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 three of our winners and what they had to say.
Ana Arzola – District Team Lead
Ana Arzola is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She loves spending time outdoors and especially visiting the mountains with her family. Arzola has one daughter and another on the way!
Where are you from?
I was born in Pomona, CA and most of my adulthood has been spent in Fontana, CA.
How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?
It will be five years in May 2022.
What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?
Ask as many questions as you can and get as much feedback as you can, but never stop having fun or being yourself.
What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?
The culture and the people who represent that culture. This company has taught me so much professionally and personally. I genuinely do not think I could have learned the things I’ve learned here anywhere else. I have learned about business, compassion, empathy, and passion. I owe that to my mentors, my peers, and the company.
Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?
Passion. Passion is having the drive to do something and do it well. It’s important to have passion in everything you do, because that’s the force that will push you forward.
Angel Blazquez – District Team Lead
In his spare time, you can usually find Angel Blazquez fishing. It’s his dream to travel the world and explore how different cultures fish and cook their catch. He loves to travel because it allows him to try new foods, explore the outdoors, and get in on the local music scene.
Where are you from?
Born, raised, and residing in Miami, FL.
How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?
I’ve worked here for 13 years!
What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?
Absorb as much as possible; there is something new to learn every day. Do good for others, and you will always feel accomplished.
What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?
The fact that our differences are not only accepted but encouraged, is what I treasure the most about working at Extra Space.
Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?
Teamwork. Teamwork is the heartbeat of Extra Space Storage. Our achievements aren’t possible on our own; each of us plays an important role for one another.
Angela Lopez – Store Manager
Angela Lopez was born and raised in Guatemala. She moved to the U.S. in 2006 as a legal immigrant and was sworn in as a citizen in December 2021. She is the owner of a small business named MissPawPainter LLC where she hands paints pet portraits. She has an 11-year-old rottweiler that uses a wheelchair to help her walk with her back legs. Lopez loves to garden and has over 60 plants she grew from seeds.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Guatemala and currently live in Kissimmee, FL.
How many years have you worked at Extra Space Storage?
Six years, three months, and 29 days (at the time of this interview).
What advice would you give someone just starting out at Extra Space Storage to help them succeed?
Reach out to your peers, do not be afraid to ask questions, and take advantage of the training courses that are offered.
What do you enjoy most about working at Extra Space Storage?
The culture! At Extra Space Storage we are more than just employees, we are family. Also, the professional relations I get to build with colleagues throughout the country.
Which Extra Space Storage value (Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity, Passion, Innovation) is important to you and why?
Teamwork. When everyone has a common goal to accomplish and the will to work, success is inevitable.
Congratulations to Ana Arzola, Angel Blazquez, and Angela Lopez 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.
