The amazing people behind Extra Space Storage are why we’re a leader in the self storage industry. Without their hard work and dedication, we wouldn’t be where we are today as a company. That’s why we highlight some of the team members who’ve been with us for 25+ years. These exemplary team members have embraced our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Teamwork, and Passion.
Cindy Hallam, District Team Lead
Cindy Hallam started her career at Extra Space Storage as an Assistant Manager in the California market. A year later, she was promoted to Store Manager. Two years after that, she was promoted to District Team Lead and has excelled in this role. In 2009, she was recognized for her outstanding work as a CEO Team of Excellence award recipient. She continued her work as District Team Lead in California until 2019 when she agreed to transfer to Washington state. The Washington market was growing rapidly and needed a leader with Cindy’s skill set, passion, and knowledge. Cindy has significantly impacted the development of team members in Seattle, Tacoma, and remote sites in Spokane.
“Cindy is a selfless leader that puts her team first, always available to take calls, answer questions, and find ways to resolve issues with a win-win outcome,” shared Judy Strong, Senior District Manager. “Extra Space is so lucky to have a District Team Leader like Cindy.”
Cindy’s favorite thing about working at Extra Space is developing other employees and watching them excel in their careers. She loves seeing others realize their potential and reach greatness.
“Cindy embodies our core values in all she does,” Strong continued. “Passion is the core value that Cindy exudes daily. She is passionate about her team, customers, and property.”
When Cindy initially took the job with Extra Space, she thought it would be something different to do for a few years. But she fell in love with it, and 25 years later, she is still with us. Over the years, she’s had the pleasure of working under three District Managers and says that they are why she is still here. Another person who has impacted her career is former CEO Spencer Kirk; her store was a regular stop every time he traveled to San Jose.
“Wow, 25 years,” shared Store Manager Sandy Roth. “That is an amazing milestone, and I consider myself lucky to have not only interviewed with Cindy but also spend a week with her during my training. What a wealth of knowledge this lady is. You rock, Cindy!”
Deborah Wheeler, Store Manager
Deborah Wheeler (Deb) began her self storage journey with The Hold Self Storage in 1992. After five years, The Hold was acquired by Storage USA in 1997, and Deb continued her career through that transition. Then in 2005, she chose to become part of the Extra Space Storage team when we acquired Storage USA.
“Joining Extra Space Storage was the best decision I have ever made,” Deb shared when asked about her time with the company. “Extra Space means family to me. You spend most of your life doing a job that you hopefully love, as I have, and the friendships you have developed during that time remain with you for life. I am truly honored to be a part of this great company.”
Over the years, Deb has held the titles of Senior Store Manager and District Team Lead. Deb is known to embrace change, which is no surprise with all the change she’s seen in the past 25 years. As the company has grown, she appreciates that Extra Space allows its employees to expand their horizons by opening new opportunities for advancement.
“Deb has been instrumental and invaluable to the team here in Columbia, South Carolina,” said District Manager Glenn Sherman. “Her experience and passion for Extra Space have significantly impacted new assistant and store managers that have joined the team.”
Deb’s favorite part about working at Extra Space is interacting with customers and helping them with their storage needs during times of happiness or times that may be tough. Her fondest memories are the friendships she’s built over the years with everyone she’s interacted with, including teammates, tenants, and vendors.
“Because of Deb, I am a better leader, and we’re a better team,” Sherman continued. “As I told Deb on her 25th anniversary, ‘Here’s to 25 more!’”
Tammy Slater, Store Manager
Tammy Slater started her self storage journey in 1995 when she was hired by Deb Wheeler (also recognized for 25 years this quarter) at The Hold Self Storage. Like Deb, Tammy transitioned to Storage USA and then Extra Space Storage after each acquisition. When Tammy was offered the job for her first role in self storage, she told the regional manager, “Sure, I’ll try the job until it’s no longer fun.” And 25 years later, she still reports that she’s having fun.
“There is no problem that Tammy can’t solve,” shared Kaitlyn Schneider, District Manager. “With her amazing care for her customers and the best interest of the company in mind, she uses her superpowers to solve any storage issues.”
From the start of Tammy’s career, she has quickly learned how to adapt to change and overcome challenges to keep her work fun and exciting while upholding our Extra Space values. That approach led to Tammy being honored as a CEO Team of Excellence recipient in 2015. Day in and day out, she stands tall, knowing that she is not only holding herself true to our values but the entire team. She recommends to “just take it one day at a time,” to keep up with all the changes over the years.
Tammy is most proud of customers that return to her site to store their belongings. Her customers get excited when they see her and have reported that they feel safe storing with Tammy as the manager.
“Tammy knows her customers by name and takes great care of them,” Schneider continued. “Her customers know that Tammy will always be there for them. She is the reason why that store has so many returning customers.”
Congratulations to Cindy, Tammy, and Deborah on this fantastic accomplishment of 25 years! Thank you for your continued service to our company and customers.
Interested in a career with Extra Space Storage? Learn more about employment opportunities at careers.extraspace.com.
