Guardian Storage Hires New VP of Accounting and Finance

Guardian Storage, which operates 22 self-storage facilities in Colorado and Pennsylvania, has hired Michael Katz as vice president of accounting and finance. He’ll work with the company’s accounting department to manage the daily bookkeeping and finance functions, and assist with strategic financial planning and analysis to drive company growth, according to a press release.

“Michael brings over 30 years of progressive accounting and finance experience across several business categories, including public accounting, construction and real estate development,” said Steven Cohen, president. “We’re thrilled to add someone with such passion and well-rounded experience in this industry to our team, and look forward to perfecting our financial structure and practices to support our growth.”

Katz has served as a leader, manager and professional in senior financial and accounting roles. His expertise includes strategic financial planning and analysis, risk management, cash-flow management, taxation, and mergers and acquisitions. He earned a business degree from Miami University, and was a finalist for the “Pittsburgh Business Times” Chief Financial Operator of the Year. He’s also a national-level examiner for the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, which focuses on best practices related to leadership, strategy, customer service, knowledge management and analysis.

“I was born and raised here in Pittsburgh, so I’ve had the opportunity to follow Guardian’s success over the years and it’s been my radar for some time,” Katz said. “Year after year, I’ve watched them expand their fleet of properties, [and] finesse their business model and reputation, all while staying true to their core company values.”

Established in Pittsburgh in 1987, Guardian operates five self-storage facilities in Colorado and 17 in Pennsylvania. It recently opened a new facility in the Forest Hills suburb of Pittsburgh, and has a location in Bethel Park, Pa., scheduled to open this year. Another project is slated for completion in Aurora, Colo., in 2019.