By Chris Berg
Gary “Wojo” Wojtaszek is no stranger to billion-dollar plays. From leading CyrusOne to a $15- billion all-cash exit to now scaling RecNation RV & Boat Storage with a $500-million raise backed by Goldman Sachs, he is proving once again that niche real estate assets can deliver outsized returns.
Why It Matters
Self-storage changed the game in commercial real estate. Now, RecNation is taking the next step by scaling recreational vehicle and boat storage into an institutional asset class with massive upside.
On my most recent CRE Report Podcast, I sat down to unpack what led Wojtaszek to enter the industry and set RecNation’s trajectory to huge success:
- How his personal need for RV storage turned into an $800-million, private equity-backed company.
- RecNation’s aggressive path to 300+ locations nationwide.
- The REIT playbook: lessons from data centers applied to RV and boat storage.
The Genesis: From Data Centers to RV Storage
Wojtaszek’s entrepreneurial journey started as CFO of Cincinnati Bell, where he unlocked value by spinning off the company’s underutilized data centers into a standalone entity—CyrusOne. The result? A $500-million business that scaled to $15-billion..
Fast-forward to COVID: With international travel off the table, Wojtaszek bought an Airstream and hit the road. The experience took a sour turn, though, when he realized there were no quality storage options for his RV when he wasn’t on the road. The solution? Buy the first facility, then five more, then build an empire.
A Blue Ocean Market
Recreational storage is largely fragmented, run by mom-and-pop operators. With 70+ locations and counting, RecNation sees RV and boat storage as a “Blue Ocean” 
opportunity.
“We’re in the early innings of a major industry shift,” Wojtaszek explains. “There’s a massive opportunity for consolidation and operational efficiencies.”
The Competitive Edge: Scaling Smart
Wojtaszek’s past experience led him to develop a brilliant multi-pronged approach for RecNation, including the following strategies:
Data-Driven Site Selection – Focused on high-income, high-growth areas with RV and boat ownership data driving location decisions.
Tech-Enabled Operations – Automated access control, app-based rentals and AI-driven pricing optimization.
Alternative Exit Strategies – Multi-use land plays create downside protection, allowing repurposing into industrial or residential assets.
The Roadmap
RecNation’s growth playbook is designed to scale the company from an $800-million to a $7-billion operation. The roadmap follows several key objectives:
- 300-400 Locations: Nationwide expansion.
- New Revenue Streams: RV rentals (think Turo for RVs), repair services and third-party management.
- Development Arm: Unlocking value in supply-constrained markets where acquisitions aren’t feasible.
- Institutional Capital: Goldman Sachs and other private equity partners fueling rapid scale.
Key Takeaways for CRE Investors
Follow the Fragmentation – Early movers in fragmented markets see the biggest gains.
Operational Expertise Wins – Institutionalizing niche assets = asymmetric returns.
Exit Optionality Is Everything – Having multiple paths (REIT, strategic sale or private equity recap) ensures value realization.
RecNation isn’t just building a business—it’s defining a category. And with Wojtaszek’s track record, investors should be paying attention.
Interested in learning more? Email Gary directly at Wojo@RecNationStorage.com or visit www.RecNationStorage.com.
Listen to the full interview with Gary Wojtatszek here.
With a passion for business development and marketing, Chris Berg is a seasoned media professional currently overseeing land acquisitions at Abernathy Holdings Co. He also hosts The Commercial Real Estate Report, which is designed to be the premier destination for the latest and most insightful commercial real estate reports. The channel is dedicated to bringing viewers in-depth analyses, market trends and expert opinions from the world of commercial real estate, providing insights for investors, developers or simply someone interested in the dynamics of commercial properties.
