t long before I found my next challenge. I secured my Real Estate License and leaped into the self-storage industry. With my finance background, shifting gears into real estate felt like a natural move, especially with the chance to collaborate with my dad. Together, we’ve dived deep into the complexities of the self-storage market, blending our knowledge to navigate its twists and turns. My experiences across various roles in my dad’s business, enriched by our recent work together, have significantly expanded my insight into this sector, positioning me as a reliable advisor.

Armed with academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and a fresh outlook, I’m ready to steer clients through the intricacies of self-storage real estate deals. My dedication to integrity and providing customized solutions is all about aligning with my clients’ unique needs and goals. As your guide, I promise unmatched expertise and personalized support, ensuring your self-storage real estate ventures are as successful as they can be.

About Cassie Cunningham

Born and raised in the heart of the Bay Area, I have a deep connection to California and all that it offers. I made my way down the central coast to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Business from California Polytechnic State University and currently reside in the beautiful (and crowded) Los Angeles.

Throughout my career, I’ve held many different roles and cultivated a broad range of passions, doing everything from starting and growing a software company, to working at my family’s self storage business, to helping founders build their businesses at a venture capital firm.

My experience with different companies and markets has given me a deep understanding for what it takes to successfully market your brand/company/product/etc. I believe in the power of storytelling and positioning a message to align with the ever-changing consumer behavior. I specialize in digital marketing, website optimization, social media strategy, and brand building to successfully market your properties.

With the entrepreneurial spirit in my genes, I have always been drawn toward emerging trends and building great things, but at my core am passionate about investing in people making meaningful contributions to their lives. As I embark into this chapter, alongside two of the best people in the world, I am eager to build connections in business and people.

A strategic playbook for selling storage facilities and boosting your bottom line through expert insights.