Meet our management team
For more than 30 years, Argus Professional Storage Management has been a leader in self-storage management.
Meet our management team
For more than 30 years, Argus Professional Storage Management has been a leader in self-storage management.
Executive Leadership
H. Michael Schwartz
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
H. Michael Schwartz is Founder, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop), a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 500 self-storage professionals focused on growing the…
H. Michael Schwartz
H. Michael Schwartz is Founder, Chairman, CEO and President of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop), a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of over 1,000 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through a wholly owned subsidiary, also sponsors other self-storage programs. SmartStop is the eleventh-largest self-storage company in the U.S., with an owned and managed portfolio of more than 400 properties in the US and Canada.
In 2007, Mr. Schwartz founded Strategic Storage Trust, Inc., a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed self-storage company, owning and/or operating 169 self-storage properties in 21 states and Toronto, Canada. In 2015, Mr. Schwartz negotiated the $1.4 billion sale to Extra Space Storage, Inc., the second-largest storage operator in the United States. In January 2019, he successfully negotiated a second full-cycle REIT liquidity event with the all-cash merger of Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. with Strategic Storage Trust II, Inc. for $12.00 per share. Over the past seven years, Mr. Schwartz has overseen the return of approximately $1.2 billion of equity and profits to investors.
Mr. Schwartz has more than 33 years of experience in real estate, securities and corporate financial management. During the last 22 years, he has transacted more than $6.5 billion in commercial real estate. He is a renowned expert who is frequently invited to speak at national conferences and has been interviewed by major news media.
Mr. Schwartz holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in finance, from the University of Southern California.
Bliss Edwards
Executive VP Canada
Bliss Edwards brings more than 20 years of experience in development and self storage, making her a valuable partner for owners seeking third-party management in the Canadian market. A standout resource in the Canadian self-storage industry, Bliss offers deep expertise in site planning, municipal approvals…
Bliss Edwards
Bliss Edwards brings more than 20 years of experience in development and self storage, making her a valuable partner for owners seeking third-party management in the Canadian market. A standout resource in the Canadian self-storage industry, Bliss offers deep expertise in site planning, municipal approvals…
Korey Hanson
President, Chief Operating Officer
As President of Argus Professional Storage Management, Korey Hanson is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the management company and more than 250 managed storage facilities. Korey has been a part of this company since it began in 2012.
Korey Hanson
As President of Argus Professional Storage Management, Korey Hanson is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the management company and more than 250 managed storage facilities. Korey has been a part of this company since it began in 2012. He works closely with all members of the management team to ensure maximum efficiency of day-to-day operations while remaining active in new management acquisitions and maintaining client relations. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Self Storage Association.
A University of Arizona graduate, Korey started out in the self-storage business as an Area Manager quickly working his way up to Director of Operations and eventually to President of Argus. Gaining experience in all areas of self storage allowed Korey to see how development, operations, marketing, and finance all work together to create a business.
Jason Hert
Chief Financial Officer
Jason Hert joined the Argus Professional Storage Management team in 2022. Jason holds an Accounting Degree from Michigan State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Growing up in Michigan, he has made Arizona home for the past 22 years …
Jason Hert
Chief Financial Officer
Jason Hert joined the Argus Professional Storage Management team in 2022. Jason holds an Accounting Degree from Michigan State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Growing up in Michigan, he has made Arizona his home for the past 22 years.
In Jason’s spare time, he enjoys unwinding with his wife and two children, loves golf when he gets a chance, and is an avid sports fan.
Operations
David Vivancos
Vice President of Operations
David Vivancos has more than 20 years of experience in the self-storage industry and considers himself fortunate to have worked with many solid, people-focused leaders and organizations with great cultures in the past.
A graduate of Florida…
David Vivancos
David Vivancos joined Argus in 2023 as Vice President of Operations. In this role, he oversees all field operations and is responsible for the implementation of innovative methods, processes, and platforms. His primary focus is to ensure that operational systems are efficient and effective, while also cultivating an environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.
David brings over 25 years of extensive experience as an accomplished and skilled operator within the self-storage industry. He has had the privilege of gaining comprehensive knowledge across a diverse range of markets throughout the United States, including Arizona, California, Washington, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, New Orleans, and El Paso. Holding a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, David initially began his career in the retail music industry in Florida. In 2000, he transitioned into the self-storage sector, where he has since demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. In 2013, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, with his family to serve as Division Vice President for one of the largest national self-storage REITs.
Facilities & Capital Improvements
Jason Farlee
Director of Facilities
Jason Farlee joined the Argus Professional Storage Management Team in 2017 and serves as the company’s Director of Capital Improvements. He works with the management team to address the capital improvement needs of all client properties. From routine maintenance…
Jason Farlee
Director, Facilities & Capital Improvements
Jason Farlee joined the Argus Professional Storage Management Team in 2017 and serves as the company’s Director of Capital Improvements. He works with the management team to address the capital improvement needs of all client properties. From routine maintenance to major property renovations, Jason strives to ensure that all of APSM’s managed facilities are maintained at the highest level possible.
