Awards for Excellence Winners

WINNERS

SSAA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

The strong performance of the self storage industry was recognised with an expanded number of award categories this year.

Industry peers gathered for a night of collegiality and celebration for the SSAA Awards for Excellence, presented by VISY Boxes & More. Energy was high as we were finally able to connect faceto-face once again to recognise the strong performance of those leading the way in self storage. In 2022, the awards returned with four new categories, reflecting the changing nature of industry while providing more opportunities to celebrate excellence across the sector. An independent judging panel of distinguished industry leaders were appointed to critically assess all entries in their respective categories to determine both finalists and winners. The judging panel commented glowingly on the notably high calibre of award nominations received this year, once again reinforcing the exceptional resilience and professionalism demonstrated across industry. We will be sharing stories of all the winners and finalists throughout 2023.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Excellence in Community Engagement sponsored by Universal Storage

Containers, presented by Shay McQuade

This award recognises excellence in engaging with the local or broader community for societal benefit and/or outstanding contributions to the community. The winner is Storage Choice for their community Shed Initiative,

launched in 2020. The program is designed to assist charities, and community organisations that do not have the profile of some more well-known organisations yet offer amazing and often life-changing assistance to those in need. Storage Choice’s donation of space to these organisations allows them to concentrate their resources on helping the community. The judges remarked, “This initiative reflects well on the whole industry and demonstrates an outstanding level of community involvement with the opportunity to share the model more broadly.”

UNIVERSAL STORAGE CONTAINERS

The Leader in Portable Container Solutions

Excellence in Sustainability sponsored by The Energy Alliance

The award aims to recognise excellence in sustainable pursuits, including environmental, social and governance initiatives that benefit the self storage facility, industry or broader community. The winner is StoreLocal, Hendra,

Queensland. From efficient lighting to smart-access technology, solar installations and a high-tech approach to water and cleaning systems, StoreLocal Hendra employs a range of eco-design principles and carefully chosen materials to present strong ESG credentials. The judges remarked, “StoreLocal has taken a complete and multi-faceted approach to sustainability and environmental management that sets a high standard for the industry.”

Excellence in Innovation sponsored by Midland Insurance Brokers

This award recognises excellence in innovation and improvement to a business process, product or service that benefits the self storage facility, industry or broader community.

This was a hotly contested category with many outstanding innovations that will propel our sector forward in the coming years. iBidOnStorage for innovations within its auction platform and StorApp for its next-generation customer experience app tied for the win. The judges couldn’t split these two outstanding innovations and felt both applicants should be recognised equally for their efforts. iBidOnStorage has revolutionised how self storage operators manage abandoned goods and auction processes. With more than 1200 selling locations using the platform, the industry has embraced iBidOnStorage. The judges remarked, “The platform has taken the pain out of the sell-up process for many operators with new improvements continuing to deliver efficiencies for operators.” StorApp, developed by R6 Digital, is a mobile phone application that integrates with SiteLink and all major gate access providers to be the single end-to-end customer application that a storage facility needs. The judges remarked, "It's a leap forward for customer experience in self storage with a broad scope for continued innovation into the future.”

Excellence in Industry sponsored by PTI Security Systems

This award seeks to recognise excellence in industry leadership, education, transformation or other business projects or initiatives that positively impact the self storage sector. The winner of this year’s Excellence in Industry award is StoreLocal. They

manage over 30 facilities nationwide and are self-proclaimed as “customer obsessed”, which has driven them to constantly innovate and push the boundaries in an increasingly digital age. StoreLocal’s approach to excellence across all aspects of their business has delivered benefits for their partners, staff, customers and industry. They continue to push the boundaries of traditional storage while personifying what “being local” means. The judges remarked, “It was StoreLocal’s holistic approach to excellence across a range of business operations, and practices that earned this achievement”.

Facility of the Year (Up to 150 units). Sponsored by Southwell Lifts & Hoists,

presented by Hamish McGregor

This award endeavours to recognise excellence for more compact facilities. Applicants were encouraged to showcase how their facility thrives from a team, operational and performance perspective. The winner is Stax of Storage Churchill, Victoria,

who offer premium storage solutions to the Gippsland, Victorian region. The facility’s recent conversion has maintained the history of the original building, though now they are at capacity, meaning that the planning for their second stage is underway. With newly built units secured with individual unit alarms, carpeted walkways and CCTV throughout, customers are left impressed with the look and feel of the facility.

Facility of the Year (150 – 500 units). Sponsored by Janus International

Australia, presented by Stephen Boxall

The winner is StoreLocal Hendra,a cutting-edge, customer-focused storage destination for Brisbane. StoreLocal Hendra boasts the latest keyless entry technology with Nokē™ Smart Access Technology and ‘Work Local’, a co-working space for customers to work collaboratively. The judges remarked on the exceptionally high standard of amenities and presentation demonstrated by StoreLocal Hendra. One judge noted, “People talk about taking self storage to the next level, but this store has truly followed through.”

Facility of the Year (Over 500 units). Sponsored by VISY Boxes and More,

presented by Sonja Becke

The winner is Rent A Space Marsden Park, New South Wales. Rent A Space opened its 14th facility at Marsden Park in December 2020, with 850 units showcased in a state-of-the-art building, backed by excellent service and a deep commitment to local community. The store staff excel in their customer service, going above and beyond to deliver a seamless experience, resulting in 134 Google reviews awarding the facility a 4.9-star rating. The judges remarked, “This impressive facility has all the hallmarks of a state-of-the-art self storage experience with outstanding operational performance to boot.”

Best Facility Expansion or Upgrade. Sponsored by Highway Frontage

presented by Matthew Walsh

For members who own and/or operate a facility that has undergone an upgrade or expansion in the last two years that demonstrates excellence in functionality and design. The winner is Safe Store Papatoetoe, Auckland. Prior to its expansion,

Safe Store Papatoetoe was a ‘ranch style’ facility that was at capacity for many years due to its premium location, close to the Auckland motorways and airport. With their ground level space fully utilised, the only way to go was up! What proceeded was the building of a three-storey extension on top of the two existing blocks of units. Occupancy rates can now continue to build. With the additional refresh of the reception area and a focus on displaying merchandise well, Safe Store Papatoetoe has been transformed into one of the best storage facilities in South Auckland. The judges remarked, “This was an ambitious multi-level upgrade. The quality of design and scale is impressive and ensures maximum economic use of a prime site.”

Manager of the Year.

Sponsored by Storman presented by Ben Williams

The Manager of the Year demonstrates excellence across all facets of facility management. The winner is Apryl Hawker from Stax of Storage. Apryl is a dedicated manager

constantly researching and expanding her knowledge, finding innovative solutions and cost-saving measures to grow the business. Apryl has a genuine passion for self storage, and her commitment to the Portland facility and overseeing the Churchill and Yarraville facilities is outstanding. In addition to her commitment to the industry, Apryl’s supportive and friendly attitude builds camaraderie within the team, follows through and extends to all Stax customers. The judges remarked, “Apryl’s award nomination showcased business growth that could be directly correlated to Apryl’s committed contribution as a manager who demonstrates competence across sales, management and customer service.”

Service Member of the Year.

Presented by the SSAA

This award recognises businesses that have delivered exemplary service throughout the course of a client engagement or project. The winner of this award is R6 Digital, who

is focused on leveraging digital technology to improve self storage businesses. With a range of products and services focused on enhancing the success of both facilities and the industry at large, R6 Digital continue to innovate and support the sector with strategy, creativity, development and marketing. The judges noted R6 Digital’s significant contribution to the industry and its commitment to advancing self storage across all aspects of the sector.