KSS October eKourier 2024
Kennards Kouurier EDITION: October 2024
MOMENTUM 24
SECOND CHATSWOOD CENTRE TO BE DEVELOPED
THE ACHIEVEMENT DINNER ON TOUR 2024
STEPPING UP FOR CHANGE
IN THIS ISSUE
Message From Sam
3
Team Member Profiles
4
10 Questions With
5
Second Chatswood Centre...
6
KSS Acquires Kiwi Self Storage
6
The Achievement Dinner On Tour
7 - 14
Embracing Street Art At KSS
15
NZ Portfolio Grows
16
Kennards Wins Big At Canstar
16
Spotlight On...
17
Momentum 24
18
Box Hill Huddle
18
OCI Comes Inhouse
19
Building More Space To Grow
20
Outside The Storage Box
20
Stepping Up For Change
21
Nev's Notes
22
Community
23
NEXT ISSUE Deadline: Dec 9, 2024 Editor: Sharon Munro
Email: sharon@kss.com.au Distribution: Jan 24, 2025
Front cover: Sam Kennard, CEO acknowledging HK Tung, Director of Finance for his 40 Years of Service with KSS, at the NSW/ACT Achievement Dinner.
Inside cover: Kennards Self Storage Waterloo, NSW
FEATURE
MESSAGE FROM SAM
Sam Kennard and Beth Mafrici (VIC Ops Mgr) presenting the Google Excellence in Growth Award to the Port Melbourne Team. L to R: Sam Kennard, David Collins, Wayne Abdilla, Nathan Nice and Beth Mafrici.
OUR CULTURE AND TEAM ARE KEY
T he 2024 Achievement Celebra - tions were an absolute delight once again. The new regional format also proved to be very successful, enabling more people to attend and offering a more intimate experience. More opportunity to mingle and spend more time with more people was very enjoyable. The events showcased our very deep well of people with extraordinary long standing tenure and experience. We celebrated 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years and even 40 years. It is irreplaceable and impossible to replicate this depth of experience and commitment.
culture, or the vibe, is what really differ - entiates KSS.
supplied to the wider industry. Competitors can also purchase slick marketing and develop nice buildings. It is likely that many operators will look more and more similar. We have been very deliberate and patient to acquire gateway locations, in an effort to elevate us in the minds of consumers. However, it is people that are the true strategic differentiator. Our Team Members are able to make meaningful impact with every customer contact and every other engagement within the business. Being responsive, innovative and adaptable are key traits of this culture. It is our culture and people that are key to achieving our ambition to be a ‘Famous Household Name’. The
It is apparent at the Achievement Dinners that there is a genuine buzz and energy for the team to achieve. It is very self actualised of the team to enjoy seeing our colleagues get recognised. We all deserve to be proud of the reputation of the business. There is an abundance of exceptional customer feedback coming through online and directly back to us. We enjoy a market- leading perception among consumers. Well done to the achievers recognised in 2024. Thanks again to everyone for making the effort to celebrate the efforts of your colleagues. Sam Kennard Chief Executive Officer
Much of our business can be replicated with many products
3 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
WHO’S WHO
TEAM MEMBER PROFILES
Caitlyn Biscoe Team Support Mananger - Newcastle, NSW Tell us about your career background: I have been with KSS since November 2022 as an Assistant Manager at Belmont. Then as a TSM from July 2023. Previously worked at KFC for 7 years, then pubs, clubs and restaurants for a few years. What do you enjoy doing when not at KSS? (Hobbies/ Interests)? I have many hobbies but my most notable hobbies are dancing which recently turned competitive, crocheting everything possible and have been fishing since I could walk. What are you reading now? Nothing right now, but I have over 200 books that are mainly fantasy, crime, horror and romance. What are you watching now? I am currently watching Haunting of Hills, highly recommend. What favourite foods or restaurant would you recommend? If you like Italian food I highly recommend Fratelli Roma. Where did you grow up and what was it like? I am from Newcastle and the second oldest of five children. I tried to be outside as much as possible and was an active kid. Favourite hangout people when not at work? I usually hang out with my partner, sister and my bestie who is also a TSM! Favourite holiday destination or interesting place you’ve been to? I have been on a few cruises to New Calendonia . Would love to go to Europe one day.
Tell us about your career background: My career began as a Secretary in Sydney. I then had six children, the first five close together and my youngest seven years later. I've worked in an Antique shop, head Housekeeper at a resort for nine years, Aldi as a Store Assistant then became Duty Store Manager. After eight and a half years I felt like a change and joined KSS and have never been happier. What do you enjoy doing when not at KSS? (Hobbies/ Interests)? I have six grandchildren who I love to spend time with. When I am not busy I spend time with the family and I read and do crosswords. Also fishing with my partner. What are you reading now? Husband Hunting with Confidence by Fidan Shevket. What are you watching now? Anything true crime. What favourite foods or restaurant would you recommend? I love Thai food and my favourite restaurant is Boo’s kitchen in South Brisbane Where did you grow up and what was it like? I was born in Sydney and did most of my schooling there, but we moved around a lot for my father’s job. I went to 27 schools. I loved meeting new people and exploring our new neighbourhoods. Favourite hangout people when not at work? My family, they are my everything. Favourite holiday destination or interesting place you’ve been to? I visited Thailand last year and loved the food and people. I hope to go back next year. Dana Pinkerton Assistant Manager - Maroochydore, QLD
4 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
WHO’S WHO
10 QUESTIONS... With Jay Subramaniam - Manager, Huntingdale Victoria
My father and my early career mentor inspire me the most. My father’s hard work and strong values have always guided me, while my mentor’s passion and support helped me grow profes - sionally. Both have been crucial in shaping who I am today. When not working at KSS what do you like to spend your time doing? I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. I also love experimenting with new recipes. I often ask my family to try these new dishes, which makes cooking a fun and shared experience. Do you have a favourite holiday destination? My favourite destination is Singapore. I love its mix of modern city life, diverse culture, and delicious food How do you see KSS evolving in the next five years? In the next five years, I see KSS continuing to expand its presence by acquiring more centres, investing in new technologies and enhancing our advertising efforts to stay ahead in our industry.