Prior to joining APSM, Jason worked as a Parent Aide Coordinator for Aviva Children’s Services where he acquired valuable skills in the management of programs and personnel. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps out of high school, he earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Jason enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and on weekends he can be found fishing, hunting, or working around the house.
Marketing
Jason Christley
Director, Marketing
Jason Christley brings to Argus Professional Storage Management more than 20 years of experience in the marketing & communications space for professional sports. Since joining in November of 2023, he has overseen APSM’s Marketing Department with a focus on client services, reputation management…
Jason Christley
Jason Christley brings to Argus Professional Storage Management more than 20 years of experience in the marketing & communications space for professional sports. Since joining in November of 2023, he has overseen APSM’s Marketing Department with a focus on client services, reputation management, and project development. His team manages clients’ Google Adwords campaigns and works with our web companies on developing and maintaining all of APSM’s websites.
A New England native and former journalist, Jason spent nearly 15 years with the Integrated Marketing Communications and Digital teams at NASCAR in Florida, before moving to Tucson with his wife and their three sons.
People & Culture
Brenden Robinson
Director
Brenden Robinson has over 30 years of executive Human Resources experience and leads our professional Human Resources Team as a strategic partner in building Argus’ businesses by maximizing the value of human capital, aligning it with our initiatives, values, mission …
Brenden Robinson
Director, People & Culture
Brenden Robinson has over 30 years of executive Human Resources experience and leads our professional Human Resources Team as a strategic partner in building Argus’ businesses by maximizing the value of human capital, aligning it with our initiatives, values, mission, strategies, and the needs of all stakeholders.
Regional Directors
Central Region | Revenue Management
Joe Razo
Joe Razo has been with Argus Professional Storage Management since 2008 and serves as the Regional Director of Operations covering stores in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. In addition to supervising the day-to-day operations of 14 properties, he also helps oversee …
Joe Razo
Director of Operations, Central Region | Director of Revenue Management
Joe Razo has been with Argus Professional Storage Management since 2008 and serves as the Regional Director of Operations covering stores in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. In addition to supervising the day-to-day operations of 14 properties, he also helps oversee millions of dollars of capital expenditure projects over the last several years and continues to help the company in this capacity today.
Prior to joining Argus as a District Manager, Joe was a Site Manager for Professional Self Storage Management as well as another self-storage company in Dallas for five years. Before entering the self-storage industry, Joe worked five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was a General Manager in the restaurant industry. Joe attended the University of North Texas, studying Business Management.
West Region
Donna Lay
Donna Lay joined Argus Professional Storage Management in 2012 and currently serves as Regional Director of Operations, overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 self-storage facilities across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Donna Lay
Director of Operations, West Region
Donna Lay joined Argus Professional Storage Management in 2012 and currently serves as Regional Director of Operations, overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 self-storage facilities across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. She leads a team of five District Managers and is responsible for driving operational excellence, strengthening district-level leadership, cultivating strong client relationships across multiple markets.
With a results-driven and collaborative leadership style, Donna focuses on optimizing performance, ensuring compliance, and aligning operational strategy with client and organizational goals.
Outside of work, Donna enjoys surfing, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Mountain Region
Kyla Cole
Since joining Argus in 2025, Kyla Cole has concentrated on optimizing operational performance, strengthening district leadership, cultivating robust client relationships, and advancing technology and remote-management systems across multiple markets. She oversees the operations of nearly 70 stores and manages a …
Kyla Cole
Director of Operations, Mountain Region
Since joining Argus in 2025, Kyla Cole has concentrated on optimizing operational performance, strengthening district leadership, cultivating robust client relationships, and advancing technology and remote-management systems across multiple markets. She oversees the operations of nearly 70 stores and manages a team of six District Managers spanning nine states, from Montana to New Hampshire. With over eight years of experience in the self-storage industry, she brings a comprehensive blend of operational expertise, innovative brand development, and exceptional leadership skills to her role.
Prior to joining Argus, she accumulated seven years of experience with a regional self-storage company operating across multiple states, during which she advanced to the role of Director of Operations. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing daily operational activities, managing repair and maintenance projects, and leading initiatives related to website development, remote management, and brand enhancement.
Kyla began her career as a graphic designer, utilizing her creative expertise to strengthen brand identity and marketing strategies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University and enjoys hobbies such as camping, cooking, and sewing in her personal time.
Southwest Region
Ruben Jurado
Ruben Jurado is responsible for overseeing more than 25 properties in New Mexico and Texas. He supervises more than 30 employees and prides himself on providing his team with the tools they need to be successful in managing the daily …
Ruben Jurado
Director of Operations, Southwest Region
Ruben Jurado is responsible for overseeing more than 25 properties in New Mexico and Texas. He supervises more than 30 employees and prides himself on providing his team with the tools they need to be successful in managing the daily operations of their sites.
Ruben joined the Argus Professional Storage Management Team in 2011 after getting his start in self storage as a Store Manager in El Paso, Texas, and he has additional experience in sales, business management & customer relations.
Ruben and his wife have four beautiful children, and he enjoys coaching his children’s softball and baseball teams. He also enjoys hunting and camping.