Q&A with Senior Vice President of Construction & Facilities Kurt Gnessin

Kurt Gnessin joined Extra Space Storage in 2019 as Senior Director of Facility Services. Following his recent promotion to Senior Vice President of Construction and Facilities, he now leads a large team of professionals, oversees multiple departments, and is responsible for construction and facilities operations across a broad portfolio of properties.

Gnessin brings more than 30 years of experience in multi-site construction and facilities management, along with Certified Restaurant Facility Professional (CRFP) and Retail Facilities Maintenance Professional (RFMP) certifications. His background includes leadership roles with major national brands and contributions to industry association boards and trade publications.

In this Q&A, Gnessin reflects on the career path that led to his current role, along with the challenges and accomplishments that have shaped his leadership and the advice he offers to aspiring leaders.

How did your career lead to facilities management?

I began my career in the restaurant industry as a cashier at Burger King right out of high school. Early on, I developed leadership skills as an assistant manager before moving to Taco Bell, where I advanced to a multi-unit manager role. There, I oversaw a small market capital expenditure budget and managed the purchase order system.

In 1997, I was promoted to the corporate office as a Project Manager in the newly formed facilities department, where my career in facilities management really began. Over the years, I progressed through a variety of roles spanning national projects, equipment rollouts, remodel construction, real estate, facilities operations, in-house maintenance, and ground-up construction.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

The thing I enjoy most about my current role is working with some of the best facility and construction professionals I've ever met. I've led a number of teams in my career, and this group of professionals is the best I've ever worked with. They are dedicated, hardworking leaders who understand the value of relationships and support their partners and their staff with passion and excellence in everything they do.

How do you approach problem-solving in your role?

There's a saying in facilities management: "If you don't have problems, you don't have anything at all." I approach challenges in a systematic way, first identifying the desired outcome, then working backward to understand where the breakdown occurred. Often, leaders believe that when there is a problem, it is due to people. I've found that in most cases, problems are rooted in systems—not people. Improving the system helps resolve issues and makes them less likely to show up again.

What is something people may not realize about your team or role?

Facilities and construction management involve multifaceted skills and disciplines that are, with limited exception, learned on the job. Most people do not originally set out to pursue this career path, but find their way into it after discovering an aptitude for problem-solving and a desire for continuous learning. With the right attitude, a passion for helping people, and a willingness to learn, anyone can be successful in the field.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career?

I am a very detail-oriented person and can focus for long periods on a single objective. Early in my career, this sometimes led to disappointment when measuring how hard others were willing to work to solve a problem or find a solution. While this level of dedication served me well as an individual contributor, I learned over time as a leader that it could create unintended pressure and anxiety for my team. I now place greater emphasis on trust and encouragement, empowering others to approach work by putting their best foot forward—not mine.

What motivates you in your work each day?

I've already mentioned it as a common theme in this career, but solving problems is very motivating for me. I enjoy dissecting root causes and developing strategies and systems to address complex challenges. My team consists of natural problem solvers who are often called on when issues arise. Helping to define problems and implement solutions is something I'm passionate about, and I'm fortunate to be in a role that allows me to do this on a daily basis.

Describe your most successful endeavor with Extra Space Storage.

The biggest success in my career has been developing others who have grown into strong leaders. I've been blessed to witness my coaching and mentorship have a meaningful impact on others. I love hearing about former people I have worked with stepping into larger roles and achieving their goals, knowing I may have played a small part in their journey.

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

The best advice I've ever received is to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can't. There will always be factors beyond my control that impact the outcome of any endeavor, but my attitude is always within my control—and it can make a huge difference.

What advice would you give to future Extra Space Storage leaders?

Relationships are often the most important factor in getting things done, and this can be very challenging for some people. As an introvert, I've always found small talk and meeting new people difficult. The best advice I can offer is to "cast your net wide" and make an effort to connect with as many people in your industry as possible. Many hands make for light work, and the more relationships you foster, the larger your span of influence will grow.

This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with Extra Space Storage (NYSE: EXR) team members. Kurt Gnessin is the Senior Vice President of Construction and Facilities at Extra Space Storage. Visit our careers page to learn more about our culture and explore open roles.