Q&A with VP of Operations Support Bill Mottram

Bill Mottram has been with Extra Space Storage since 2018, first serving as a district manager. He's held multiple roles, including Director of Transitions, helping to oversee Extra Space Storage's acquisition of Storage Express and the integration following the Life Storage merger. He currently serves as the Vice President of Operations Support, managing day-to-day facility operations and transitions.

In this Q&A, Mottram shares more about his current role, reflects on his journey from retail to Extra Space Storage, and discusses the advice that has shaped him most as a leader.

How did your career path lead you to Extra Space Storage?

All of my early career experience was in retail. I started at video stores when those were around, including Blockbuster Video and Hollywood Video, and later worked for a sports headwear company. I was always selling something I loved, whether that was movies or sports.

But retail can be a grind, especially with nights, holidays, and weekends. As my personal life was changing and my wife and I were planning our wedding, I started looking for something outside of retail where my experience could still translate. A few people I respected had moved into self storage, and that's what initially introduced me to the industry.

What initially stood out to you when joining Extra Space Storage?

The hiring process felt different from the beginning. It was slower and more intentional than I expected, with several meetings and even an invitation to come have lunch with the team. At first, I was not sure what to make of it, but the process helped me see how much Extra Space cared about people and culture.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Playing a small part in supporting our company's growth is something I'm genuinely drawn to. It presents opportunities to collaborate with nearly every team and help support those teams in the roles they play in the journey of every property on our platform.

What is a lesson or advice from your career that still shapes how you lead today?

Early in my career, a leader I admired shared a line from Dan Waldschmidt that stuck with me: “You have to do the hard things.”

The hardest things are often the easiest to avoid, but that’s exactly where leadership shows up. The call you do not want to make, the tough conversation, the risk of trying and failing or looking like a fool. It’s about holding yourself accountable so you can show up consistently for your team. We carry the responsibility of creating the conditions for our people to do their best work.

What has been the most challenging part of your career, and what did it teach you?

Before coming to Extra Space Storage, I transitioned out of traditional retail and tried something entirely new, leaving behind the safety net of being an expert. I had to start over, learning a new company, industry, and business.

My confidence was tested, and it was the most uncomfortable period of my career. I had to let go of old ideas, embrace new ones, and get comfortable being uncomfortable. I leaned into my strengths while seeking out people I could learn from, and in turn, supported others where I could.

Ultimately, I learned that facing challenges that feel intimidating is where the most growth and confidence are gained. I also learned that the more I focused on contributing to others, the less pressure I felt from competition, which allowed the best version of me to show up.

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

First, always be willing to teach and always be willing learn. Be a student of life and stay open to new lessons, experiences, and people. Everyone has something to teach you. At some point, someone invested time and energy in you, and the best way to honor that is to do the same for others.

Second, own your development. There are many moments in a career when factors outside your control influence when opportunities present themselves. Focusing on that rarely serves you as well as investing in yourself. Great leaders and organizations will support development where they can, but ultimately, growth is an individual responsibility. Start with self-awareness and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.

This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with Extra Space Storage (NYSE: EXR) team members. Bill Mottram is the Vice President of Operations Support for Extra Space Storage. Visit our careers page to learn more about our culture and explore open roles.