Jay visiting Cradle Mountain in Tasmania
professionally and personally? One important lesson I’ve learned at KSS is to be adaptable. Whether facing unexpected problems at work or changes in my personal life, being flexible and open to new ways of doing things has been very helpful. What do you think are the three biggest changes that have been implemented in KSS over your time? Since I started, KSS has made a lot of important changes. We’ve improved how we focus on customers, made our processes more efficient and expanded our training programs for teams. We’ve also been growing quickly by adding more centres and buying new properties, which is helping us reach more people and offer better services. Name a person that has inspired you both personally and profession- ally in your life?
What year did you start at KSS and in what position? I started with KSS in August 2021 as a Team Support Manager (TSM). It was an exciting entry point into the organi- sation and I’ve been growing with the company ever since. Have you always been a TSM? No, I was promoted to Centre Manager at the Flemington Centre the same year I started. How would you describe the culture at KSS? The culture at KSS is focused on teamwork and support. We value working together, learning continuously, and respecting different perspectives. There’s a strong sense of community, and we all work towards our goals as a team.
To sum up KSS in one word? Growing.
What would be something you have learnt at KSS that you use both
L to R: Sons Melvin and Neil, wife Kavita and Jay in Launceston, Tasmanina
5 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
KSS ACQUIRES KIWI SELF STORAGE IN KILBIRNIE, WELLINGTON
SECOND CHATSWOOD CENTRE TO BE DEVELOPED
I n September, we completed the transaction to acquire an operating centre in the east of Wellington, NZ. Located near the airport in a tightly held precinct, this property represented a great opportunity to add scale to our presence in Wellington. I have always thought our existing Wellington centre in Thorndon was the best self storage location in the market. It has the best visibility and most convenient, best quality serving the inner markets of Wellington. I also believed that Kiwi had the second best location in the market. In addition, adding a second location allows for economies and efficiencies in operating in the market. When it was offered to market the opportunity was too compelling to miss. The property has 773 storage units, and 4,700 square metres available, and has been operating at 93% occupancy.
I n June we were successful in a competitive on-market campaign for the disposal of the former Westpac Disaster Recovery Centre. We acquired the property for $23.2 million in a hotly contested campaign where two other storage operators were in the running. Westpac had been spending millions of dollars each year maintaining the property in the event a catastrophic disaster were to take out their primary offices. The building was equipped with 500 workstations, screens, computers, air conditioning, back up generators, and back up batteries. Then Covid forced the Work From Home adaptation, and resulted in the obsolescence of the expensive DR infrastructure like their Chatswood property.
The property is located at 26 Smith St Chatswood, opposite Bunnings.
It is a 5,600 square metre 5-level building which we will repurpose into stage one of our project. In addition, we will develop a new 6-7 level building on the surplus land. Though we already own a centre in Chatswood, the scarcity of land in northern Sydney and growing population and high density will mean strong and increasing demand. We will be able to operate the stores cooperatively and allow some sharing of operating expenses.
Kilbirnie is our 10th New Zealand centre.
Sam Kennard Chief Executive Officer
Sam Kennard Chief Executive Officer
6 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
THE ACHIEVEMENT DINNER ON TOUR 2024 The month of August for Kennards Self Storage means more than just the tail end of Winter. It is the time we gather for the Annual Achievement Dinner, where we recognise, honour and celebrate our teams for their achievements and contributions.
Adelaide to celebrate more achieve - ments. A great night was had at the Hotel Alba, with a beautiful setup, the team had only positive vibes. Awards were aplenty and the team reported just being able to have the whole team together was great in itself. Mansi Mansi took out the Rookie of the Year Award for 2024. Then it was Queenslands turn. The team had a fantastic time at their Achievement Dinner. The view was stunning from the Point Brisbane Hotel top floor. It was great to hear that everyone enjoyed themselves taking the opportunity to spend some quality time with each other. Sam Kennard, Darren Marshall and Tony Vuong were delighted to be there to join in the celebrations. Although Kevin Mouatt was unable to attend, his ears would have been burning as he was acknowl - edged for his 20 Years of Service. The evening was a wonderful way to acknowledge their accomplishments together. Rounding out the tour, the NSW Achievement Dinner was held at L’Aqua in Darling Harbour. Celebrations of another year of achievement was well received by the team. There were many Length of Service Awards, with one stand out being HK Tung recognised for 40 Years of Service. 22 centres received SCOTY Gold and Cameron Gaddes was awarded Rookie of the Year. All this mixed in with the usual jokes and special moments catching up with friends. All in all the smaller format Achievement Dinners were a great success. It was wonderful to hear all the stories from Team Members. Looking forward to an even bigger turnout in 2025.
