Tenant Inc.

Lance Watkins

Drawing on firsthand experience operating his Storage Outlet portfolio, Watkins first tackled industry inefficiencies by founding StorageTreasures in 2010. This pioneering venture brought the opaque auction process online, fundamentally modernizing how abandoned units were handled and making auctions accessible to bidders across the country. Under his leadership, StorageTreasures ultimately transformed self-storage auction practices and contributed to improved laws governing auctions in 35 states.

After successfully modernizing the auction process, Watkins turned his attention to the next major industry shift: rapid consolidation and the unique challenges it posed for independent operators seeking to compete against larger players. To ensure these operators had access to the tools and resources to compete effectively, he founded Storelocal in 2014. This full-service cooperative empowered members with technology, collective buying power, and a valuable peer community. Realizing the co-op model faced challenges in meeting the industry’s rapidly evolving technology needs, Watkins founded Tenant Inc. in 2019 to create the advanced, operator-centric platform he envisioned. The two organizations strategically merged in 2023, integrating Storelocal’s network with Tenant Inc.’s platform to strengthen operator resources and support.

In addition to these pivotal companies, Watkins co-founded Charity Storage, a non-profit organization that leverages the storage auction model to generate funds for various charities nationwide.

In his free time, Watkins enjoys fishing and spending time with family, his koi collection, and his dogs.

Travis Morrow

In 2011, as President of the Nevada Self Storage Association, he oversaw the updating of the state’s lien laws to the modern laws in place today. In 2013, as President of the Arizona Association, he led the rebranding and modernization of the group’s website and tradeshow platforms, implementing modern technologies to improve member and attendee experiences.

Also in 2013, Travis became a founder in the industry’s only cooperative, Storelocal, and has served on its Board of Directors since its inception.

As a Director of the National Self Storage Association, Travis worked with a small group of younger members to found the Young Leaders Group.

In 2019, Morrow was appointed by the Storelocal Board of Directors to become the CEO of the membership organization. He has overseen the transformation of Storelocal into a profitable organization focused on supporting independent owner operators. to leverage the power of the larger group and stay competitive in a rapidly consolidating space.

All the while, as a self-storage operator, Travis has served as the President/Vice President of National Self Storage since 2009. In 2018 he oversaw the development of their state-of-the-art flagship facility in Marana, AZ, which was recognized as the Overall Facility of the Year for the industry, and serves as a shining example of the future role of automation in self-storage.

He is currently overseeing the development of National Self Storage’s next facility and exploring other development and expansion opportunities, while helping other Storelocal members modernize their operations and facility performance through his role as Storelocal CEO.

Travis has been a featured speaker across the country and in Europe on a multitude of self-storage topics, and has written numerous articles in industry trade publications. He is a graduate of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona with a degree in Finance, and is a licensed real estate broker in Arizona.