Storage Express, which operates two self-storage facilities in Lancaster and Palmdale, Calif., has recognized manager Nicole Gray for her exemplary work performance of 15 years. Gray joined the company as an assistant manager and was later promoted to manager of the Lancaster location. During her first year as manager, the facility’s income rose 66 percent while delinquencies fell by nearly 50 percent, according to a company press release.

When Storage Express built a second location in 2005 in Palmdale, Gray was named general manager of both properties. In this role, she manages collections, employees, maintenance, sales and social media.

“She serves as an example of what a great manager should be,” said Rob Martin, managing member of Martin Properties Inc., parent company of Storage Express.

“I have enjoyed every moment working for the organization. When I first started, I set out to learn everything I could about selling units, ancillary items and truck rentals. I attended storage conferences, customer-service classes and management seminars every chance I got—anything I could think of to increase income and reduce delinquencies,” Gray said. “I set goals for myself and the facility, and worked out plans to achieve each goal.”

As part of its commitment to customer service, Storage Express offers customers free coffee and delivers water to them while at their storage units. Gray also provides activities for children who are visiting with their parents. “Customer support is my passion, and I want all of our customers to feel like an VIP,” she said.

In addition to climate-controlled and drive-up storage, Storage Express offers U-Haul truck rentals, vehicle storage, and moving and packing supplies.

Martin Properties has a diverse portfolio of investment properties including medical and surgical centers, office buildings, retail shopping centers, and self-storage.

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