Victorian Achievement Dinner at Harbour Kitchen Glass Pavilion Port Melbourne.
I have been lucky to be a part of Kennards long enough to see its evolving format of Achievement Dinners over the years. From the eyes of a bright-eyed new Centre Manager in 2017 at the Pullman Hotel, to the Covid years where the awards were taken on the road to deliver, to finally the biggest Achievement Dinner of all, our 50th Anniversary Dinner, which saw over 200 Team Members from around Australia and New Zealand come together. Being able to now present well-deserved accolades and celebrate the achievements of our teams as an Operations Manager is an honour. the introduction of regional based dinners. Giving the opportunity for all to attend a local, more intimate setting. The smaller gatherings also brought back the return of an old favourite, the presentation of SCOTY Gold awards. New Zealand kicked off the Regional Achievement Dinners, with almost all Team Members attending. The group had a private room setting at Sky City This year saw a new chapter written in the story of our Achievement Dinners,
Grand restaurant ‘Cassia’ in Auckland, with guests Sam Kennard and Darren Marshall. The local format Achieve - ment Dinner was well received by the team, allowing Team Members that could not normally attend to be involved. Mt Eden was presented with SCOTY Gold as well as Google Excellence in Growth! Next up was the Victorian Achieve - ment Dinner, hailed as a tremendous success, held at the Harbour Kitchen Glass Pavilion in Port Melbourne. The venue, with its stunning views, set the perfect backdrop for an elegant evening. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner while catching up with new and old faces. The highlight of the night was the awards ceremony, where several deserving recipients were honoured for their achievements. One major milestone was Charles Shepherd recognised for 15 Years of Service. The presence of Sam Kennard, Darren Marshall, Tony Vuong and Javier Perez added a special touch, allowing everyone to engage with the leader - ship team from THQ.
After Victoria, Sam Kennard, Darren Marshall and Tony Vuong headed to
Jared Mobbs NSW Operations Manager
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FEATURE
NSW/ACT
Top row L to R: 5 Years of Service: Sam Kennard & Tony Vuong presenting, Christopher Hangan, Javier Perez, Steve Narayan, Deepa Chirayath and Wayne Brown. 10 Years of Service: Nigel Boundy, Sam Kennard & Darren Marshalll presenting, Varsha Samji, Jai Tripathi, Medhat George. 2nd row L to R: Most Improved: Camperdown Team. Hands in Concrete: Jai Tripathi, Varsha Samji, Nigel Boundy, Brianna Burns, Colin Haden, Medhat George. 3rd row: L to R: 15 Years of Service: Sam Kennard presenting, Matthew O'Brien. 15 Years of Service: Sam Kennard presenting, Emily Fiala. 25 Years of Service: Jeff Xanthos, Sam Kennard presenting, Robert Dutfield. 4th row L to R: FREEDOM Award: Sam Kennard presenting, Aaron Petty. FREEDOM Award: Sam Kennard presenting, Anthony Heng. FREEDOM Certificate: Sam Kennard presenting, Brad Hampson.
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FEATURE
a
NSW/ACT THE ACHIEVEMENT DINNER ON TOUR 2024 5 Years of Service Christopher Hangan Rozelle Steve Narayan TSM NSW Deepa Chirayath THQ Wayne Brown THQ Javier Perez Pooley THQ Trevor Paterson Artarmon 2 Kylie Toner Belmont Owen Carless Campbelltown 1 Kylie Mercer Erina Emily Kavvalos Hoxton Park Martin Drake Warriewood Zaine Trethewey Moore Park Manita Lamichhane Parramatta Michelle Leonard Sandgate Rhys Thomas Wollongong Colin Haden 15 Years of Service Matthew O'Brien Emily Fiala 20 Years of Service Brad Hampson 25 Years of Service Robert Dutfield Jeff Xanthos THQ 40 Years of Service HK Tung THQ
Rookie Of The Year Cameron Gaddes
Fyshwick
Belmont
Google Excellence in Growth Newcastle
Homebush TSM NSW
SCOTY - Most Improved Camperdown
TSM NSW
SCOTY - Commitment to Operational Excellence Thornleigh SCOTY - GOLD Thornleigh, Pymble, Gladesville Camperdown, Wollongong, Ultimo1, Campbelltown, St Marys Artarmon2, Petersham, Belmont Macquarie Park, Chatswood, Newcastle, Fyshwick, Artarmon, Hornsby, Castle Hill, Erina, Marrick - ville, Nowra2, Miranda.
Frenchs Forest
FREEDOM Certificates Brad Hampson
10 Years of Service Jai Tripathi
TSM NSW
Camperdown
Maddy Lowry
Wetherill Park
Medhat George Varsha Samji Nigel Boundy Brianna Burns
Castle Hill
Pymble
FREEDOM Awards Aaron Petty
TSM NSW Waterloo
Newcastle Thornleigh
Anthony Heng
Sam Kennard with the SCOTY Gold recipients.
