Meet Andrew Gher, a seasoned leader at Extra Space Storage with a decade-long journey of impressive growth. Starting as an Assistant Manager in Bloomington, IN, Andrew’s leadership skills propelled him through various roles—from Store Manager to District Team Lead, and then to District Manager in Training in Indianapolis, IN. His career took him to Asheville, NC, as a District Manager, and then to Charlotte as a Senior District Manager before returning to Indianapolis as a District Vice President. We recently caught up with Andrew, who shared some insights and advice from his long and successful career at Extra Space Storage.
How did your career path lead you to Extra Space?
Baseball was my passion growing up. I was convinced I’d somehow make it to the “bigs” (MLB), but I couldn’t hit a curveball. Throughout college, I worked at a mom-and-pop storage facility and got my first look at the industry. After college, I had several jobs—everything from a college baseball coach to working in the oil and gas industry. From a business standpoint, I hit the ground running with Hertz Rental Car in their management program. While there, I found my passion for a sales-driven mindset and achieving different Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Sales was fun and relatable to my sports background. After some career growth into multi-unit experience, I wanted to find something that provided a better work-life balance. Fortunately, Matt Walker—then a District Manager and now also a District Vice President—took a chance on me as an Assistant Manager for Extra Space in Bloomington, IN. That was back in 2013, and the rest is history!
What do you like most about your current position?
I enjoy so many things about my job, but a couple stand out. My heart has always been with the people—whether it’s our team or customers. In this position, I’m able to interact and collaborate with a lot of different people. I’m also fortunate to be a part of the Storage Express “rover” team. Our division plays a massive role in the growth of this brand and business, and we get to really lean in to the innovative side of the company values in this capacity!
How do you balance work and personal life?
Finding a balance has definitely evolved over the years. Back when I was an on-site store manager, it was tough to disconnect my personal life and work, especially when there was an opportunity to help a customer after hours. Eventually, I learned that I needed to focus on my personal life while off the clock—and fortunately, work-life balance has always been a priority for us at Extra Space. Even though my job is more demanding today, my wife and daughter bring me a lot of balance at home and allow me to recharge.
What motivates you to come to work every day?
I honestly have so much fun at work. Some days are longer or more challenging than others. However, most of the time, it’s a blast being part of a team who all work together and celebrate successes with one another. My division, peers, and our support team are all family to me!
What advice would you give to future leaders?
It’s okay to say, “I don’t know,” or “That’s on me, I missed that.” And it’s okay to ask for feedback, help, or an answer if you’re unsure of something. Society sometimes portrays vulnerability as a weakness, especially in a leadership position. As a leader, you must be comfortable with who you are with your team. That allows walls to break down and promotes open dialogue, and that’s where true development and growth happen.
This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with Extra Space Storage (NYSE: EXR) leaders. Interested in a career with Extra Space? Visit our careers page to learn more about our culture and current job openings.