2025 SSA Board of Director Nominees Announced, Voting Underway

The 2025 Self Storage Association (SSA) National Board of Directors election is now underway with members having the ability to vote online. There are three seats available on the National Board for the 2025-2027 term. Nominees are as follows:

Andrew Beeckman, Marcus & Millichap, Brentwood, TN 

Andy Beeckman is an experienced businessman and has been involved in self-storage since 2016. he started his self-storage career at a family office working in Phoenix, AZ  before transitioning to manage a portfolio of stores across the mid-South for Westport  Properties / US Storage Centers. The experience gained at both of these companies  helped to form a solid understanding of the business at all levels of the business and  how actions today impact the results of tomorrow.  

He transitioned to brokerage and has embraced an advisory approach to investment sales which helps  his clients execute on their strategy for both the short term and long term. In many ways, Andy helps his clients protect what they currently have while preparing for the future. He does this by building long  term relationships across the industry that add value for his clients and strategic partners.  

In addition to brokerage and advisory, Andy has been involved with both the AZSA (2016 -1028) and  TNSSA (2018 - present) state associations; currently residing as President of the TN Self Storage  Association.  

Andy grew up in Houston Texas and then went westward to attend UC Irvine for his Bachelor of Science. Returning to higher education in 2007 at Pepperdine University to earn a Master of Business  Administration, his experience across the country helps add tacit value to his clients as they evaluate  options for their investment strategies. Andy has a deep understanding of how changing demographics  and economic factors impact different markets across the country to help his clients achieve success.  

In his spare time he enjoys being outdoors, competitive sailing, golf, beekeeping, fly fishing, hunting and  being with family. He is proud father of Cody, a Portuguese Water Dog, and resides in Nashville, TN with  his fiancé' and her doodle named Peaches. 

Jennifer Bortman, Universal Insurance Programs, Phoenix, AZ 

Jenny Bortman serves as the CEO and President of Universal Insurance Programs (UIP),  a leading national insurance program administrator specializing in niche market  insurance products including self-storage facilities all across the country . With a career spanning nearly two decades at UIP, Jenny's journey culminated in her election as  President in May 2023. Joining UIP in September 2006, Jenny played a pivotal role in its  growth in the insurance product and services provided to self-storage owners/operators. UIP expanded its presence in the industry due to Jenny’s  enthusiasm, knowledge and marketing prowess. Her dedication to the company is evident through her  longstanding positions at the company, her commitment to the UIP board since 2015, and her love of  the self-storage industry. 

Throughout her career, Jenny has championed the belief that insurance can be fun and easy by offering  people excellent protection, reasonable premiums and most important; peace of mind. Jenny’s previous  experience was with Nestle Purina's veterinary division, where she developed skills that proved  invaluable upon her return to UIP, a family business close to her heart. 

Currently she sits on the board of ARA insurance, another program administered that specializes in  equipment and event rentals providing her knowledge, insight, and best practices to help fuel their growth. Beyond her professional commitments, Jenny balances life with cherished moments watching 

her son Levi play soccer and her daughter Lily dance. She resides happily in Phoenix, Arizona, with her  husband Oleg, her lifelong partner. 

Andrew Capranos, 10 Federal Storage, Raleigh, NC 

Andrew Capranos is the President of 10 Federal Storage, overseeing the management and operations of approximately 75 self-storage locations across the  United States. With over a decade of industry experience, Andrew is recognized for  his strategic vision and innovative approach. Under his leadership, 10 Federal Storage has pioneered 100% remotely managed operations, utilizing advanced  technology to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

Andrew's leadership has garnered 10 Federal Storage numerous industry accolades. The company was  recognized as a Top Performing Real Estate Fund by Preqin for its superior returns and was named one  of Juniper Square's Top Fundraisers for 2023, having oversubscribed its fourth self-storage offering and  raising over $115 million in investor equity last year. Additionally, 10 Federal Storage has been named an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America, an ISS Top 100 Operator, and over 30% of its  properties have won the prestigious Reputation 800 Award for social media excellence. 

Prior to his role at 10 Federal, Andrew held key operational leadership positions at Public Storage (NYSE:  PSA), one of the largest owner and operators of self-storage facilities globally. He holds a Bachelor of  Science in Entrepreneurship Management from the University of Central Florida and a Master of  Business Administration (MBA) from Louisiana State University. 

Before joining 10 Federal, Andrew held key operational leadership positions at Public Storage (NYSE:  PSA), the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities globally. He holds a Bachelor of Science in  Entrepreneurship Management from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Business  Administration (MBA) from Louisiana State University. 