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FEATURE
THE ACHIEVEMENT DINNER ON TOUR 2024
NEW ZEALAND
5 Years of Service Maria Loo
Mt Eden
Antonia Metz Stephen Button
TSM
Wellington
FREEDOM Certificate Melissa Hiri
Wellington
Google Excellence in Growth Mt Eden
SCOTY Commitment to Occupancy Growth Napier
Commitment to Operational Excellence Wellington
GOLD Mt Eden
QUEENSLAND 5 Years of Service John Coleman
Baringa
10 Years of Service Raymond Adams
Yarrabilba
Amy Ferguson
Warana
20 Years of Service Kevin Mouatt
Murarrie
FREEDOM Certificates Shaun Young
Coorparoo
Craig Olsen
Milton
FREEDOM Awards Damien Reid
TSMQLD West End
Gordon Iyere
Queensland: 1st: 10 Years of Service: Sam Kennard & Darren Marshall presenting, Amy Ferguson and Ray Adams. 2nd: FREEDOM Certificate & Awards: Nicole Bergan & Sam Kennard presenting, Gordon Iyere, Damien Reid, Kellie Robley presenting, Craig Olsen, Shaun Young. 3rd: Rookie of The Year: Sam Kennard, Nicole Bergan & Kellie Robley presenting, Steve Strudwick. 4th: SCOTY Gold: Sam Kennard and Darren Marshall presenting, the Cleveland Team. 5th: Commitment to Operational Excellence: Sam Kennard and Darren Marshall presenting, the Newstead Team
Rookie Of The Year Steve Strudwick
Maroochydore
SCOTY Commitment to Operational Excellence Newstead
New Zealand: 1st: 5 Years of Service: Darren Marshall presenting, Stephen Button, Andrew Kirkham presenting. 2nd: Google Excellence in Growth: Mt Eden Team, with Darren Marshall, Sam Kennard and Andrew Kirkham presenting. 3rd: FREEDOM Certificate: Melissa Hiri with Darren Marshall presenting. 4th: The New Zealand Team.
GOLD Cleveland, Baringa
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10 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
THE ACHIEVEMENT DINNER ON TOUR 2024
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5 Years of Service Joshua Bendall South Australia Rookie of the Year Award: Sam Kennard and Darren Marshall presenting, Mansi Mansi.
Croydon Park Seaford Meadows
Adam Scott
FREEDOM Certificates Adam Scott
Seaford Meadows
FREEDOM Awards Warren Evans
Adelaide CBD
Rookie Of The Year Mansi Mansi
Croydon Park
SCOTY Commitment to Sustainable Business Performance Adelaide Airport
GOLD Panorama Seaford Meadows Mile End
Victoria - Middle column, 1st: FREEDOM Certificate: Sam Kennard and Keenan Mowatt presenting, Sam Grant. 2nd: FREEDOM Certificate: Sam Kennard and Keenan Mowatt presenting, Bruce Moore. 3rd: FREEDOM Award: Sam Kennard and Keenan Mowatt presenting, David Collins. 4th: FREEDOM Award: Sam Kennard and Keenan Mowatt presenting, Jay Subramaniam. 5th: Sustainable Income Growth: Sam Kennard and Darren Marshall presenting, the Preston Team.
South Australia: Left column, 1st: 5 Years of Service: Sam Kennard and Darren Marshall presenting, Adam Scott. 2nd: 5 Years of Service: Sam Kennard presenting, Josh Bendall. 3rd: FREEDOM Award: Sam Kennard and Tony Vuong presenting, Warren Evans. 4th: SCOTY Gold: Sam Kennard and Tony Vuong presenting, the Panorama Team. 5th: Commitment to Sustainable Business Performance: Sam Kennard and Tony Vuong presenting, the Adelaide Airport Team.
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FEATURE
VICTORIA 5 Years of Service Rebecca Hammon Preston
15 Years of Service Charles Shepherd TSM VIC
FREEDOM Certificates Sam Grant
Roxburgh Park
Bruce Moore
VIC TSM
FREEDOM Awards David Collins
Port Melbourne
Jay Subramaniam Huntingdale
Google Excellence in Growth Port Melbourne
SCOTY Sustained Income Growth Preston
GOLD Port Melbourne
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12 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
THE ACHIEVEMENT DINNER ON TOUR 2024
13 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
14 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
EMBRACING STREET ART AT KENNARDS STORAGE
O ur bright orange beacons of Freedom (buildings) located in high profile visible locations can become a target for those looking to increase their own profiles. By those I mean graffiti artists or street artists. What is the difference? Most would say not much, but in general street art is usually sanctioned and involves imagery while graffiti is generally text based with the intention of tagging and often considered vandalism. Some of our high-profile buildings were constantly being tagged with graffiti. Our team would then have to go out and try cleaning off the graffiti or ultimately paint over it creating another issue, the affected wall turning into a patchwork quilt of blue and orange touch up paint. In 2019, in a move to combat the problem we
decided to engage the services of a street artist named Joe Quilter to paint murals on some of our buildings.
somewhat branded to our KSS blue.
Our final location is Marrickville (pictured above left) an inner-city location. Remaining in the shades of blue theme the Marrickville design is a little more contemporary, having a little more free licence and fun with the design is a combination of nature and industrial images combined to create a flowing spectacle of wonderful imagery. Joe also added a sneak image of baby Yoda. The credibility that Joe has as an artist in the Sydney area has meant that the murals have remained untouched for the last five years. Not only have we solved our graffiti problem, we have now added to the to beautification and cultural expression of the local area transforming a plain wall into a visually appealing work of art. Darren Marshall Chief Operating Officer
We now have three locations with prominent street art in Sydney.
