168: The Future of Storage: How Automation is Changing the Game with Cliff Minsley

Passive Investing from Left Field

Join us on the "Passive Investing from Left Field" podcast as we dive deep into the world of real estate with Cliff Minsley, co-founder of Ten Federal. Discover how transitioning from multifamily to self-storage, embracing technology, and innovative strategies have shaped his successful investment approach. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the real estate market and leveraging technology for business growth.

About Cliff Minsley

• Partner & Co-Founder of the 10 Federal Companies, Clifton is responsible for leading corporate strategy, capital raising, finance, technology development, and business development, including the real estate development and construction divisions within 10 Federal. Having been active in real estate for nearly 20 years, Cliff has been directly involved in over $700 million of real estate development and acquisitions within the multi-family and self-storage sectors. More recently, Cliff has taken the lead in raising and deploying capital for 10 Federal's self-storage acquisition funds and multi-family developments, having successfully raised over $225 million in equity to date.
  In addition to co-founding the 10 Federal Companies, Cliff co-founded DaVinci Lock Self Storage, Inc., which enables self-storage owners to automate functions related to the management of their self-storage assets via several, now patented, proprietary methods and products. Under Clifton’s leadership, that company has grown to a team of 13, landed the 2nd largest operator in the industry for a national roll-out in 2024, and achieved an 18.0% market penetration into the self-storage industry in just over 3 years.
  Cliff holds a BSBA from UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School along with a Minor in Environmental Sciences. Additional credentials include holding Broker-in-Charge real estate licenses in NC, SC, and GA, a NC Unlimited General Contractor license, and a private pilot’s license.
  

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

01:55 His background

08:39 Are their other asset classes that are fragmented and unsophisticated?

10:55 His debt strategies

17:04 How debt affects investor returns

20:17 Automation and technology to boost returns

28:33 His marketing strategies
33:21 How should LPs be analyzing self-storage funds?
36:18 Podcast recommendations
36:41 Contact Cliff

This show is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing said on the show should be considered financial advice. Before making any decisions, consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Passive Investing from Left Field and Left Field Investors. Written permissions must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

Resources Mentioned:

Podcasts Recommendations:
All In Podcast: https://www.allinpodcast.co/

Resources Mentioned:

Contact the guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifton-minsley-44ab197

Advertising Partners:

Left Field Investors:
https://www.leftfieldinvestors.com/

Rust Belt Capital
https://rustbeltcapital.com/

Tribevest:
https://www.tribevest.com/

Avoiding Rookie Errors as a Left Field Investor: 20 Lessons Learned From 14 Years of Passive Investing in Private Syndications by Steve Suh
https://www.leftfieldinvestors.com/books/