In today’s evolving real estate landscape, investors are searching for strategies that go beyond compressed cap rates and limited inventory—and self-storage development is emerging as one of the most compelling opportunities. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Salzberg and Bill Kanatas, the powerhouse team behind Self Storage Developers, to unpack the blueprint for identifying, funding, and building Class “A” self-storage facilities in high-growth markets across the country.
From site selection and feasibility to capital raising and operational execution, Ben and Bill break down how they consistently create value through development rather than acquisition. Whether you’re an investor looking to diversify, a developer seeking scalable opportunities, or someone navigating a major liquidity event, this conversation delivers a strategic roadmap to building long-term wealth through smart, data-driven real estate development.
Episode Highlights Here:
Brett
Before we jump into this episode, I want to invite you to join our community to help you become a better steward scale to billions and ultimately give more or all of it away. All I want
you to do is to click the subscribe button right now. I love your support. It’s incredible to seeyour comments, and we’re just getting started. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you.
Thank you so much for subscribing. It means the world to me. Welcome everybody to another episode of the build to build this podcast where we guide successful entrepreneurs and investors on their journey from millions to billions. We believe that the key to scaling and compounding your wealth and life start every single day with a mindset and practice of
stewardship over ownership and applying billionaire biblical principles. Our ultimate goal is having you scale and compound your wealth and life so you can give more all of it away to help MVPs, the most vulnerable people. My name is Brett Swarts. I’ll be your host today. Each and every episode, we’re joined by the world’s top entrepreneurs, millionaires or billionaires, and they share their wisdom, insights and secrets with us, so we can all level up with our wealth and our impact. I’m excited about our next guest. They’re out of the Chicago land area, and they focus like a laser on helping you or who might be an investor, develop and self-source facilities and be able to make a return on that investment. I mean, they do the work, but, but they, they have, they have an opportunity for you guys to invest. If you’re interested in learning more, we’re gonna be talking all about that, basically building self-storage wealth. And one of our guests is a visionary and entrepreneur, real estate developer, strong track record in self-storage, multifamily and mixed-use developments. As a co-founder, CEO, self-storage developers. He leads the company strategic growth. His name is Bill Kanatas. I’ll let him pronounce that last name, because I might have not done that correctly. And the next gentleman is a seasoned real estate investor, business strategist and certified Six Sigma master black belt with over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, project management, operational excellence. And he’s the co-founder and COO of self storage developers. His name is Ben Salzberg, gentlemen, how are you today?
Benjamin Salzberg
Fantastic. Thank you very much, Brett, for having us on your show. Excellent.
Brett
Great. Bill for our listeners, for the first time, full name, so I make sure I pronounce that correctly. And then second, a little bit about your story and your focus.
Bill Kanatas
Sure, it’s actually built Canadians. You were close, you know, apples, Potato, potato, what do they say? Right? Been involved in real estate developing, I guess it’s going on 30 years. I’vebeen married for 31 years. And first thing, once I got married, my wife has said, I want to beself employed. So we jumped right into the real estate game and never looked back.
Brett
Fantastic. And Mr. Ben, how about yourself? Too. Little bit about your story, your focus?
Benjamin Salzberg
Yeah. I’m an engineer education and mechanical engineering focused on strategy and problem solving. Being in real estate, commercial real estate, since 1999 I hope companies grow and foresee their vision. And I met Bill, how long it’s been now? I think seven years.
Bill Kanatas
Yeah, you’re stuck with me longer.
Benjamin Salzberg
Longer time. You know, its Time flies when you’re having fun. And that’s what we do. We really have fun. And so, we look at, you know, developing self-storage facilities around the
country, and, you know, I’m excited about it, I’ve saved companies more than $100 million turn them around like ADP, Amtrak Abby Abbott, you know, I work with the CEOs of these
companies. Grow them. Grew them, even developing commercial for the Boeing Corporationdowntown. I’m in Chicago, Illinois, and so I love commercial real estate. It’s like in my blood. And, you know, I love what I do. A matter of fact, you know, congratulate me. A Brett, I just collected to be the SSI Society of of the Self-Storage is in Illinois. Am I one of the directors in the board? And I’m really excited about that to head the way in the vision of all the SelfStorage is out there in our area.
Brett
Fantastic. That’s great. Want to dive right into it. So, the marketplace, right where we’re at self-storage facilities, how, Bill, how has Self Storage done these past couple of years, with where interest rates have interest rates have gone. And where do you where do you see it today, for opportunity, for what you guys are building, sure? Well, you know,
Bill Kanatas
So obviously interest rates have affected the new development, right? So, it’s a little bit harder to develop these deals and pencil them out, but rates have remained strong. We did see a dip a couple years ago in last year as well, but those have turned around. And I think one of the reasons, a couple of reasons, one, we had a big merger with extra space and life storage. And when that happened, I think they were more conscious about getting more people into the facilities and increasing. Their occupancy and less concerned about the rate, so they kind of drove the rates down, but we saw the bottom on that, and that turned around. So, rates have come up
Brett
So, if you like this little, short clip of the interview I just did, click over here to watch the full interview, and please don’t forget to subscribe. Thanks so much, everybody.
Watch the episode here:
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About Ben Salzberg & Bill Kanatas
Ben Salzberg is a seasoned real estate investor, business strategist, and certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt with more than 25 years of experience spanning commercial real estate, project management, and operational excellence. As Co-Founder and COO of Self Storage Developers, he plays a critical role in identifying high-growth markets, optimizing facility performance, and driving strategic investments in Class “A” self-storage properties across the United States.
With a background in mechanical engineering, an MBA in quality management, and a MAT in teaching, Ben brings a unique blend of analytical precision and leadership to every project. His expertise in Lean Six Sigma has generated over $50 million in operational savings, reinforcing his reputation for efficiency and innovation. Committed to long-term growth, quality, and integrity, Ben continues to lead initiatives that deliver high-value storage solutions while also serving as an elected official and former college chairman.
Bill Kanatas is a visionary entrepreneur and experienced real estate developer with a strong track record across self-storage, multifamily, and mixed-use developments. As Co-Founder and CEO of Self Storage Developers, he leads the company’s strategic growth, site acquisition, and investment initiatives, with a focused mission on developing high-quality Class “A” self-storage facilities throughout the United States.
With a deep understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to excellence, Bill has played a key role in building partnerships with leading national operators such as Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, and Life Storage. His expertise in development, project financing, and operational efficiency has positioned his firm as a leader in the industry. Driven by innovation and long-term value creation, Bill continues to deliver smart, high-performing storage solutions in an increasingly competitive market.
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