Mona Vale (pictured top) has street art spanning the front of the property facing busy Barrenjoey Road Mona Vale. The theme of the artwork is sea life. Depicting fish, jelly fish, whales dolphins and turtles all in beautiful vibrant colours and imagery. Themed in line with Mona Vales coastal location. Petersham (pictured above right) located on busy Parramatta Road is a prized location for graffiti artist to display their tags, but now displays the Australian outback flora, fauna that includes images of a dingo and snake and outback marsupials. All in different shades and hues of blue, keeping
15 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
NZ PORTFOLIO GROWS
KENNARDS WINS BIG AT CANSTAR
W e’re thrilled to share that KSS has been awarded GOLD for two of Canstar's awards. Best Rated Self Storage Brand and Best Rated Self Storage for Businesses. Aussies have rated Kennards Self Storage as number one in Canstar Blue’s latest self storage brand ratings, with five-star reviews across the board for value for money, quality of storage, safety and security, Above L to R: Suzie Maharjan - THQ, Gaurab Banksota - Auburn, Varsha Samji - Pymble, Craig Young - Camperdown, Phillip Boniface - Macquarie Park, Maddy Lowry, Jose Carreras - Parramatta, Kylie Mercer - Sandgate, Fiona Harding - THQ, Michael Ryan - Wentworth- ville, Melissa Forrester - Mayfield, Karyn Shayler - Nat Acct Mgr Canstar Blue, Krishna Challa - Hornsby, Nick Wang - Ultimo1, Jyoti Sengupta - Hoxton Park. This incredible achievement is a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and care that every one of you brings to your roles. Whether it's going the extra mile for a customer or ensuring our spaces are top-notch, it’s clear that our efforts are making a real impact. These awards are not just a win for the company,they’re a celebration of you, our team. Thank you for consistently living our values and making Kennards a place where customers feel valued and cared for. We are proud to be The People Who Care! customer service, accessibility, location and overall satisfaction.
W e have achieved a great milestone in the NZ Portfolio with our now ten active sites following the successful acquisition of Kiwi Self Storage in Kilbirnie, Wellington on the 4th of September. This becomes the 112th centre in the KSS group and continues the desire to grow our presence in the Wellington market. sale involving several competitors over two months and another first for KSS. Sam managed this process while overseas on holiday and relied upon the collective THQ Team to make a multi-million dollar bid without even visiting the site! traditional modern day box shape centre from its current first-genera - tion ranch style. Located in a captive market situated in the eastern side of the Wellington city right near the Airport. The nearest competition located at a sufficient distance away to make this site the most logical place to store on this side of the city. And at the time of writing, it is also pleasing to see the start of our fourth site in the Hawkes Bay region, with the demo and ground pre work for The opportunity arose from an invita - tion to participate in a rare off-market This Kilbirnie site is a cracker opportunity to build up into a
our Omahu Road site in Hastings.
This is another significant invest - ment for the NZ portfolio and has been sitting in the development pipeline following the purchase of a Brownfield site (Brownfield land is previously-developed land that has been abandoned or underuti- lised for commercial purposes and requires further development to use) some years ago.
‘
And at the time of writing, it is also
I look forward to writing about the development and growth of the NZ portfolio in the coming months. While the current economic cycle conditions are challenging, it just makes the future achievement and success even sweeter. pleasing to see the start of our fourth site in the Hawkes Bay region ‘
Fiona Harding Head of Business Development & Partnerships
Andrew Kirkham NZ Operations Manager
16 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
PROPERTY
SPOTLIGHT ON MINTO
W elcome to Kennards in 1987, boasting 13,953 square metres of land. The property was then developed into 500 units with a rentable area of 5,218 square metres. Fast forward to today and the newly expanded centre is now the biggest location in the Campbelltown area, with 1,152 spaces, which is 11,093 square metres of rentable space. Located just southwest of Sydney’s bustling central business district, we benefit from a lot of commercial industry businesses needing storage. We also have a number of other self storage operators nearby such as Ingleburn Self Storage opening this year and their sister centre Campbell - town Self Storage. Our sister centre Kennards Self Storage Campbelltown1 is also only 3.1km away. Self Storage Minto on Airds Road, established Campbelltown is also one of the fastest growing communities in NSW. The need for storage is always growing. With our new expansion we aim to rapidly increase our occupancy from 40%.
