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A daily dose of positivity!

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News from the field

4

The COVID-19 silver lining

3

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CompassINSIDE:

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 3

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters

The Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”. 2020 started out strong for the self-storage industry, and the economy was at its peak, but then came COVID-19.

I am proud of our team, our quick reactions and the way we worked together to find solutions. I’ve only been involved in one negative discussion—all the rest have been positive. Wow! What a team!

I hope my weekly ToddCast episodes have been helpful, and that the many positive stories have been inspirational. Please keep sharing your questions, comments and concerns with me. And of course, please continue to share your “Funny Friday” humor.

I am so proud of our team for how they have stepped up to help our customers.

The good news is we moved in almost 2,500 new tenants in May!

Even though our original goal was 3,500, it is incredible that even through COVID-19, we kept helping new customers with their storage needs!

So, you may be wondering, what’s next?

I wish I knew for certain, but I do know this: if we keep thinking positively, taking the high road and helping others, we will come out ahead.

I also know good communication is essential. Therefore, my ask is that you keep talking and communicating with your colleagues and customers.

By: Todd C. Amsdell, President and CEO

continues on page 2

Todd C. Amsdell

Offering hope in hard times

2

FUNDRA

ISING

UPDATE

LOCATION LEADERS:

#404 = $3,074.06

#252 = $2,412.70

#332 = $2,277.68

#402 = $2,199.06

#333 = $1,991.95

#362 = $1,743.36

#164 = $1,723.70

#410 = $1,570.76

#417 = $1,334.26

#133 = $1,240.06

#554 = $1,183.87

#405 = $1,158.56

#314 = $1,120.06

Total Raised (through May 31)

$78,923.44

IT’S HOW YOU REACT THAT MATTERS from page 1

Offering hope in hard timesBy: Dana Petry, Operations Manager

It’s been a crazy few months in this world, that’s for sure!

I know we are all busy making sure our facilities (and our families) are safe during this time, but it hasn’t stopped you for being amazing when it comes to your fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. And the proof is in the numbers. As of today, we have raised $78,923.44 in field and home office donations! Seriously?! ... How is that even possible?!

Here at the home office, it’s been a bit more difficult as many businesses around us closed. So we relied on you—and you did NOT disappoint! I am here to personally thank each and every one of you for all the hard work you’ve put in!

While we are all adjusting to our “new normal,” we must not forget that patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma are at an even higher risk. It may be more difficult to obtain cash donations while we focus on contact-less rentals; however, each facility has its own personal link for donations. While taking a customer’s credit card for their lease, you can also use it, with permission, for an online donation (instructions are in the Operations Manual under Sales Techniques).

We are so close to the finish line—and if we keep up this donation trend, we will definitely surpass our goal again this year! Keep up the great work! ■

LLS UPDATE

Specifically, contact every customer to check in, listen and see how they are doing. Confirm you have their correct contact information and sign them up for contactless/auto pay to avoid cash, checks and direct contact.

Now is a great time to learn how your customers are using our product and services and most importantly, listen and ask, “How can we help?”

I cannot thank you enough for all your support and dedication and I promise, I will not stop trying! Be well! ■

2 | Navigating Compass compassselfstorage.com JUNE 2020

https://www.compassselfstorage.com

VP CORNER

During the COVID-19 pandemic we are reminded of the advice we got from our grandma, “Wash your hands, cover your mouth, and do not touch your face.” As we begin to open our offices during this time, the key to keeping our team members and customers safe will be good, consistent cleaning and communication habits.

While each self storage location is different and has its own considerations in keeping the facility safe and clean, these tips will help lay a solid foundation.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after touching any surfaces regularly touched by other employees or customers.

2. Use disinfectant solution to regularly wipe down any areas that you may have touched. This includes door handles, counter tops, kitchen appliances, etc.

3. Clean high touch points several times a day, including: gate keypads, door handles, kiosks, carts and dollies, elevator buttons (inside and out), appliances, keyboards, and screens.

4. Limit the amount of personal contact and maintain a 3-6 foot distance.

5. If someone near you exhibits signs of illness or sneezes, immediately sanitize any areas the person may have touched. Wash your hands immediately after.

6. Install the sneeze guards that will be shipped to each store.

7. Place the sign stanchions in high traffic areas, in the office and near elevators.

8. Place the floor graphics on the office floor and in high traffic areas.

9. Wear a mask and encourage your tenants to wear masks.

10. Should you experience any symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your supervisor and Human Resources immediately.

These are challenging times for us all, but not totally new. Some basic skills we learned from grandma can help us to stay safe and treat each other with care and respect. Staying clean, calm, and caring will go a long way in helping us all get through this successfully… together. ■

Edward Hainrihar, Jr.

Grandma’s advice still comes in handy By: Edward Hainrihar, Jr., VP of Operations

HR CORNER

So I’m sure I don’t have to tell all of you… we’re living in a very different world than we were back at the beginning of 2020. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that after the age of 14 I could still end up getting grounded—for (literally) months!

