Sue Haviland To Retire, Lighthouse Storage Solutions to Acquire Management Portfolio

Haviland Storage Services (HSS) and Lighthouse Storage Solutions today announced that HSS founder Sue Haviland will retire at the end of 2026, and that Lighthouse Storage Solutions will acquire Haviland's third-party management portfolio effective January 1, 2027. Under the agreement, Lighthouse will assume management of Haviland's California self-storage facilities, while Sue Haviland continues to support the transition in an advisory role through 2027 and 2028.

The move caps a nearly four-decade career for Haviland, who founded Haviland Storage Services in 2009 and built it into one of Southern California's most respected third-party management firms. Before launching HSS, she held senior leadership roles as vice president of operations for both Price Self Storage and Extra Space Storage. Over her career she has become a widely recognized voice in the industry, known for operational excellence, integrity, and a mentor's commitment to developing the owners and managers she works with.

"After nearly forty years in this industry, the decision to retire is deeply personal. Choosing who would carry this work forward mattered just as much," said Sue Haviland, founder of Haviland Storage Services. "I've known Melissa and Josh for many years, and I've long admired how they approach operations, leadership, and the relationships that make this business work. They do business the same way we do at Haviland, with integrity, clarity, and a true commitment to excellence. I have complete confidence in handing this portfolio to Lighthouse, and I look forward to staying involved to make sure every owner and team feels supported through the transition."

The acquisition marks a significant step in Lighthouse Storage Solutions' expansion of its third-party management business. The addition of Haviland's portfolio will position Lighthouse among the top 50 self-storage operators in the country. Lighthouse, co-owned by Melissa and Josh Huff, will continue to grow its 3PM platform while expanding its other lines of business, including operational consulting, mentoring, drone photography, and marketing services for self-storage owners nationwide.

"Taking on Sue's portfolio is both an honor and a responsibility we don't take lightly," said Melissa Huff, co-owner of Lighthouse Storage Solutions. "My early education in this industry was largely shaped by Sue's teaching, so to carry her life's work forward brings everything full circle. Our commitment to these owners, managers, and tenants is simple: continuity first, then growth. The teams and the standards Sue built will remain in place, backed by the operational, marketing, and consulting resources Lighthouse brings."

The transition has been underway since early 2026, when Melissa Huff joined the Haviland team in a senior operations and leadership role. That runway has allowed both companies to align on systems, standards, and service well ahead of the January 1, 2027 handover, ensuring a seamless experience for the owners and tenants the portfolio serves. Sue Haviland's continued advisory involvement through 2027 and 2028 further reinforces that continuity. Kylie Smith, who currently handles HR and marketing for HSS, will also continue in her roles under Lighthouse beginning in 2027.

Owners and operators interested in learning more about Lighthouse Storage Solutions' third-party management, consulting, mentoring, drone photography, or marketing services are encouraged to reach out to Melissa or Josh Huff.

Josh Huff (CEO) - Josh@LighthouseStorageSolutions.com
Melissa Huff (COO) - Melissa@LighthouseStorageSolutions.com
LighthouseStorageSolutions.com

About Haviland Storage Services
Haviland Storage Services is a full-service third-party self-storage management company founded in 2009 by industry veteran Sue Haviland. The company partners with owners to provide customized management solutions focused on operational excellence, accountability, and long-term asset performance.

About Lighthouse Storage Solutions
Lighthouse Storage Solutions, co-owned by Melissa and Josh Huff, is a self-storage services company providing third-party management, operational consulting, manager mentoring and training, drone photography, and marketing for self-storage owners and operators nationwide. Lighthouse partners with owners to elevate operations, strengthen teams, and drive long-term performance.