Don Clauson, CEO

            As CEO, Don oversees all aspects of Strategic Property Management, Inc. including the overall direction, financial aspects, human relations, continuing growth, and the advanced quality of the company.  Prior to his work with Strategic Property Management, Inc., he was a Vice President with Sperry Van Ness where he specialized in the representation of buyers and sellers of Self Storage properties.  Some of his clients included the RTC, major financial institutions, and REITS.  In February of 1997, Don formed Commercial Property Consultants, Inc.  Commercial Property Consultants, Inc. continues to represent buyers and sellers, consulting, and development.  During the past 14 years Don has been involved in over $200 million of Self Storage transactions and has developed an excess of 210,000 net feet of storage space.  In 1999, after many years of building on his experience and knowledge, Don partnered with Randy and Brian Strauss to form Strategic Property Management, Inc. The purpose behind the company was to provide cost effective management for property owners through effective planning, exceptional organization, and overall in depth knowledge of the industry as a whole.

            Don is not only CEO and one of three partners of Strategic Property Management, Inc., but he is also a past regional board member of the Self-Storage Association (SSA), a past speaker at the SSA, and has been published in the Mini Storage Messenger and Inside Self Storage.  His strong interpersonal and leadership skills give him the ability to successfully manage multiple properties and assignments while keeping a strong hold on his capacity to resolve problems effectively and creatively.  His knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy lead others to give their best efforts and helps keep the effective quality of Strategic Property Management, Inc. successful and growing.

Brian Strauss, Partner

            Brian is a Certified Apartment Manager and our Senior Residential/Commercial Property Manager.  His knowledge and expertise acquired over the past several years includes a broad spectrum of all property management with an emphasis on preventive maintenance and expense reduction. 

            Brian started off as a maintenance technician and worked for five years learning electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscaping.  Before Strategic Property Management, Inc. was formed, he was managing all aspects of 68 residential units. In 1997, he received the CAM designation through the National Apartment Association. 

            As part of Strategic Property Management, Inc., he works on vendor retention, curb appeal, and landscaping.  His efforts are focused on the beautification and upgrade of properties.  In addition, he has the ability to resolve tenant conflicts amicably.  Currently, he is working on a schedule of preventive maintenance to prevent main-line clogs and extend the lifespan of roofs and water heaters.  He is proactive on the prevention of water intrusion into the foundation of walls and apartments to prevent mold issues. 

            Brian graduated with a BA in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from UC Santa Cruz.  When he is not working with Strategic Property Management, Inc., Brian is spending time with his wife Mary and two children, Julia and Ashley. 

            Randy is the Chief Financial Officer of Strategic Property Management, Inc.  He is one of three partners and has been with the company since its inception in October 1999.  He supervises the accounting department and payroll, including our employees’ IRA, Workman’s Compensation, and Medical/Dental Benefits. 

            In the beginning stages of Strategic Property Management, Inc. Randy did all the accounting, issuance of checks, filing, and oversaw the overall budgets and expenses.  As Strategic grew, Randy needed to hire an assistant to help him get through his large volume of work. 

            Randy received a Business degree from Washington University and has worked in accounting since 1994.  His background and knowledge with numbers is a big reason why Strategic Property Management, Inc. is where it is today.  He is especially good at keeping the expenses down while promoting environmentally conscious habits like recycling.

            When not dealing with financial responsibilities, Randy spends his time with his wife, Paige, and their daughter, Isabella, who was born in April 2005.  Isabella is a familiar face around the Strategic Property Management, Inc. Corporate Office and her young spirits keep everyone smiling!

Walter V. Turskey, District Manager CSSM

            Walter became a part of Strategic Property Management, Inc. in 1997 as an onsite Apartment Manager and eventually transitioned into a Property Manager overlooking commercial properties and apartment complexes, as well as overseeing the maintenance scheduling and follow up.  Currently, Walter oversees several Self Storage facilities in Southern California.

            Walter brings an extensive background of experience to Strategic Property Management, Inc.  He has over 11 years of experience in the management of Commercial Properties, Self Storage facilities, and Multi-Family Communities.  His knowledge of Self Storage procedures and operations has proven to be invaluable in running our current facilities.  In addition, he trains all Self Storage managers as well as District Managers. 

            Walter graduated from Coleman College with a certificate of completion in Computer Information Services.  He has also participated and completed the SSA Managers Certificate Program. 

            Walter’s involvement with Strategic Property Management, Inc. includes the management of daily operations, maintaining and operating budgets of several facilities, hiring and training of on-site personnel, and developing and implementing effective marketing plans for each individual property.  His ability to identify, manage, and complete multiple tasks in a timely and efficient manner makes Walter a valuable addition to the Strategic team.

Julie Merry-Susko, District Manager

            Julie joined Strategic Property Management, Inc. in May 2001 as a Resident Manager for Juniper Hill Apartments and in November 2003 was promoted to Property Manager supervising other resident managers and their properties.  In October 2005, Julie added four Self Storage facilities to her portfolio and now, as District Manager, currently oversees numerous apartment buildings, commercial properties, and Self Storage facilities. 

            Julie is an extremely participative member of Strategic Property Management, Inc. and has involved herself with the training of current and new employees.  She works with the San Diego Apartment Association on current events and employee education.  She works hard at providing the support and encouragement that her managers need so that they may provide the best service possible to Strategic Property Management, Inc.’s customers and residents.  She also maintains a close and informed relationship with the property owners to ensure that she knows what their expectations are and can accurately provide them with the outcomes they rely upon. 

            Julie has been rewarded for her outstanding commitments throughout the years.  In 2002, she received an award for Resident Manager of the year and in 2003 she was named Employee of the Year.  In February 2005 she received a Superior Achievement and designation for “Certified California Resident Manager” and in June 2005 she was highlighted in the “Rental Owners” magazine. 

            Julie continues to illustrate long-term improvement and is currently working on the National “CAM” designation which she hopes to have completed before March 2007. 

            Julie lives in San Diego with her husband, John, and three cats whom she considers to be her children.  Her mother, brothers, and sisters also live in San Diego County, allowing Julie to spend the majority of her weekends enjoying quality time with her family.