Division Vice President Erin Schlund began her career with Extra Space Storage in 2019 as a District Manager in Jacksonville, FL. With a strong background in the storage industry from her previous role at Public Storage, Erin demonstrated her ability to successfully manage stores in various markets, including New Orleans, Savannah, Tallahassee, and several other cities across Florida and Georgia. Her dedication to leadership and passion for learning led her to participate in Extra Space’s Leadership Development and Executive Development programs. After being promoted to Sr. District Manager in 2023, Erin has now accepted a role as Division Vice President. In this Q&A, Erin reflects on her career path, shares what attracted her to Extra Space, and offers insights from her professional journey.
How did your career path lead you to Extra Space Storage?
Before joining Extra Space, I spent nearly six years at Public Storage. I appreciated the stability of the storage industry and enjoyed being part of a team. After researching Extra Space and learning about its strong industry performance driven by cultural values, I knew it would be an excellent move for both my career and my family.
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career?
Two pieces of advice have resonated with me repeatedly over the past few years. The first is to be comfortable and confident in stating what you want. No one will chase your goals for you—you need to be your own biggest advocate. The second is to “be yourself.” To me, this means trusting my instincts, knowledge, and experience. This advice has grounded me during challenging times of uncertainty. When I need a personal pep talk, reminding myself to “be authentic” and “trust my gut” is my go-to internal dialogue.
How do you balance work and personal life?
I’ve embraced a “work hard, play hard” mentality, which reflects in both my personal and professional life. As a family, we’re always on the move—whether it’s traveling, enjoying sports, or appreciating the outdoors. I believe one of the greatest rewards of working hard is being able to share those experiences with loved ones. By prioritizing my personal life, I’ve found that I am a more effective leader in my professional role.
How has Extra Space helped in your professional development?
My professional development began on day one at Extra Space. The company believes in equipping employees with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. The resources here are abundant, from mentors embedded throughout the organization to tools like Power BI and more. Extra Space has provided the path and guidance, and I’m grateful for the development journey I’ve had so far.
What advice would you give to future leaders?
At both the District Manager and District Vice President levels, it’s easy to stay within your own silo. One of my goals in my new position is to consistently reach out, collaborate, and build relationships with my colleagues, as we can learn and grow from one another. I also encourage future leaders to speak up when they don’t know something. It’s better to ask questions and seize the opportunity to learn than to pretend you know something you don’t.
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 job openings.
