The Extra Space Storage CEO Team of Excellence award is given out each year to recognize a group of exceptional professionals. Recipients are chosen by leaders from across the company for their outstanding accomplishments in the previous year and their dedication to company values.

This year, in addition to our annual announcement of all winners, we’re giving each one of these extraordinary individuals their time to shine. We asked each of them a few questions about their background and their thoughts on working at Extra Space Storage. Here’s a special look at four of our winners and what they had to say.

Dereck Conway – District Team Lead

Dereck Conway loves to make people laugh. Seeing people happy, in turn, makes him happy. He enjoys time with friends and family, and hosting barbecues or movie nights.

How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?

Three years.

What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?

Stay focused on what you want and where you want to be with your career. Work hard and you will get there.

What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?

I enjoy helping our customers and working with a great team.

Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?

Passion. When someone shows passion in what they do, they show that they care; and in our business, we must show customers and each other that we care.

George Bishop – District Manager

George Bishop has two incredible kids—19 and 15 years old. He loves to venture out in the RV in his spare time, especially to Lake Tahoe, NV. A bucket list item for Bishop is to travel the country and see a baseball game in every stadium over a single season! ​​​​​​​​​​​

Where are you from?

Originally from Boulder Creek, CA. Currently live in Riverbank, CA.

How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?

Three years.

What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?

I always tell people to pace themselves when first starting with the company. There is a lot to what we do, and many people want to learn and do everything right away. I also ensure that they know how many resources there are to help support them along their journey. We have an incredible team out there that wants to see everyone succeed.

What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?

Extra Space Storage is an incredible place to work! I remember going through the interview process and being blown away by how caring and supportive everyone was. I heard about the company values throughout the process, and they really are important to everyone in the organization from the top down. It is awesome to work for a company that truly values and cares about the team and puts people first.

Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?

Integrity. While all the values are important, I believe Integrity is the cornerstone of everything we do. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one else is looking.

Jay Johnson – District Manager

Jay Johnson has two boys, a 22-year-old and a 19-month-old! He’s into working out and fitness, and has competed as a professional natural bodybuilder since 2010. Together with his wife, they run a website that specializes in coaching, training plans, diet, and more.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Cincinnati, OH, and currently living in Fishers, IN.

How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?

Three years.

What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?

Do not concentrate as much on what Extra Space Storage specializes in selling, but more on the culture that makes it a great organization. Being an ambassador of the values and culture is what truly makes Extra Space Storage an incredible place to work. Championing every value is priceless and what will ultimately make you successful with the organization.

What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?

The culture, hands down. In the three years I’ve been with Extra Space Storage, I feel as if I am appreciated for my efforts and that they are recognized consistently. Having been with a prior organization for 20 years, there is a stark contrast in the value of appreciation at Extra Space Storage.

Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?

Passion. Most of the company values can be taught or improved upon with repetition and experience. Passion is a value where experience does not necessarily play a role in success. Coming from an external position where I had the professional experience but not the familiarity with the product, I try to shine with my passion to make up for any lack of understanding of policy, operations, etc.

Jeremy Hayes – District Team Lead

Jeremy Hayes has three children who have all joined different branches of the United States Military. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music and going for long runs. Completing a 50-mile marathon is on his bucket list.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Southern California but currently live in Austin, TX.

How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?

Five years

What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?

Take care of your customers, and your customers will take care of you.

What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?

The company values are not just talk—we walk the walk.

Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?

Integrity. This value is important to me because you are what you do. It takes a long time to earn respect and just one moment to lose it.

Congratulations to Dereck Conway, George Bishop, Jay Johnson, and Jeremy Hayes for being selected as winners of the 2021 CEO Team of Excellence! Stay tuned for more winner spotlights in the coming weeks!

Interested in joining a winning team? Learn more about our culture and employment opportunities at careers.extraspace.com.