Brian Cohen, Andover Properties LLC, New York, NY 

Brian Cohen is the co-founder, President & CEO of Andover Properties, LLC, which  has owned and operated self storage facilities since 2003. Today, Andover is one of  the largest private owners in the sectors, owning over 160 facilities totaling nearly  13 million square feet in 18 states across the country, operating under the Storage  King USA brand. Brian helps identify acquisition targets, develop the management  plans for the properties, and coordinates the Sponsors' investigation and analysis of the investment  opportunity and due diligence.

Prior to founding Andover, he worked for Tishman Speyer Properties.  During his tenure, he held various positions within Tishman Speyer's organization in their Acquisitions,  Leasing and Global Asset Sales groups. Brian graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a  bachelor's degree. He formerly served on the New Jersey Self Storage Association Board of Trustees as  President and is currently on the SSA National Board, serving as its Treasurer. 

Pedro Florida, Kobre Company, Los Angeles, CA 

Pedro Florida is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kobre Companies, following a  successful four-year tenure as COO of Trojan Storage. At Trojan Storage, Pedro was  instrumental in enhancing operating performance, driving sales innovation, and  boosting revenue generation. With over 20 years of experience in the self-storage  industry, Pedro has consistently delivered results and effectively led teams across  business units.

Pedro's dedication to professional development is reflected in his recent certification in Revenue  Analytics from the Wharton School and his role as a certified executive coach. His academic background  includes an MBA from Pepperdine University and an Executive Program in Digital Business Strategy from  MIT Sloan. 

Before his roles at Trojan Storage and Kobre Companies, Pedro held key leadership positions as  Executive Vice President/COO at MiniStorage.net, Marketing Director at Ambev (InBev), and Senior  Account Director at Village Roadshow Entertainment. He has also been a Board member and Past  Chairman of the CSSA for nine years, where he continues to advocate for the self-storage industry.

George Johnson, Universal Storage Containers, New Canaan, CT 

Universal Storage Containers LLC, was created in 2006 to manufacture and supply portable storage containers to the portable storage, moving and traditional storage industries. George is a Principal of this company. 

George gained most of his work experience working for The Coca-Cola Bottling  Companies of Miami and St. Louis. Originally working in the financial areas of the businesses, then sales  and marketing and General Management. As President and CEO, he was responsible for all facets of the  operation: manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, and financial performance.

In 1986 the  operations were sold to the entity that became Coca-Cola Enterprises.  

George bought Combined Arms Training Systems, Inc. in 1988, and this company still sells specialized  targets to the military. Additionally, he created Custom Composites Materials, Inc., which was a  technology transfer from Georgia Institute of Technology. This company was sold in 2001. 

Jessica Johnson, Storage Business Owners Alliance, Birmingham, MI 

Jessica Johnson is the President of the Storage Business Owners Alliance (SBOA).  During her tenure with the SBOA, the company has seen improvements in overall  profitability, advancements in technology and automation, refined operating  

procedures. optimized marketing efforts, and increased social media engagement and  following.

Notable accomplishments by Jessica and her team have been the creation  of a highly popular webinar series called Self-Storage Unlocked, Storage for Rookies virtual training for  newer owners, the execution of SBOA Annual Virtual Summits, the SBOA Self-Storage Unlocked  Magazine, and a robust weekly newsletter that is read by close to 9K readers every week. These series,  events, and publications help educate the self-storage industry on current industry trends, suggested  strategies and best practices for operators, optimal vendor partnerships, and more. Thousands of  owners, operators, and managers have attended SBOA events.  

Scott Kelly, StoreRight Self Storage, Lakeland, FL 

Scott Kelly is the Chief Operating Officer for StoreRight Self Storage, headquartered in  Lakeland, FL. Scott operates in both ownership capacity and head of operations; targets  operational efficiencies, implements new growth directives, and leads acquisition and  new development for the expanding portfolio of now twelve entities and over eight  hundred and sixty thousand net rentable square feet. Scott has considerable experience on the Board of Trustees for the Florida Self Storage Association and served as President twice; recently in 2021 and previously 2016.

With twenty-seven years’ experience in the self-storage industry, Scott  remains enthusiastic, energized, and honored to be nominated and considered for service on the  National level.

Rick Schontz, City Line Capital, Bala Cynwyd, PA 

Rick is a 16-year veteran of the real estate industry. Rick is the President and CEO  of City Line Capital. Established in 2017, City Line Capital’s self-storage portfolio  currently includes 300 assets in 29 different U.S. states totaling more than 16 million rentable square feet with a total purchase price of more than $1.5 billion. Rick is involved in all aspects of City Line’s operations including but not limited to  corporate strategy, acquisitions, debt financing, asset management and investor  

relations.

