We are thrilled to welcome all Life Storage team members to Extra Space Storage and to celebrate the seamless integration of all Life Storage properties onto the Extra Space Storage platform. Kudos to the numerous team members behind this successful transition. In 19 days, we brought all Life Storage employees on board, integrated 1,165 Life Storage locations into our tech platform, and transitioned 142 stores under the Extra Space brand.
“This milestone marks a culmination of dedicated efforts made by many team members across our organization,” mentioned Noah Springer, Extra Space Storage’s Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer. “I am incredibly proud of how we all came together to work so hard on a challenging project in a short period of time. This achievement is evidence of our combined team’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to the Extra Space Storage values. I am excited to continue shaping the future as we move forward together as one team.”
Between July 20, 2023, and August 8, 2023, all Life Storage sites shifted to the Extra Space platform over six intensive days. On one of those days, we successfully integrated 292 locations—a record-breaking feat for Extra Space Storage. During this period, our IT team worked tirelessly, even through the night, ensuring smooth data transfers and system integrations.
“This merger has impacted every single person in both organizations,” expressed Michael Pontillo, Senior Vice President of Southeast Operations. “This achievement would not be possible if it were not for our newest team members’ excitement, talent, and commitment. Our future is bright as we jointly live our values and remain committed to each other and our customers to provide outstanding, industry-leading results.”
The comprehensive transition encompassed sales channels, accounting and revenue management systems, and customer acquisition platforms. It also involved migrating lifestorage.com to Extra Space Storage’s Rapid Rental online platform. Throughout, our IT support handled 300-400 daily requests from new stores and personnel, ensuring seamless operations.
Jeff Stott, Sr. Vice President of Information Systems, applauded the team’s effort, stating, “What this team accomplished is nothing short of amazing! It is rare to see a company that can transition critical business systems, across multiple sales channels, in such a short time, and be able to say it was a success. Having all stores on Extra Space systems and platforms within 19 days of closing was crucial for driving financial performance and visibility into the Life Storage branded stores. I’m proud of our team for making this possible.”
Additionally, all new team members have undergone at least the first phase of a three-tiered training program. Over 60 District Managers have also been familiarized with Extra Space’s guidelines and processes. The initial phase wrapped up on July 25, 2023, and was exceptionally executed. The program, crafted by the Extra Space Storage Learning and Development team led by Sr. Director Doug Anderson, aimed to equip the field team to manage rentals, process payments, offer our Customer Protection Plan, and introduce customers to easy pay. Phase one involved self-directed courses, complemented by in-person training. The subsequent phases, set for late summer and early fall, will delve deeper into Extra Space’s culture and processes.
“There’s no way to summarize what our Life Storage and Extra Space teams have experienced over the last few months as we became one team,” shared Bill Mottram, Director of Transitions. “This has been a once-in-a-lifetime career experience that has tested us all professionally and personally at times. It’s a true testament to our team’s resiliency and capabilities. From every group here at the Store Support Center to every leader throughout the organization and every manager at our stores, we witnessed the truest meaning of ‘all hands on deck.’”
Ready to join a company that values innovation and teamwork? Check our careers page for more information on company culture and current job opportunities. More information about the Life Storage and Extra Space Storage merger can be found on our investor relations page.