We have drive up units, ground floor units, upper level, open space and lockers. One entry gate and two exit gates make life easier for our storers. Fast forward to today and the newly expanded centre is now the biggest location in the Campbelltown area, with 1,152 spaces, which is 11,093 square metres of rentable space We have all the fancy gadgets that come with a new build like a shiny disco room and conference room. We also have a brand new office! Our team comprises of myself Bronwyn Maugavao, Manager, and Assistant Manager Amanda Briggs. I ‘ ‘
have been with KSS eight years. I have come a long way since beginning as an Assistant Manager at Guildford. I enjoy working with KSS, meeting new customers. Providing the best customer service is vital, customers always leave with a smile on their face. I love the KSS 'blue' culture. Amanda has been with us about a month now, and is doing really well, with a cheerful personality, willing to learn and ready to work. Always reminding me to bring my lunch! L to R: Antone Boustani (NSW Ops Mgr), Bronwyn Maugavao, Manager and Assistant Manager Amanda Briggs Our team is committed to providing exceptional customer service, assisting customers in selecting the right storage solutions and ensuring a positive experience. Bronwyn Maugavao Manager, Minto
17 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
FEATURE
MOMENTUM 24
BOX HILL HUDDLE
O ur recent Huddle at Box Hill was a night to remember! We got to celebrate our one year opening anniversary and show off everything this beautiful centre offers. We were privileged to have the company of some our beautiful Team Members at our centres and some of the THQ Team. The night was filled with positive vibes, laughter and fun. L to R: Portia Badri - Box Hill, Ilesh Gohil - Prospect, Alex Nelson - St Marys, Tony Vuong - THQ. I strongly recommend that if you haven't had a Huddle yet, to do so! It's a great opportunity to mingle with your colleagues and walk away friends.
Top, L to R: Radha Shivakumar, Anthony Tropiano, Jeff Xanthos, Jared Mobbs, Kellie Robley, Sharon Munro, Andrew Kirkham, Deepa Chirayath, Beth Mafrici, Darren Marshall, Sam Kennard, Keenan Mowatt, Wayne Brown, Fiona Harding, Antone Boustani, Tony Vuong, Darryl Hodgson, Javier Perez, Nicole Bergan, Chi Ly, Jelena Stricevic
O ur continuing mission. In September just passed we whisked the team away to the Blue Mountains for our Momentum 24 Strategic planning conference. The last time we had the team together for a re-evaluation of our strategy and directions event like this was in 2016! Since that time the number of centres had skyrocketed past 110 and team growth resulted in over 50% of the team attending having never taken part before! We had Team Members in the group that had 30+ years’ experience at KSS and one or two with fewer than three months. We like to give the group an activity to build team spirit and get the blood pumping before we migrate to the nuts and bolts of reviewing and planning on day two. We were able to challenge the team with an 8km hike through the Blue Mountains along the newly established “Grand Clifftop Walk”. We like to build the tension by keeping some of the details secret before the event. I’m not sure if it was the excess gear or talk of the snake bite kit and helicopter rescue locations, either way there were some unimpressed looks around the group as we started. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and despite some blisters, perspiration and a small amount of, if I must say, slightly inappropriate abuse directed toward me, we had a very
enjoyable day.
It was refreshing to have the Operations, THQ and Board Team together to review what we have achieved since the last Momentum and assess whether our goals and approach to the business needed change. The Australia-New Zealand storage market has grown up signifi - cantly in the past eight years. That’s not to mention the changes in the Kennards Self Storage Brand, our public profile and the worldwide changes in lifestyle, internet usage and expectations. We have the Hummingbird project and a changing economy with many new centres and expansions in the pipeline. We wanted to understand what needed to change, what goals to set and what to improve to guide KSS into the future. With the help of Jason Tunbridge and Wally Akacha, from the Leadership Thinktank who facilitated the event; we worked carefully through a variety of issues from visionary to day-to-day operations over the two days. We’ll be sharing more over the coming weeks. Suffice to say there will be more to talk about in our continuing mission in space…
Portia Badri Assistant Manager, Box Hill
Above L to R: Krishna Challa - Hornsby, Thushy Thuraisamy - CCC, Anthony Heng - Thornleigh, Darren Marshall - THQ. Below L to R: Maddy Lowry - Wetherill Park, Alex Nelson - St Marys, Ashley Cause - NSW TSM
Darryl Hodgson NSW Operations Manager
18 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
TRAINING
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE INVENTORY COMES INHOUSE
Leadership: The effectiveness of leader - ship styles and practices in shaping cultural norms.
Kennards Culture 2022 (N=266)
Communication: The openness and effectiveness of communication channels within the organisation.
Goal Setting: The clarity, challenge, and alignment of organisational goals with employees’ efforts.
Customer Satisfaction: The impact of organisational culture on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Employee Satisfaction: Levels of employee engagement, satisfaction, and morale.
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I recently had the opportunity to complete an accreditation with our culture partners at Human Synergis - tics in their Organisational Culture Inventory (OCI) tools. This training also covered the Organisational Effective - ness Inventory (OEI), providing me with a deeper understanding of how these frameworks can help Kennards While there was plenty of content to digest, one of my major takeaways came from the many side conversa - tions that naturally occur during these types of programs. Through the OCI, we regularly understand and measure culture. We undertake initiatives like PEP and leadership development off-site to increase awareness of how our thinking and behaviours impact cultural outcomes. In short, we take the business of culture very seriously. continue to drive and sustain a constructive company culture. Through the leadership, buy-in, and passion of our people, we have consistently achieved predominantly constructive results over the years. My side conversation made it clear to me that cultural norms at Kennards cannot
be taken for granted; they are something each and every Team Member should take immense pride in! What is the Organisational Culture Inventory (OCI)? The Organisational Culture Inventory (OCI), is a diagnostic tool that assesses the cultural dynamics within an organi - sation. The OCI framework categorises organisational culture into three main types: Constructive, Passive/Defensive, and Aggressive/Defensive, each comprising specific behavioural norms that influence how Team Members interact and approach their work. What is the Organisational Effective- ness Inventory (OEI)? The Organisational Effectiveness Inventory (OEI) complements the OCI by measuring the outcomes of the organisational culture. The OEI provides insights into how the culture impacts various aspects of organisational effectiveness, including: Mission and Philosophy: The degree to which employees understand and align with the organisation’s mission and values.