But I am the type of person who tries to see the bright side of these kinds of things and look for the positive. Most yards have never looked better… we’ve all gotten caught up on those Netflix series we’d been meaning to watch… we’ve brushed up on our cooking skills… and our dogs have gotten a ton of walks (even if they no longer want them).

On a larger scale though, my hope is that this experience we’re all sharing—regardless of age, background, politics or any other differentiation—brings us together. I hope in the end

it provides us with a sense of camaraderie that we all did it together… even while we were kept (physically) apart.

So I challenge all of you, as our country and the entire world begins to open back up, to appreciate other people maybe a bit more than we did before. And start embracing the things that make us the same… not the things that make us different. Take an extra moment with that person you might not be seeing eye to eye with—whether it’s a customer at your store or a member of your own family. Try to see things from their point of view, appreciate where they’re coming from, and try to find some common ground together. Because frankly, I think we’re all pretty tired of being apart. ■

The COVID-19 silver liningBy: Rob Berger, Human Resources Manager

Rob Berger

Compass Self Storage Navigating Compass | 3

from theNEWS

FIELD

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Safety First!By: Debbie Dukes & Kathy Wilke

In these unusual and trying times, it has been in our best interest at #334 to take safety measures seriously—just as all of the facilities have been. We were fortunate to have our local contractor surprise us with plastic shields before the end of March. He did this at no charge, which was awesome! They were put up while we were only allowing one person in the office at a time, and they made the staff and customers feel safe.

There was a time when we could not find any Clorox wipes, but we were able to make our own using a sanitation solution and a roll of paper towels cut in half. We also made masks using old work shirts with the Compass Self Storage logo on them… safe and stylish! We hope everyone continues to stay safe and well during these times! ■

# CSS 334A Contest for New RentalsThe team at #406 in Hiram, GA is running a contest from Memorial Day through July 4 on new rentals. The giveaway basket cost us less than $20 to make. Every new rental from Memorial Day through July 1 gets entered into drawing and we will pick a winner on July 2! ■

Good VibesBy: Kelly Johnson, General Manager

This is just a small glimpse of customer appreciation for Compass Self Storage being open during this pandemic. A customer expressed his sincere appreciation that we were here to assist him with his move because if we weren’t, he didn’t know how he would have made it. He thanked me three times for being in the

“danger zone” and still having a smile on my face and happily offering assistance. I told him that I’m blessed to still be working, and I will always strive to provide the best customer service possible—no matter the situation. ■

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CSS TEXAS

Billboards & Cell Towers… Oh My!Many of our sites throughout the country already enjoy the spoils of additional revenue from billboard and cell tower rentals. These are exciting times in Texas as our projects at Virginia Parkway and Alliance Gateway are each receiving these new treatments!

Thanks to Ed Hainrihar and his team, we are looking forward to new revenue opportunities at each of these locations for the long haul! ■



A Compassionate HeartBy: Gina Lindley, Manager

A young mother came into our store with her young son and barely spoke English. With God’s grace, I was able to understand what she needed by taking extra time with her and thoroughly explaining everything. She told me the child’s father left when she was pregnant and that she just moved to the area and is renting a room with another woman and her son in a high crime area.

My heart truly went out to her. It may have taken longer, but it was worth it. I know she felt comfortable with me and appreciated the time I spent with her because she hugged me before leaving.

You never know what struggles people are dealing with, so we MUST wear a smile and have a compassionate heart. I choose to believe that every person who walks through our door—especially now—is a blessing. ■

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Exciting ExpansionBy: Shawn Madison, District Manager

Our Allegheny Avenue location in Philadelphia, PA is proud to announce that their 7th and 8th floor expansion project is complete and will be open for rentals soon! This ambitious project included the addition of 203 units of various sizes on each floor, for a total increase of 406 units. Both floors were completely empty and had been left unused for many years before our acquisition in July, 2018. The walls were painted, new lighting was installed, the floors were cleaned and treated, and the result is 406 additional units to service our customers in the rapidly growing neighborhood surrounding this location. With Temple University located just a few blocks away, these brand new units should be in high demand as we move through 2020. ■

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Miami, Florida

37,242 sq. ft.

ACQUIRED ON:

April 29TH

Welcome, Victoria!Our Ninth Avenue location in Neptune, NJ is thrilled to welcome on-site manager, Victoria Vandervort. Victoria started training in the beginning of April, despite the uncertainty of the global pandemic. Not wanting to pass on this job opportunity—when millions filed for unemployment—Victoria agreed to start remote training. She was taught everything online and through phone calls with Justin MacDonald, District Trainer. After five days of remote learning, Victoria began working inside the office alongside Kristen Clanton, General Manager. Victoria has been working at Compass for a little under two months and has become the perfect addition to our team at #311. Welcome to Compass, Victoria Vandervort! ■

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A Rewarding ExperienceBy: Angela Watford

I always tell my family and friends, “you can’t please people all of the time.” When I read the personal story in this review, it was very rewarding to know my efforts resulted in a positive customer experience.

