Q&A with Division Vice President Buck Howanski

Division Vice President Buck Howanski joined Extra Space Storage in February 2020 and considers himself one of the company’s “pandemic babies.” Over the past five years, he has worked across several key markets including suburban DC, northern Virginia, Cleveland, Rochester, and suburban Baltimore. In 2024, he became a Senior District Manager and was recently promoted to Division Vice President in April 2025.

Before getting into questions about Buck’s career and the lessons he’s learned, let’s address a common question he’s often asked: Is “Buck” your real name? Not exactly. Buck’s real name is Ryan, but the nickname has stuck with him since he was a toddler. “I bucked up and down like a little horse on my pop-pop’s lap,” he explains, “and he would say, ‘Whoa little Bucky.’ The nickname stuck from there.”

How did your career path lead you to Extra Space?

I’ve done every retail job you can imagine, starting with McDonald’s in high school, Cracker Barrel in college, and then Enterprise Rent-A-Car a few years after graduating. I was with them for 12 years, nine of the years as an area manager. I learned of Extra Space on Glassdoor after reading the amazing reviews about the company. I saw a lot of similarities to Enterprise with a focus on work-life balance that seemed to ring true with a lot of their District Managers. After reaching out to a few Extra Space District Managers who previously worked at Enterprise and a long interview process, I found myself lucky enough to wear the wasabi green colors!

What is the best advice you’ve received in your career?

The best advice I’ve received is to always be solution-oriented. It’s easy to point out problems, but leaders stand out when they focus on fixing them quickly, creatively, and collaboratively. I’ve learned to approach each challenge by asking, “What can we do about it?” instead of “Why is this happening?” People naturally rally around someone who brings calm, clarity, and a plan, not just a complaint. And honestly, there’s something satisfying about being the person who says, “Here’s the issue and here’s how we fix it.”

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career?

Leading through change has been one of the biggest challenges. Whether it's restructuring, new markets, or evolving KPIs, it takes resilience, clear communication, and the ability to motivate teams when things feel uncertain. Sometimes, it feels like playing a game of corporate Jenga where you must pull one block without toppling the entire tower. But challenges are where growth lives, both for the business and for me personally. I’ve learned to embrace discomfort because it usually means I’m stretching in the right direction.

How do you balance work and personal life?

I set clear boundaries, protect time for family and personal wellness, and make sure my calendar reflects my values. I’ve learned that being fully present at work and at home requires intention and planning, not just time. I’ve also embraced the power of saying “no” without writing a paragraph of justification. Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about not letting one area of your life completely take over the others, unless you’re trying to win a workaholic contest, which I retired from years ago. I also recognize there will be busier weeks, so I’m mindful of not burning out. Pushing through is sometimes necessary, but I make sure to recharge so I can stay effective for the long haul.

How has Extra Space helped in your professional development?

Extra Space has given me stretch opportunities, exposure to senior leaders, and structured programs like the Executive Development Program to accelerate growth. I’ve been encouraged to take on new challenges and empowered with support to succeed. I’ve also been trusted to make mistakes, learn from them, and come out stronger, which is how I know I’m in the right place. The culture here rewards effort, curiosity, and improvement, not just perfection. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned here is patience. Extra Space takes a slow and deliberate approach to developing leaders, and while that can feel challenging in the moment, it’s taught me the value of growing with intention and being fully prepared for each next step.

What advice would you give to future leaders?

Invest in relationships. Be consistent. Seek feedback often. People won’t remember every result, but they will remember how you made them feel. Stay humble enough to learn and confident enough to lead. Don’t try to be the smartest person in the room. Be the one who helps everyone else get smarter. Keep a positive attitude, it’s contagious and often the difference between a tough day and a productive one. People look to leaders for energy, especially when things get challenging, so staying grounded and optimistic goes a long way. And above all, never underestimate the importance of lunch. Lunch is the most important thing at work. Don’t forget that.

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.