By embracing these frameworks, we can unlock the full potential of the business creating a thriving, customer- centric organisa- tion for many more generations to come
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Understanding and leveraging the OCI and OEI frameworks can signifi - cantly enhance the effectiveness of Kennards Self Storage. These tools provide valuable insights into organi - sational culture and its impact on business outcomes, helping to drive Team Member engagement, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. By embracing these frameworks, we can unlock the full potential of the business creating a thriving, customer-centric organisation for many more generations to come! Wayne Brown Learning & Development Manager
19 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
PROPERTY
BUILDING MORE SPACE TO GROW
Apart from KSS-owned centres, the Property Development Team also collaborates with investors on managed centres, utilizing our expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient design and construction process.
Pictured above: Kennards Self Storage Meadowbrook Photomontage, and below: Kennards Self Storage Moss Vale Photomontage
S ince our last Kourier, the have gone to market for a tenant for the new commercial space facing Chester St. It is an 80 square metre blank canvas waiting to be used. The Property Development Team are working away to start construction at Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn and Cranbourne and activity continues to lease the remaining spaces. So far our line up of tenants includes El Jannah, Soul Origin, Red Rooster, GYG, Total Tools, BCF and Totally Workwear. The non storage activity continues with the purchase of six tenanted, large industrial warehouse units next to the soon to be constructed Moss Vale 2. These are high clearance warehouses with five tenants including a 24 hr gym, TLE branch, sign writer, Harvey Norman depot and chemical company. There's plenty in the pipeline to come. Darren McKeon Commercial Leasing Manager OUTSIDE THE STORAGE BOX extensions at Camperdown have been completed and we
Meadowbrook (QLD) This new project is located in the City of Logan, Queensland. Owned by the Stevens family, this Managed centre will ultimately consist of four self storage buildings, developed in four stages. Stage one, building A is a 4-storey building with a grand showroom and a striking glass building façade. Construction for stage one has just commenced this month, led by Total Construction. Upon its completion in October 2025, the centre will offer 443 new storage units, with a total Net Lettable Area of 4,136 square metres. Moss Vale (NSW) Another exciting development has commenced at Berrima Road, Moss Vale. Owned by the Kennards Family this new self storage centre includes three 2-storey buildings with lightweight structures. Once completed, it will offer more than 600 square metres of
storage area and 620 units. In addition, it will feature a regional office area for Operations Managers. The project is undertaken by Apex Building System with a completion date of September 2025. Box Hill 2 (NSW) Being owned by the Redelman family, Box Hill 2 is located only 2km away from the existing KSS Box Hill centre, which gives KSS additional exposure in the rapidly growing Norwest Sydney area. This multi-storage building was approved by the council this year, and once it’s established, it comes with more than 900 units and approximately 12,500 square metres of Gross Floor Area.
Michael Macheledt, Craig Henery, Felicia Yu and Scott Choi, Property Development Team
20 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
CHARITY
STEPPING UP FOR CHANGE: FIZZ'S JOURNEY WITH SUTS
The KSS boxes are a huge part of the event year after year, making up the fab shelters. What does it mean to you to have this ongoing partner- ship, supporting the event and SSH? Being a family business with a focus on Creating Space For Change, this partnership means a lot. It’s amazing to see everyone come together, build their shelters, and get involved. Supporting the community is at the heart of what we do, we are The People Who Care, and this event is a perfect way to make a positive impact. What is your top tip (or tips) for people who are participating for the first time this year? If you are thinking of getting involved just register, don’t overthink it. If this is your first year, layer up and get involved, there are plenty of events happening throughout the night so you will find it will go pretty quick and you will finish with a sense of achievement. How does it feel to take part as a team? What does the team take away from the event? Taking part as a team is an amazing experience! It brings us together in a unique way, outside of the usual work environment. There’s a shared sense of pride knowing we're contributing to something bigger than ourselves. What’s the KSS team name and how can the team get involved? We are the Kennards Freedom Fighters, and we are officially ready to take on Sleep Under the Stars at Barangaroo on 25th October! We'd love for you to join the team of legends, It's not to late! But if you're not feeling the whole "Sleeping Under the Stars" vibe and would rather support from the comfort of your cozy bed, donations are more than welcome! Every dollar helps this awesome cause! Sharon Munro EA to the CEO Check out the page here: https://shorturl.at/WU7Bn
We recently sat down with Fizz (Fiona Harding) to talk about her
the long-term assistance needed to break the cycle of homelessness. The solution, I believe, lies in a combination of approaches. We need to increase the availability of affordable housing, invest more in youth-specific support services, and address the root causes of homelessness, such as family violence and mental health issues. Why Stepping Stone House? Kennards Storage has been a major sponsor since the house's inception. We know the model works, and it’s proven. Investing care, time and support in these young people now, leads to better long-term outcomes where they can be self supported, resilient and strong leaders of the future. I love that it's not just a shelter, it’s a home. Yes! In 2020, the Covid years, I slept on my uncovered balcony. When it rained at 2am, I had to use the BBQ cover as an emergency shelter. In 2021, I upped my game by dragging a bunch of KSS boxes to a park in Homebush to build a “luxury” shelter around a park bench. It wasn’t luxury. The wind, rain and mosquitos definitely won that round! The experience gives you an appreciation but doesn’t even scratch the surface of life without a stable home. Did you join the 2020 and 2021 online sleep outs?
