May 12- Keys or Concrete? The Buy vs Build Conversation

Keys or Concrete? The Buy vs Build Conversation

Panelists: Adam Sauer, Stein Investment Group & Luke Sauls, Sauls Commercial Real Estate

Moderator: Brooks Lumpkin, DYO Investments 

Deciding whether to acquire an existing facility or develop from the ground up is one of the most critical choices in self storage. This expert panel—featuring a broker, a developer, and a lender/feasibility specialist—will break down the key factors that influence the buy-versus-build decision. From market conditions and site selection to financing, timelines, and risk, attendees will gain well-rounded perspectives and practical insights to help determine the right strategy for their next investment.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Maggiano's Buckhead

3368 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30326

REGISTRATION: Members: $40, Non-Members: $65

Adam Sauer, Principal, Stein Investment Group

Adam is responsible for all property management and operations of residential, commercial and industrial properties throughout the Southeast. He has a keen understanding of operational effectiveness and process efficiency and his due diligence is a proven asset to both investment evaluation and ownership operations. 

Adam has participated in the development and management of numerous high-rise residential units and retail destinations throughout the Southeast and his attention to detail ensures that assets run smoothly and costly surprises are mitigated. His management experience enables him to find ways to maximize portfolio performance. 

Adam earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Georgia. He is an active member the National Multi-Housing Council and Urban Land Institute. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and two children. 

Luke Sauls, Vice President & Principal, Sauls Commercial Real Estate

Luke Sauls is Vice President and Principal at Sauls Commercial Real Estate (Sauls CRE), where he focuses on investment sales with intense concentration on self-storage. Luke’s specialty is seller representation for stabilized assets, value-add opportunities, lease-up deals, certificate of occupancy (CO) transactions, and development sites. 

Luke brings a unique, full-spectrum perspective to each deal, having been involved from the broker, owner, investor, and developer side. He closed his first transaction while in college and has since built a reputation as a hands-on, relationship-driven advisor. His deep market knowledge, extensive buyer network, and personalized approach make him a trusted partner to both private owners and institutional investors. 

Luke holds real estate broker licenses in multiple states and is a licensed general contractor—giving him a comprehensive understanding of both the transactional and physical aspects of commercial real estate. He works closely with clients to position properties for maximum value and stays actively engaged throughout every phase of the transaction. 

Luke graduated cum laude from LaGrange College with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. He is an active member of Roopville Road Baptist Church and enjoys the outdoors especially when spending time in it with family and friends. 

Brooks Lumpkin, Principal, DYO Investments

Brooks Lumpkin is Principal of DYO Investments, an Atlanta-based real-estate firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of retail and self-storage properties across the Southeast. Since founding the company, he has grown its portfolio to more than $150 million in assets under management, consistently delivering strong operational performance. 

A graduate of Duke University with a B.S. in Economics, Lumpkin focuses on disciplined investment, operational integrity, and long-term value creation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Self Storage Association and is a frequent contributor to industry education and mentorship initiatives.