Investment Real Estate LLC (IRE), a property-management and consulting firm serving the self-storage industry, has promoted Kevin Bledsoe to vice president of brokerage. His responsibilities will include due diligence, feasibility studies, financial analysis, property sales and overseeing the company’s sales team. He’ll continue to direct the brokerage team, which includes Isaac Rothermel and Sparky Brooks.

“We’re adding sales people to our team to provide brokerage services to our customers in New England and West Virginia,” Bledsoe said. “I’m excited to manage our outstanding team during an active market.”

Bledsoe has more than 13 years of experience in the self-storage industry. He has been a speaker and panelist at national Self Storage Association (SSA) and Pennsylvania Self Storage Association events, and is an active member of the SSA Young Leaders Group. Bledsoe graduated from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in business.

“We’re very fortunate to have a true expert in the self-storage industry,” said John Gilliland, CEO and president of IRE. “Kevin has been a district manager, a director of operations and a broker now for more than 13 years. He understands the unique intricacies of the self-storage industry. Through his experience, he’s able to help our sellers and buyers get through each transaction and maximize the value of their investment. This is an exciting time for Investment Real Estate and for Kevin.”

Since its inception in 1998, IRE has provided brokerage, construction, development and management services to self-storage owners and investors. Its construction arm, founded in 2000, has built more than 2 million square feet of self-storage space in eight states.