Industry Mourns The Passing Of Denee Burns

The self-storage industry is mourning the loss of friend and colleague Denee Burns, who passed away yesterday following a two-month battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive disease.

Burns served as Chief of Staff for North America at Bluebird Self Storage and held the same role at Sunbird Storage. A strategic leader with deep roots in the self-storage industry, she also founded Heartfire Consulting, where she advised real estate, technology, and nonprofit organizations on marketing, operations, and growth strategy.

Prior to her executive leadership roles, Burns was instrumental in expanding Tenant Inc.’s national presence, driving significant account growth and representing the company at major industry events. Earlier in her career, she managed national and international accounts for Storage Commander, helping expand operations into Australasia and South Africa while strengthening executive relationships worldwide.

“Heaven gained an angel today,” wrote Sunbird Storage on its LinkedIn page. “Our dear friend Denee Burns went home to be with the Lord.”

The company continued, “Denee is a light that shines wherever she goes. She brightens every room she enters. Her optimism and enthusiasm are contagious. When she wasn’t working she was at her church or helping the homeless or the abused. We will celebrate Denee’s life and honor her legacy in due time.”

In the hours since the news was shared, colleagues from across the self-storage industry have expressed their grief and shared memories of Burns’ leadership, kindness, and unwavering faith across social media.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support her family.