DON CLAUSON, OWNER/CEO

DON CLAUSON, OWNER/CEO

Industry Leadership

Past Chairman for the Self Storage Large Operator Council (LOC)
(2014 – 2017, 3 one-year elected terms)

The LOC is a group of the largest operators in the self storage industry dedicated to work cooperatively to understand and tackle real time issues facing the industry as well as working together for the betterment of the industry.

Immediate Past Chair – National Self Storage Association
(2013 – 2020)

Started on the board in 2013 as LOC leadership representative. voted onto the SSA Board in 2015, and then served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Chair, Chair, Immediate Past Chair

Founding Member and Past Chairman of the Board of StoreLocal
(2015 – 2018)

StoreLocal is a self storage co-operative providing leading edge technology solutions and purchasing power to their members.  The goal is to allow independent operators to have access to technology and share knowledge and tools to compete with REITs and larger operators.

30 years of Self Storage Experience 

Don is among the most respected independent self storage operators in the Country. He is a hands-on leader with first-hand knowledge and experience gained by operating and growing his portfolio. This is coupled with on-going involvement in highest levels off industry leadership positions, where he helps operators across the United States navigate an industry that has seen unprecedented advancement and sophistication in recent years.  His industry relationships and loyal associations with colleagues extend from REIT CEO’s, national association leaders and staff, other local and national operators and a long list of brokers, lenders, and industry vendors.

Vision and Purpose

In 1999, Don, along with his partner Randy Strauss,  formed Strat Property Management, Inc. a management company specializing in self storage and multi-family management. The platform has grown from initially managing 12 properties to managing and overseeing 132 properties today.

In 1999, Don purchased his first self storage facility, and in 2000 completed his first ground up facility. Both are still owned and operated today. Don began aggressively purchasing operating self storage facilities, and land to develop self storage facilities, in Southern California, Texas and Colorado. Currently SPMI operates 71 self storage facilities –  49 in Texas, 21 in California and 1 in Colorado – and two portable storage facilities – 1 in Texas and 1 in California. The properties are operated as Lockaway Storage (Texas and Colorado), StaxUP Storage (California), and Tall Pines Storage (Texas). His acquisition strategy is to identify investments with upside potential and to seek a competitive advantage geographically. Acquisitions have included ground-up developments, conversions, properties with expansion potential, value-add from property renovation, and implementing superior management and economies of scale.

RANDY STRAUSS, OWNER/CFO

RANDY STRAUSS, OWNER/CFO

As modest as he is analytical, as consistent as he is adaptable, as independent as he is committed to the professional development of his team, Randy Strauss is a leader who would like to remain behind the scenes. This humble commitment is one of the central reasons for Strat Property Management Inc’s success.

He’ll tell you that he prefers to have ten digits than 26 letters, but those who have worked closely with him describe him as a perceptive communicator who shows his appreciation in addition to voicing it. Acting as Chief Financial Officer, Strauss is Strat’s financial architect, overseeing the accounting department as well as apartment operations.

Despite Strat’s growth, Strauss has managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. He can often be seen running his two daughters to softball practice in the afternoon, acting as both coach and treasurer for the league during the last 5 seasons.

A graduate of the Olin Business School at Washington University at St. Louis, Strauss’ early career included time as a concert promoter in both St. Louis (Contemporary Productions) and San Diego (Bill Silva Presents).

Environmentally conscious, Strauss grew up in a family that emphasized frugality and common sense: turning off the lights when they aren’t needed, closing the curtains when it’s cold out and turning off the heater when it’s 75 degrees. Team members working out of the San Diego office attest that Strauss lives these conservation principles daily, including practicing a vegan diet.

If you ever get a chance to talk sports with him, take it. Strauss has curated a sizable baseball and football card collection during the last 15 years. His knowledge of the history is entertaining and insightful.

At his core, Strauss is first a devoted husband and father. Strat’s acquisitions, developments and milestones are a source of great pride and joy for him, but they take a backseat to the memories created daily with his family.