YSN: What's in It for You?
In this article you’ll find discussions from various members on what they hoped to achieve by joining the YSN and how the network has supported their career development and personal growth within the industry.
MOIZ SYED KINNOVIS
When did you join the YSN? I joined the YSN in the Summer of 2022.
What did you hope to achieve by joining the YSN?
Joining the YSN was about finding a community of like-minded professionals within the storage industry, where I could dive into the latest trends and innovations, and exchange valuable knowledge and experiences. Having worked for nearly a decade with one of the UK’s major self storage operators, I’ve amassed a wealth of insights that I was eager to share. Moreover, it was a chance for professional growth—to learn from the successes and challenges of others and to play a part in the industry’s collective advancement.
How has the YSN aided your career development/personal growth within the industry?
The YSN has significantly expanded my professional circle, opening doors to fresh opportunities and partnerships. It has served as an excellent platform for connecting with fellow professionals and learning from the expertise of industry leaders, enriching my understanding of the sector. The level of support and willingness to share experiences and best practices within the group is unmatched. Furthermore, I believe it’s crucial for larger operators to encourage their employees to engage more with both the SSA UK and the YSN. Despite my decade of experience in operations, I hadn’t been involved with the SSA UK/YSN until recently. However, as highlighted in my previous responses, the advantages of joining have been significant.
KATIE GARFOOT STORE MORE SELF STORAGE
When did you join the YSN? I joined wback when I worked for Magenta Self Storage in 2020 actually! I then carried on with my previous role at Rentcontainer and now with Store More.
What did you hope to achieve by joining the YSN?
By joining the YSN I wanted to get to know more of the members working in Self Storage under 40 and to network with them. The sessions via Zoom are also great and give a great insight into different topics. I haven’t yet attended an in person meet but that is on my list for this year!
How has the YSN aided your career development/personal growth within the industry?
Being a member of the YSN has helped me with my confidence when it comes to networking and communication with other SSA UK/ YSN members. Seeing other people under 40 who are in Director/ Senior Management roles is also very motivating and inspiring. The YSN really helps and shows that the industry is now much younger and new ways of working, managing and running Self Storage sites/ facilities is possible and we don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done any more – we are challenging the industry and doing things differently and I think that’s really important for the continual growth of the Self Storage industry.
SALLY KING NORBRECK SELF STORAGE
When did you join the YSN? I joined the YSN in January 2024
What did you hope to achieve by joining the YSN?
To help improve and grow my storage network across the UK and to meet young liked minded individuals who have got drive, passion and enthusiasm.
How has the YSN aided your career development/personal growth within the industry?
The YSN has aided my career development by providing opportunities for networking with other young professionals, accessing resources, industry specific events and invaluable advice when needed to enhance my skills and knowledge. Joining Norbreck Self Storage, the SSA and the YSN has been the highlight of my career so far.
CHRISSIE TAYLOR S JONES CONTAINERS
When did you join the YSN? September 2023
What did you hope to achieve by joining the YSN?
To expand my knowledge within the YSN community. I wanted to network with new self storage operators/traders and get the S Jones and personal brand known. How has the YSN aided your career development/personal growth within the industry? My LinkedIn has grown 10 fold, I am so much more confident speaking openly about issues and/ or factors to do with the self storage industry. My previous career in the police force has enabled me to share previous knowledge with the self store community, as I dealt with a lot of criminal activity regarding storage sites when I was on the beat.