hen considering fulfilling and dynamic careers, the self-storage industry might not immediately spring to mind. Yet, those who find themselves working in it often speak of the unexpected joy and satisfaction that comes from being part of a tight-knit and supportive community. What many had thought would be temporary roles soon transformed into long-lasting and inspiring careers. It’s a field that turns surprises into rewarding experiences, all set within an incredible network of people dedicated to mutual success.

One of the most striking features of the self-storage industry is the unique culture of collaboration. Even though companies are technically in competition, industry members freely exchange ideas and experiences, helping each other tackle challenges. It’s this spirit of cooperation that has turned what some may view as a temporary job into a long-lasting and inspiring career. The Canadian Self Storage Association (CSSA) has been a huge part of this, especially with the establishment of the Young Leaders Group (YLG). Since 2017, this group has helped shape the industry’s future by connecting emerging professionals under 40 and encouraging them to learn from one another.

The Young Leaders Group is a vibrant and diverse network that brings together people from every corner of the industry: managers, customer service reps, vendors, and even facility owners. This diversity is a real strength because it gives all of us a better understanding of how our roles are interconnected and contribute to the bigger picture. It’s also an incredible platform for young professionals (like me) to grow our skills and build strong, lasting relationships.

I’ve personally experienced the benefits of being part of the CSSA Young Leaders Council. The group regularly hosts events that blend education with meaningful networking opportunities. Whether we’re at trade shows, workshops, or more relaxed team-building gatherings like The Rec Room in Toronto, the events are a fun and memorable way to bring together people who are as eager to share as they are to learn.

These moments aren’t just about entertainment; they’re about building a network that you can rely on. The friendships and professional relationships that not only myself but my team members have formed through the Young Leaders Group have become an important resource. I know my site staff can reach out to these people for advice, whether dealing with everyday challenges or making significant business decisions. It really is about the people you meet and the relationships you nurture, and many of us credit these connections for the leaps we’ve made in our careers.

As the owner of UltraStor Self Storage, I can genuinely say that the CSSA has played a pivotal role in my journey. When first entering the storage industry, I attended a CSSA tradeshow event in Vancouver in 2014, where I met industry leaders who introduced me to the potential of self-storage. Those initial connections were life-changing, paving the way for me to open three major facilities in the Greater Toronto Area. Today, I’m proud to be an active member of the Canadian Self Storage Association and share what I’ve learned along the way by helping organize events for the Young Leaders Council. Many staff members at our facilities have attended the conferences over the years and are always amazed at how fulfilling and informative they can be. It’s come full circle: I continue to learn from conversations with site managers and facility operators, while also offering my own expertise to help newcomers get started in this rewarding field.

Many of us in self-storage have seen young professionals start from the bottom and work their way up. Students who began in part-time roles have risen to become managers, directors, or even executives. The field rewards curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the supportive culture, combined with groups like the CSSA, accelerates career growth and fosters a deep sense of belonging.

Being in self-storage is about much more than just running a facility. It’s a comprehensive experience where small teams operate closely, exposing employees to different facets of the business. This environment, paired with the insights we gain from the Young Leaders Group, equips us to handle the industry’s challenges. Networking with mentors and other ambitious young professionals ensures we’re ready for whatever comes next.

One of the most exciting aspects of our industry is its openness to new ideas. Young professionals bring fresh technological perspectives, often proposing solutions that veterans may not have considered. We’ve seen significant advancements, like using drones for surveillance, refining pricing strategies, and implementing smarter tech for access control, all thanks to the ingenuity of younger industry members. These ideas have led to real, measurable improvements in efficiency and revenue.

The future of the Canadian self-storage industry looks incredibly bright. The Young Leaders Group isn’t just a network; it’s a driving force shaping what’s to come. By focusing on mentorship, collaboration, and continuous innovation, we ensure our industry remains at the forefront. Having a space dedicated to young leaders is crucial not only for our personal growth but also for the collective advancement of self-storage.

Veterans in the industry also contribute immensely, sharing their hard-earned wisdom during roundtable chats and mentoring through various challenges. These interactions inspire us to think creatively and push the industry forward. For those of us involved, it feels empowering to know we have support as we experiment and lead, all while contributing to a thriving and forward-thinking community.

Self-storage may not be the most glamorous industry, but it’s one of the most rewarding. For those who take a chance on it, the opportunities for innovation and connection are endless. With the Young Leaders Group guiding the way, I’m confident our future is full of exciting and transformative possibilities.