Women In Self-Storage: Alonna Ross, Sales Executive at Storable

Small talk is a common part of basic socialization. We comment about the weather, traffic, sports teams, and our children and pets. Then there are people who, from the moment you say “Hello,” start telling you real stories about life, such as things they love, meaningful moments with loved ones, or heartfelt accounts. 

The latter is the experience you get when speaking with Alonna Ross, sales executive at Storable. She’s immediately likeable, and as she speaks, you’re suddenly feeling thankful you’re getting to hear all about it. 

Before Storage 

Ross was born and raised in Scottsdale, Ariz. “I’m a Phoenician through and through,” she says proudly. She has a brother, Trevor, who’s 12 years younger than her. Growing up, she ran track and played basketball.

She’s also always loved turtles. “When I was three, we got one as a pet and named him Banana Cake.” You’d think that’s a cute childhood memory, but she still loves them to this day. In addition, for the past 13 years, she’s had an African Sulcata tortoise named Clyde, whom she adopted with her husband Jeff when they first got engaged. “He’s a big boy,” she says, referring to the turtle, not Jeff. “Weighs about 170 pounds, and he has taken over my entire backyard,” she says with a laugh. He’s very sassy, and he even has a Snapchat account with a decent number of followers from the storage industry. 

At some point after graduating from McClintock High School, Ross started working at Travel Hero, an online travel agency that was subsequently acquired by Expedia. She loved the job because it was the catalyst for her love of discovering new places and going on fun adventures. However, after going through a divorce, she decided it was time to start a new chapter with a new job. 

Entering The Industry 

That job switch was pure serendipity. “Oddly enough, just as most people end up looking for self-storage after a death, divorce, or downsizing, my own divorce was my reason for starting to work at U-Haul. “I immediately fell in love with the industry. I learned all about management software, then tenant insurance. They also offered tuition reimbursement, so I decided to get my degree.” She attended Arizona State University, where she studied art, before obtaining her MBA from University of Phoenix. 

Despite it being a supportive work environment, eventually Ross needed to work from home to better accommodate the special needs of her youngest son, Colten. In addition to Colten, there’s Samantha, Nathan, Joshua, Matthew, and Alyssa. She adores all of them, but she has no qualms about admitting that Colten is her favorite. “Messenger actually published an article about him for Autism Awareness Month! The magazine has been part of some of the most important parts of his life,” she says with gratitude reflected in her voice. 

Her Generous Spirit 

Her other five kids don’t mind that Colten’s her favorite. Because she’s such an extraordinary mom, they’re well aware that they all have a good life. “I had some difficult moments during my childhood, and my kids have been privileged growing up, so I’ve always wanted to make sure that they take time to help people who haven’t been as lucky as them.”  

It all started while she was still working at U Haul, through their volunteer program. “They have so many good organizations within the program. One of my favorite ones was Maggie’s Place, which offered shelter to women who have been victims of domestic violence. Then there’s Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona, and she’d always bring her kids along for that one, as well as to feed the homeless at Society of St. Vincent de Paul shelters. “They definitely got exposed to the charitable aspect of life. It was part of their chores, but they fell in love with it. They saw that there were other children who grew up without a home, and they wanted to go play with them.” 

They also volunteered together at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Andre House, and Crisis Nursery. In all, she volunteered regularly at every single one of the organizations at U-Haul’s Volunteer Program, so it’s no surprise that she won their Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013. She’s clear on the importance of helping others. When asked how she managed to work with all of them in addition to her job, she credits being a mom. “Having six kids makes you a master at multitasking. “People say they don’t have time to do it, but they really do. It’s all about priorities.” 

At the end of the day, it’s been good for the people she’s helped, as well as for her own children. “Parents should strive to raise good humans. It’s not about whether someone becomes a doctor or a lawyer. It’s about becoming good, contributing members of society.” 

Storable And Industry Leadership 

After U-Haul, she went to work at StorageAuctions.com, which was eventually acquired by Storable. “And now I’m here because of that acquisition, focusing solely on storage auctions through Storable,” she says. “I have the pleasure of working with people I have known for 15 years and previously competed against, but now I get to work alongside them, and I have grown to truly love my team.”  

Although Storable may be one of the largest vendors in self-storage, Ross shares that they treat teammates like family. “Their company culture is a huge selling point. They really watch out for our wellbeing by offering plenty of time off. That alone allows me to take a break after attending back-to-back trade shows, which I enjoy, but rest is also necessary.” 

She was also a part of the Self Storage Association’s Young Leaders Group (YLG) when she first joined the industry. “I actually attended the very first YLG event. I really loved being a part of it, but at the beginning, I was always on the sidelines, thinking that I didn’t have enough time to participate. Yet, in my late 30s, I figured out that if I wanted to be in leadership, I had to do it now, because you age out at 40.” That was how, at 39, she became a senator and managed the membership committee, an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. 

In addition, she’s on the board of the Missouri Self Storage Owners Association (and MSSOA) the Arizona Self-Storage Association (AZSA) and the vendors committee for the Self Storage Association (SSA). As if her plate weren’t full enough, she also assists the Oklahoma Self Storage Association (OKSSA). “All of these associations are a huge part of my life, and I encourage people to get involved in their state’s [association].” 

Advice To Share  

You’d think that someone with that presence of mind has mastered the art of existing, yet she’s quick to point out that every single person can always learn more. “I would tell women entering the industry that if they’re the smartest person in a room to find another room. Even after 15-plus years in storage, I’m still learning so much! There’s the Women’s Council, and there are plenty of women who have been pioneers: Anne Ballard, Cindy Ashby, Sue Havilland, Carol Mixon. Learn from all of these individuals. They are so open and want to help everybody succeed.”

She also happily states that she has made some of her longest lasting friendships with women she’s met in this industry. In fact, that’s one of the aspects she enjoys the most about storage. “We’re a big family, even though we’re all competitors. Every single one of my competitors could break down on the side of the road and I would gladly stop to help them, because we are a big family. 

When not at work, Ross enjoys off-roading and live music. She also loves being the unofficial “adventure ambassador” in self-storage. “At every trade show, people ask me for things to do. I’ve taken operators swimming with manatees, skydiving, going on hot air balloon rides, and even getting tattoos together. Everyone does steak dinners, but at some point, no one remembers those. But they remember that one time I pushed them out of an airplane!” 

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Alejandra Zilak studied journalism, went to law school, and now writes for a living. She also loves dogs.