Prior to forming City Line Capital, Rick was a Senior Associate at Marcus and Millichap and  Managing Director at HFF, LP. At HFF, LP Rick ran the self-storage platform advising clients on the sale,  debt financing and equity placement focused exclusively on self-storage. He is currently a board  member for NJSSA. 

Peter Spickenagel, Citizen Storage Management, Royal Oak, MI 

Peter Spickenagel is a distinguished leader in the self-storage industry, known for his  strategic insights and innovative practices. Over his career, Peter has overseen  operations at 102 storage facilities across the United States, encompassing 41,000  units and 5.6 million rentable square feet. His comprehensive experience includes roles  as both an operator and a vendor, providing him with a unique perspective that  benefits the industry and enhances his effectiveness on the board. 

Peter frequently shares his insights on revenue management, operational best practices, and the latest  technological trends at national industry conferences, making him a respected figure in the self-storage  community. With a real estate broker’s license in Michigan, Peter brings a comprehensive  understanding of the industry’s regulatory and legal environments to his roles. 

He has been a transformative leader for the Self Storage Association of Michigan (SSAM). Currently  serving as the Chairman of the Board—a role he resumed for the 2023/2024 term after a distinguished  term in 2020/2021—Peter’s strategic leadership has been pivotal in enhancing SSAM's growth and  industry engagement. He orchestrated the significant transition of SSAM’s management from MARVAC  to the national Self Storage Association (SSA). This strategic shift has substantially improved the quality  of education, networking opportunities, resources, and legal advocacy for members, thereby  strengthening the association’s impact both at state and national levels. 

Under Peter's leadership, Citizen Storage Management has effectively expanded its third-party  management services and owned portfolio. His guidance has improved operational efficiencies and  revenue generation across the company’s managed properties. This approach has not only led to  consistent performance improvements but also enhanced value to clients. Under his direction, Citizen  Storage Management has strengthened its reputation in the self-storage industry, recognized for its  effective management and commitment to client success. Peter’s practical strategies continue to guide  the company toward new opportunities and improvements in service offerings. 

As a candidate for the National Self Storage Association board of directors, Peter Spickenagel is  committed to leveraging his extensive experience and unique insights to promote high standards and  foster the collective advancement of the self-storage community.

Tim Springer, Avad Storage, Dallas, TX 

Timothy S. Springer, Esq. is Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer of Avad. He  spends his days juggling many facets of AVAD’s business, including investor relations, fundraising, transaction sourcing and negotiation, and asset management  reporting. He is frequently on the road scouting new opportunities and working  directly with his team.  

Before launching AVAD, Tim served as President of Move It Storage, overseeing  Move It’s growth in five years from forty to over one-hundred and twenty properties, including multiple  acquisitions, developments, recapitalizations, and dispositions along the way.  

Before joining Move It, he practiced law, first for the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts and then for the Financial  Insolvency & Restructuring group of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP. Prior to attending law school, Tim  was a financial analyst for Watson & Taylor Self Storage.  

He is on the Emerging Leader's Representative on the Board of the national Self Storage Association and  board of the Large Owners Council. He is also a frequent speaker and author within the industry. Tim graduated with honors from both the SMU Dedman School of Law and the Hankamer School of Business  at Baylor University. 

Stephanie Tharpe, A+ Management Group, LLC, Mount Juliet, TN 

Stephanie Tharpe is the owner of A+ Management Group, LLC. Her company  offers full-service 3rd party management for self storage facilities, focusing on  small operators in the Southeast. 

Since 2013, she has served as President, Vice President, and Chair of Events and  Education on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Self Storage Association, which named her  Manager of the Year in 2012. She is also an active member of the Florida Self Storage Association and  served on the board of directors in 2022 and 2023. She has been a member of the Self Storage  Association for 14 years.  

Stephanie has been published in several trade magazines, including SSA’s The Globe and Inside Self  Storage Magazine. She has presented education sessions, served on panel discussions, and moderated  Round Tables at national and state conferences for several years. 

Since 2013, she has mentored award-winning staff members, with six of her store managers receiving  Manager of the Year awards from both Tennessee and Florida state associations. She is an advocate for  employees in the self storage industry and has worked hard to bring to light the importance of  employee compensation and employee burnout. 

With 20 years of industry experience, her passion is to focus on the needs of small owner-operators  guiding them to success and building their business to ensure the best return on their investment.

_

To learn more about the SSA or becoming a member, visit https://www.selfstorage.org/