Today’s spotlight is on Linda Krantz, Regional Manager in Chicago. I always like it when I get to email Linda because I know she’s going to be friendly and helpful. I asked Phil Dewsbury, Regional Director – North, to weigh in on what it’s like to work with Linda and he had this to say: Linda is a highly experienced self-storage professional with years of experience leading in highly competitive markets. She leads by example and fosters a true sense of teamwork. Linda has developed strong Regional Managers that have been promoted successfully in to highly successful regions of their own. A true asset.
What do you do at StorageMart?
My job as the Regional Manager in Chicago consists of overseeing the sites in Chicago and the surrounding area of Chicagoland. That means making sure the daily operations are going smoothly, and we are reaching to exceed every goal set. My days are filled up with leading my staff to run their sites to each site’s best potential. That involves coaching, listening, guiding and watching them as they take total ownership in their sites. Being in Chicago for quite a few years and watching the managers’ growth has been an amazing experience. It has given me the opportunity to help build others, watch them take off and then turn around and teach me new things.
How long have you been at StorageMart?
Thirteen years, five months. I also worked for the Burnam family for about 11 years before and got to be a part of growth in the company from 13 storage sites up to Storage Trust, which at the time was the 5th largest storage company in the US.
Is there a particular turning point in your professional experience that really helped define your career path?
I always liked being around people but the opportunity to work by myself and to still have opportunities to work with people really interested me. When I started in storage, I just knew it was for me. I started as a manager, moving up to area manager as the company grew and then becoming a regional manager. Working for a family company versus being in a huge corporation was great as I got to experience more as the company grew.
To what or whom have you turned to for inspiration throughout your career?
There have been quite a few over the years. My father was my biggest cheerleader. When I would get discouraged, he was right there to remind me that I got this. Kathy Winkelman especially stands out to me. She has been an inspiration to me and for the other regionals. She has also been the best sounding board I could have ever asked for. There have been times when I needed to decide on which way to go on an issue in my region, I have called Kathy. She has patiently listened then asked me a few questions and as we rehashed things became clear to me.
What are some qualities of strong leadership that have proved important but are often overlooked in a professional setting?
I believe it is important to build a strong team and allow them to grow; not just making a small effort but to really work on building that team. When a team member shines at something, it should be shared by them with the rest of the team. Communication is also very important, and many times seems to get lost as it comes down the pike. My opinion there needs to be more emphasis put on communication.
Based on your experience, what is one thing managers or execs could do better to support and encourage women in the workplace?
Over the years there has been improvement in how women are looked at in the workplace, but like anything, I think there is always room for improvement. I believe that many times a person may be better suited for a position or a particular project but gets overlooked because they don’t come across a certain way. I guess I am saying that the criteria shouldn’t always be put in a particular box.
What is one thing a leader has done to help promote women in the workplace — either organizationally or for you personally?
I would have to say that as this company has grown, I have seen more women in leadership roles and that comes from the top. I have seen a lot of promoting from within which is wonderful. The Burnam family helped me learn the business, and as the company grew, when a new position came up such as going from a manager to an area manager, they promoted me from within on up to regional.
Tell us a bit about what you do when you aren’t busy being a rock star at work.
Spending time with my family is very important to me. This year being different because of COVID, we have had more of a focus on outdoor activities with family. It has consisted of bike riding and long walks. This year was also very different for our grandson with not being able to go to his high school graduation ceremony and have a big graduation party afterwards. I also love to cook and am usually trying a new recipe out.