Celebrating 25+ Years with Seven Extra Space Storage Team Members

At Extra Space Storage, our success is built on the dedication of our team members. In Q2 2025, we are proud to celebrate the 25 (and 30!) year anniversaries of seven employees whose hard work and passion have helped shape our company's growth and culture. From store managers and maintenance professionals to district leaders, each of these individuals brings a unique story and a lasting impact.

Azucena Alvarado, Store Manager

Azucena began her journey with Extra Space Storage in June 2000, after noticing a hiring sign while visiting a facility in San Bernardino. Then, a student looking for part-time work, she was hired on the spot, and 25 years later, she's made an incredible impact as both a mentor and a leader. Over the years, she's taken on various roles, including District Team Lead, and currently works as a Store Manager in Fontana, CA. Azucena is passionate about serving customers with empathy and care, always striving to provide a positive experience during life's transitional moments.

"Azucena has been a leader, mentor, and friend to so many of us during her 25 years at Extra Space. Even more impressive is that she remains as supportive, curious, and motivated as ever. Her vast knowledge and her consistent willingness to be there for others, always with a positive attitude, has left a lasting impact and has contributed to the success of so many throughout the years. Those of us lucky enough to have been any small part of Azucena's amazing 25-year journey know what a privilege this has been." -Julio Oliva, District Manager

Bernadeta Zaleski, Assistant Store Manager

Bernadeta began her career with Storage USA and has been with Extra Space since the 2005 acquisition. She takes pride in helping customers through major life transitions and is known for her empathy, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. Her team-focused mindset and commitment to values like integrity and kindness have made her a consistent standout across roles and locations.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Bernadeta for the past 10 years, first as her peer in the field, and now as her District Manager. The best words to describe her are dedicated, consistent, kind, and an absolute team player. She truly lives our company values every day and holds herself to incredibly high standards. What stands out the most is her willingness to step up no matter the site, no matter the situation—she always gives 100%, and her work ethic is honestly one of the best I've ever seen. We're so lucky (and thankful) that she's chosen to share 25 years of her life with Extra Space Storage." -Ana Valentin, District Manager

Irene Liston, Store Manager

Irene began her self storage journey in 2000 as an Assistant Clerk in Daly City, CA, gradually rising through the ranks to become a Store Manager. She's contributed to multiple locations across the San Francisco area, consistently earning praise for her helpfulness and expertise. Irene is passionate about mentoring others, making a difference in her community, and providing top-tier service to customers. Her impact can be seen in the strong relationships she's built and the team members she's helped grow.

"For a quarter of a century, Irene has been an invaluable asset, embodying the very best of our company culture. Her colleagues consistently praise her as kind and helpful, highlighting her remarkable ability to simplify even the most complex situations. She's always willing to share her knowledge and make every workday easier and more enjoyable." -Trish Thomas, District Manager

Manuel Maldonado, Facility Maintenance

Known for his positive attitude and strong work ethic, Manuel has been a valued part of the Extra Space team in Brooklyn for 25 years.

"Celebrating Manuel 'Manny' for 25 years of service is an incredible moment. Manny has been our dedicated support person at the 64th Street site in Brooklyn, NY. He inspires everyone around him with his infectious positivity and work ethic, consistently performing at a high level each day. Getting to work with Manny is a gift, and he is adored by those who have worked with him in the past, those who work with him today, and those lucky enough to work with him in the future. Cheers to 25 years and many more to come!" -Todd Doren, District Manager

Peter Lomicky, Store Manager

Peter's introduction to self storage came by chance—giving a friend a ride to a job interview. That small moment led to a career filled with growth, leadership, and customer impact. Over 25 years, Peter has supported multiple sites, trained new employees, and become a go-to team member during times of change and innovation. He was twice named Manager of the Year and reflects fondly on his visits to the corporate office and the long-lasting relationships he's formed.

"For 25 years, Peter has been one of the great leaders out in the field. He is always looking to meet customers' needs in any way he can. His experience in customer service and satisfaction makes him a great asset to the company. Peter has been here throughout many years of innovation and growth, and he continues to work hard each day, striving for top performance." -Hilda Quezada, District Manager

Sofija Gunter, District Team Lead

Sofija's career began with Storage USA, inspired by her parents' experience with the company. She quickly advanced into leadership, and when Extra Space acquired Storage USA in 2005, she became a District Team Lead. Known for her problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for helping others succeed, Sofija plays a vital role in her district's daily operations and long-term growth. In 2023, she was recognized with the CEO Team of Excellence Award, honoring her outstanding contributions.

"Sofija plays a large role in our district's success by offering guidance, training, and advice to her peers. She has a genuine passion for offering excellent customer service and is always excited to share her knowledge and experience with team members, frequently providing guidance that helps others daily on our team. One of my favorite things about working with Sofija is her planning and forward-looking approach to problem-solving. She anticipates hurdles and creates a plan to overcome them and ensure success for all." -Ryan Johnson, District Manager

Susan Shindler, Store Manager

Susan has spent three decades in the storage industry, using her experience to support both her team and customers.

"Susan is a fountain of knowledge in the storage business after 30 years of running properties! She has been a wonderful resource for new managers in the Columbus market. She has adapted to many years of change and continues to improve in her personal performance while helping others along the way. We are fortunate to have her in Columbus to share all of those best practices she's learned in 30 years!" -Bonnie Sweeney, District Manager

To Azucena, Bernadeta, Irene, Manuel, Peter, Sofija, and Susan, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and the lasting impact you have had. You've each helped shape Extra Space Storage into the company it is today, and we're proud to celebrate this milestone with you.

Interested in building a long-term career at Extra Space Storage? Visit our careers page to learn more about employment opportunities.