Personal Mini Storage Mourns the Passing of Co-founder Ron Shader

It’s with a heavy heart that Personal Mini Storage announces the passing of our co-founder, Ron Shader, an inspirational figure in the storage industry. Ron passed away peacefully in December 30,  2023, at the age of 91, after dedicating over 40 remarkable years to the company, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, vision, and unwavering dedication to his work and those around him.

Ron, along with his late brother Stan, founded Personal Mini Storage in 1982. Over the next four decades, they transformed the storage industry with their customer attentiveness and commitment to excellence. His visionary leadership, combined with his sweet, humble, and easy-going nature, endeared him to everyone he met.

Aside from his professional achievements, Ron was deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in the Greater Orlando area. He believed in giving back to the community that had supported Personal Mini Storage from the beginning. His charitable work and generous contributions to various local causes and nonprofits served as yet another testament to his compassionate and benevolent spirit.

Ron’s life was marked by his deep love for family, friends, and business. He always expressed gratitude for the contributions of each team member, recognizing that the success of Personal Mini Storage was a collective effort. His kind demeanor and genuine care for others set a standard for our company culture that we proudly uphold to this day.

In remembering Ron, we recall a man who was not only a leader but also a mentor and friend. “Uncle Ron was more than an uncle and a boss to me; he was a role model whose kindness and humility touched every aspect of our business. His presence in our daily lives will be deeply missed, but his teachings and values will continue to guide us,” says Laurie Shader Smith, Vice president of Personal Mini Storage.

His passing is a great loss to our community, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us. “Ron's vision was the foundation upon which we built Personal Mini Storage. His legacy of compassion and integrity remains the cornerstone of our mission,” adds Marc Smith, President of Personal Mini Storage.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ron’s family, friends, colleagues, fellow community leaders, and all who were fortunate enough to know him during his 40-plus years with the company.

Ron Shader’s memory will indeed be a blessing to all of us. His presence will be greatly missed, but his spirit will always be a guiding light for Personal Mini Storage.