“Very pleased with everything about this facility, people and their service. I am a transplant recipient and have little to no immune system. When we arrived this past weekend to sign paperwork and get our unit, the lady (wish I knew her name) was so friendly and accommodating. My daughter went into the office, which they have completely sanitized and set up for social distancing. She brought the paperwork to the car where I was waiting outside to sign. The woman in the office wiped my credit card and license with wipes before returning them. And she cleaned the new lock, keys—everything. She was refreshingly nice, the unit is super clean and I couldn’t be happier! Well done, Compass!” ■

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Ocala, Florida

62,600 sq. ft.

ACQUIRED ON:

June 16 TH

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Q2 ACQUISITIONS


MARKETING

In March, the Marketing Team rolled out the “Daily Dose of Positivity” contest. Given the many challenges surrounding Coronavirus, we wanted to encourage everyone to take a little time to find the positive side of things. So we asked team members to share any victories they had—no matter how big or small they may seem. We started a thread in Basecamp, and the good news started rolling in!

To add another fun spin, we have started running the contest in the form of Q&A. It’s been fun sharing your positive responses to questions and funny riddles, and giving out gift cards during the week. We hope everyone is enjoying the contest and looks forward to seeing the responses! ■

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of TalentLMS, our new website training platform!

Our locations run busy, unpredictable schedules, and having the flexibility to log in, view and complete training modules at your convenience is very valuable. E-learning allows us to learn together without boundaries. Modules will be released periodically, and course registration links will be emailed directly to each employee through new Outlook email accounts.

Training module completion offers rewards through gamification, level ups, badges, certifications, and company-wide incentives. You can showcase your achieve-ments not only on our LMS leadership boards, but also by printing your certifications. Your District Trainers are ready to assist with the self-registration process of LMS, course certification and navigation of the website. In ad-dition to myself, you may contact your District Trainers directly with any questions.

A huge thank you and shout out to our LMS training council: Maleeka Branham, Carl Boscarino, Rich Eldert, Bob Toth and Rose Haney, who are assisting in the innovation of our training modules so we can continue to grow and discover together! We encourage all of you to provide feedback and ideas by emailing:

[email protected]

TRAINING

Virtual Training

By: Amber Brown, Lead Field Trainer

with TalentLMS!

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Our original money tree from when we first opened!

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My 16 year old son saw an elderly man struggling to push his grocery cart and ran over to help. When the man offered to pay, my son declined and instead thanked him for his service to our country. Very proud!

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One very happy visitor!

A defensive end from the Pittsburgh Steelers came in to rent a unit!

A new chapter of life… right behind our facility!

A Daily Dose of Positivity!

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This awesome family keeps coming by to say hello!

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One of our tenants came by to drop off her rent and left this sweet message for us

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I pass this sign every morning on my way to work. God bless the children who have hope!

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/CompassSelfStorage /CompassStorage /CompassStorage

In Memorium JIM DEAN

GROWTH

We closed on our 94th property in June. The newest Compass Self Storage is in Ocala, Florida, Bil Walsh’s district.

CAREERS

Amsdell Companies rewards employees who assist in finding qualified candidates to fill our employment needs. All active, regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Program. Check out our current openings:

goo.gl/4reSA6

Q&A

Have an exciting story or topic to feature in the next newsletter? We want to hear it!

Send us an email:

news@ compassselfstorage.com

Comment-dots

In early May, we sadly lost a long time and well respected team member, Jim Dean. Jim began his career at the Amsdell Companies on May 15, 1985 and was about to celebrate 35 years with the company.

Jim worked with so many of us and touched so many of our lives. His true legacy is his family which he cherished. But he also gave us (his Amsdell family) many lasting stories and construction project memories. If you ever met Jim Dean, I’m sure you either learned something—or you have a funny story (or three) from that encounter. Jim was a serious person but he was also quick with his dry humor and endless stories. There’s no doubt, he will truly be missed.

“Jim and I were coworkers and shared offices on and off since he moved to Florida around 20 years ago. He was a great mentor and helped us all find solutions for our construction and maintenance needs for many years. But most importantly, he was a great man; very much loved by his family, friends and co-workers.

Jim and I also shared many common ‘likes’ and I will miss that interaction tremendously. One shared interest was our love of astronomy. I will be thinking of him while I look up—and I’m already picking one of my favorite stars for him.

The last ten years was tough with his health, but he overcame every single fight. Jim was one tough guy!

My thoughts and prayers are with all who will miss him.”

~ GUS MARAGLIANO | SENIOR DISTRICT MANAGER IN FLORIDA


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