Shaun Lewy has worked in the storage industry for more than a decade, starting at Public Storage before directing operations at Snapbox and ezStorage. Currently he serves as the Director of Business Development & Client Success at Self Storage Manager, a high-performance web-based management software program for single or multi-facility operators. It is designed to standardize and centralize operational control across all facilities, enabling corporate office and district managers to oversee operations from the convenience of their office desktop, with instant access to real-time information allowing them to make informed decisions and quickly react to market conditions. Shaun will be presenting a roundtable discussion on software at the TSN Dallas RV & Boat Storage Workshop on Sept. 26, 2025; in the meantime, we caught up with him for this Q&A.
Can we start out with a summary of Self Storage Manager—when/how it was founded, its services and products?
Self Storage Manager was founded over 23 years ago with a simple mission: to give storage operators the tools they need to efficiently manage, grow and scale their businesses. Today, we are a Microsoft Gold Partner and a trusted technology provider for operators ranging from single-site owners to enterprise portfolios. Our platform offers a full suite of solutions—tenant management, accounting, reservations, online rentals, contactless access, API integrations, call center support and robust reporting. In short, we bring everything together in one place to streamline operations and create a better experience for both owners and tenants.
For someone just entering the storage industry, especially RV and boat storage, when should they begin considering the management and operations aspects of running the business?
The truth is—it’s never too early. Many first-time developers focus on construction and design, but management software should be part of your planning before the first shovel hits the ground. RV and boat storage customers have unique needs: larger spaces, longer stays, higher-value vehicles and often more security considerations. By integrating your operations plan and software early, you avoid headaches later, ensure smooth lease-up, and give tenants the convenience and confidence they expect.
What are the most important questions they should be asking management software providers?
Does the software scale as I grow? How easily does it integrate with access control, websites, accounting and third-party services? What kind of reporting and data analytics are available? How secure is the system and my customers’ data? How responsive is your support team when I need help?
Also, can your system create a reservation or rental off hours? How long has the software provider been in business? Is the provider able to provide at least five client references with contract information, preferably at the executive level? What mechanism does the provider use to collect feedback from clients and input for future product enhancements?
The answers to these questions often reveal whether a provider is focused on long-term partnerships or just selling software licenses.
How has management software evolved since storage facilities began cropping up?
In the early days, most operators were using spreadsheets—or, at best, basic desktop programs. Fast-forward to today, and operators expect cloud-based platforms, API integrations, mobile-friendly design and real-time analytics. The evolution has been about moving from manual, reactive processes to automated, proactive decision-making that drives both revenue and customer satisfaction.
What are the primary benefits of using high-tech management software for owner-operators? What about tenants?
For owners, it’s about control, visibility and efficiency. The right system automates routine tasks, reduces manual errors and highlights revenue opportunities. For tenants, it’s all about convenience and trust. They want to reserve online, sign electronically, pay on their phone, and know their RV or boat is secure. High-tech management software enables owners to view information in real time while being remote.
These days, data is king. What kinds of data can you provide your clients and how 
can it be interpreted to improve operations?
We provide real-time data on occupancy, revenue trends, rate management, tenant demographics, delinquency status and more. The key is not just the raw data, but the ability to interpret it into action. For example, our system highlights when rates can be increased, when discounts are cutting too deep or when certain units are in higher demand. With our Power BI module, the answers you need are right at your fingertips to help empower owners to make confident, revenue-driven decisions.
Q: Does management software play a role in marketing the facility and, if so, how?
Absolutely. From SEO-friendly online rentals and reservations to automated email and SMS campaigns—management software can significantly boost lead generation and conversion. The more connected your platform is to your website, call center and digital marketing efforts, the more consistent your brand and messaging will be.
AI seems like it’s all the rage now. Is the trend here to stay, why or why not? How does it benefit or impede storage operations?
AI is here to stay, but the key is using it responsibly. In storage, AI can assist with dynamic pricing, demand forecasting and tenant communication. It can take repetitive tasks off staff plates and free them up for higher-value interactions. But AI isn’t a silver bullet—it should complement human expertise, not replace it. Operators who adopt AI thoughtfully will gain an edge in efficiency and customer experience.
Any ideas what the next best thing is going to be in storage management software?
The next frontier is hyper-integration, AI and predictive analytics. Operators want one ecosystem where their access control, accounting, marketing, tenant management and financial reporting all talk to each other. On top of that, predictive tools will move us from looking backward at what happened, to looking forward at what’s likely to happen—so owners can act in advance. AI is most likely to be used to speed up new software development, improve self-help features, improve marketing functions and provide quick responses to complex queries.
Lastly, why should developers/operators work with your company as opposed to your competitors?
Self Storage Manager has a track record of 25+ years of innovation, stability and partnership. Unlike some providers, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We partner with operators to configure the platform around their business model, not the other way around. Our North American support team is experienced in storage operations, not just technology, which means we understand the challenges our clients face day to day. Ultimately, we succeed only when our clients succeed—and that’s the commitment we stand by.
Self Storage Manager, Inc., a Gold-certified Member of the “Microsoft Partner Network,” is a technology leader for the self-storage industry. In addition to working with storage operators over the last two decades, providing tools to streamline operations, the company has continuously been enhancing its suite of products based on the feedback and meeting the ever-changing demands of the industry. Today, Self Storage Manager partners with more than 1,000 clients around the world. For more information, visit the company website.
