2024 Manager Of The Year 1st Runner-Up: Kyle Bland

If you’ve read the story about our 2024 Manager of the Year winner, you’re aware that while there are a lot of reasons she’s recognized, one of the main ones is her kindness. And fortunately for anyone who needs self-storage, there’s no shortage of that within the industry. 

In this story, we’re showcasing the 2024 Manger of the Year first runner-up, Kyle Bland from Devon Self Storage. One of the things that becomes apparent as soon as you first talk to him is that he’s very much a people person: He not only listens to what you have to say, but he pays such close attention that he’s able to gauge what you need, sometimes even before you realize it. And that’s a skill that has helped him become essential to the success of Devon. 

So, let’s look at what makes him so special and why it’s so difficult to pick only one winner for this award. 

Before Storage 

Bland was born in Clovis, N.M., on the Cannon Air Force Base, but he was raised and spent most of his childhood in Alton, Ill. He ended up in Springfield, Ill., as an adult, a year after his parents moved there. That’s where he started his career in the airline industry. 

“I first worked with Northwest, and then with Delta,” he says. These jobs got him started into one of his favorite hobbies: traveling all over the United States. In fact, he’s visited all 50 of them. “Not all of them have been by flying. I’ve gone on major cross-country road trips and thoroughly enjoyed them.” The reason, Bland explains, is because they’ve allowed him to live in the moment. “We live in such a fast-paced world, and it’s good to take the time to be present and realize how blessed we are.” 

He’s carried this positive outlook to all aspects of his life, including several career pivots. After the airlines, he worked in asset protection management, catching shoplifters. “I incorporate a lot from that experience in my everyday life; especially when it comes to active listening. Someone could be making the worst decision of their life, but you still listen and see their humanity. It teaches you to grow up.” 

It is through these kinds of conversations that it’s easy to see why he’s so likable and such an asset wherever he goes. 

Entering The Industry 

Although Bland enjoyed his previous jobs, he wanted a role where he’d get to interact with people more frequently. “I can succeed at whatever I do because I’m self-motivated,” he says. “But overall, I like people. I like to communicate and interact.” 

So, he started looking for a job that would enable him to do just that. This is how he ended up applying to work at Devon Self Storage. “I knew nothing about the industry, but when I saw that it was a people-oriented company, I knew I could fit in.” 

And fit in he does. “He’s an awesome employee,” says Rick Smith, divisional vice president and supervisor to Bland’s supervisor. “He has great energy, he’s always positive, and he’s been incredibly helpful and flexible in opening other properties. He’s also been instrumental in getting other divisions in our company up to speed quickly.” 

He pretty much hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since he was hired. Thanks to him, Devon has been able to successfully expand to Lafayette, La.; San Antonio, Texas; and Lawrence, Kan. Bland took the reins with onboarding new managers and integrating them seamlessly into the company. And as if this weren’t enough to keep him busy, he’s also branched out to ensure Devon is involved within their community. 

Community Involvement 

“I wanted to show that we are more than just a metal building,” Bland says. “We do that by showing that we care, and that we can make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.” 

For that reason, he started a coat drive. “It’s a win-win situation that serves multiple purposes,” he elaborates. “People need warmth for survival, and our coat drive helps people get it. Tenants who need to downsize donate coats to the drive, too; and it’s gotten a lot of positive attention from other local businesses who want to get involved.” 

Word of mouth and social media posts helped spread the word, and they even get donors who walk into their facilities to donate coats. They also had coat racks donated by another local business, with zero advertising needed. It’s a clear example of how much can get accomplished when people with good intentions work together. 

Bland is good at thinking outside the box as well. “The manager for the Missouri State hockey team came in once, needing storage for their team’s equipment,” he says. “I thought this would be a good way to work hand in hand with local universities, so I brought up the idea that we could advertise with them. We were able to work out a business agreement, and it’s worked out well. We’re the only self-storage being advertised in their arena.” 

Winning Advice 

Bland is quick to provide advice to others. “Define for yourself what the word accountability means to you. To me, it means doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” He also stresses the importance of being proactive, instead of just talking about what you wish to accomplish. “We can say what our goals are, but it’s our actions that end up in results; and those results don’t lie.” 

Smith is well aware of Bland’s results. “He’s really good at what he does. There have been people from four different regions in the company who’ve gone out of their way to tell me how helpful he’s been, how easy he is to talk to, and how they’ve learned about something because he’s shown them how to do it. He’s really helped in their own success,” says Smith. “In a short amount of time, he’s really made an impact, from the store level all the way up. It’s not a surprise that he’s the first runner-up. To me, he’s the winner.” 

This story and much more can be found in MSM's free quarterly digital magazine Self Storage Now! Click here to subscribe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alejandra Zilak studied journalism, went to law school, and now writes for a living. She also loves dogs.