long-standing involvement in the Sleep Under the Stars event. As the event marks its tenth year, Fizz is preparing for her ninth year participating. Over the years, Fizz has personally raised more than $41,000 to support young people experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to the cause and belief in the positive impact of Stepping Stone House (SSH) shines through. Seeing the incredible impact on the young people at SSH and how much the event grows each year. The first year raised under $160,000 and now it's gained so much momentum, that last year it raised over $1.3 million. It’s amazing to see new faces and know we’re making a difference. What motivates you to keep coming back to the event? Why do you feel strongly about youth homelessness? It’s hard to understand how, in a country like Australia, homeless - ness remains such a significant problem. While the issue is complex, the shortage of affordable housing is a major barrier. On top of that, there are gaps in the social safety net. Even though support systems exist, they often fall short of providing
21 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
NEV’S NOTES
NEV'S NOTES
Neville Kennard (1937 - 2012) Founder of Kennards Self Storage, enjoyed and was very passionate about expressing his ideas. These little gems have been appreciated by many in KSS. We will continue to publish his ideas that we have in stock. Enjoy!
MARKET FAILURE: JUST WHAT THE GOVERNMENT ORDERED
Markets, if left alone, correct quickly. Capitalists, if allowed to laissez-nous faire, will quickly find solutions. But the bureaucrats and politicians won’t waste a good crisis. They put themselves to work to create Programs, Ministers, Departments and Regulations to prevent any future Market Failures — they hope. Unfortunately it seems to be almost never asked whether the apparent Market Failure was an Unintended Consequence of a previous Regula - tion and Intervention — which it almost always is. The causes of the recent Global Financial Crisis can be traced back years, decades perhaps, to interventions themselves intended to correct some perceived economic or societal issue that politicians sought to change. Sometimes the Unintended Consequence of an intervention can be obvious. For example, Minimum Wage Laws create unemployment. Sometimes the consequences are less obvious, and further reaching. Minimum Wage Laws causes unemployment, which calls for unemployment benefits, which calls for more bureaucrats to administer, which calls for more taxes, which causes higher costs for producers, which can cause further unemployment. And so it goes. A wily bureaucrat will conveniently label all of these Unintended Consequences “Market Failure” and seek a further intervention, a bigger budget and more staff. All Interventions have Unintended Consequences, which can be labelled Market Failure. How very convenient!
I have never been a bureaucrat or a politician. But when I occasion - ally engage with such people and they learn that I am a preaching and practising capitalist, it does not take long for the question of the Producers vs the Plunderers, the Tax Producers vs the Tax Consumers, to arise. We will come to just what is this apparent “Market Failure”, but first let me state that bureaucrats and politi - cians need this concept of “Market Failure”. At some level bureaucrats and other Tax Consumers know they produce nothing, that they are parasites. And this is not something they can be proud of. Among themselves they need to justify their existence and to propagate the idea of Market Failure to which they can ride to the rescue and become useful members of society. And so the Market Failure expres - sion is born and voiced. It is absolutely necessary for this idea to take hold and be acted on. The bigger the Market Failure and the bigger the Crisis, the better. “A crisis! How wonderful!” Invariably, the expression “Market Failure” is uttered.
So what is it this “Market Failure”? Do markets fail?
If a grocer runs out of milk a couple of hours before closing, this could be called “market failure”. Or if the grocer has too much milk and has to discard some, this too could be called another “market failure”. Of course it is quickly corrected, as the grocer learns to monitor his supply and demand more closely. Imagine if the govern - ment stepped in and created a “Milk Supply Authority” to ensure there is no more such “market failure”. Of course this would be absurd, and even most bureaucrats and politicians would realise this. But if it is a “Major Market Failure”, such as the recent global financial crisis, this is too big a Crisis to be passed up and allow the market to correct. And it is too immediate to go looking for causes, to back up and look for a possible previous intervention that may have caused this unintended consequence. Especially when Intervention is piled on Intervention, as was the case with the GFC, and each Intervention was shrouded in economic mystique or political need, enacted by Parlia - ments and Congresses after being recommended by bureaucrats. Then, what could be better than a huge and threatening Crisis, of Market Failure, of “the Capitalist System needing Regulation”?
“A major Market Failure — just what we need!”
July 22nd, 2010
22 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
PEOPLE
COMMUNITY
Left: Congratulations to Anthony Tropiano (SA Operations Manager) and wife Tristan on the birth of their baby girl Zara. Born on the 26th July at 10am. Below left: With the help of the KSS Self Improvement Program (SIP) and a 40th Birthday gift, Fiona Harding and Darryl Hodgson (THQ) honed their sailing skills and put their newfound expertise to the test by embarking on a self-chartered voyage around the Whitsundays on a 41-foot catamaran.
Lenci Taylor, Manager at Kennards Belmont is the proud grandma of her grandson Declan (left). He and his friend Jai pictured below using KSS boxes for Book Week to dress up as Lego. Declan won best dressed for his class!
"Live the life you love, love the life you live." Bob Marley
23 Kennards Kourier Oct 2024
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