National Self Storage Webinar

Cris Burnam has been dedicated to the self storage industry since 1987. Since the founding of StorageMart in 1999, Cris and the Burnam family have grown the company into the largest privately-owned self storage provider in the world with locations in the US, UK, and Canada. In 2021, Cris and the StorageMart executive team acquired Manhattan Mini Storage, with 17 self storage locations across New York City. At the time, this acquisition held the record for the largest transaction within the self storage industry and the brand has since grown to 30+ locations including facilities in the surrounding boroughs and New Jersey. Over the years, Cris has received many awards and recognitions for his dedication to the self storage industry, such as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau, and the CEO Award for 2020 and 2021 from CEO Today Magazine.

Anna Siradze Hrdina is responsible for developing new business opportunities within various sectors, including self storage, industrial, multifamily, and retail properties. Her role at Talonvest involves leveraging her expertise and network to assist owners in securing comprehensive capital solutions for their business ventures. She brings extensive experience in operations and acquisitions, having worked with venture-capitalized startups and institutionally backed top operators. Throughout her career, she has successfully acquired self-storage assets worth $185 million for owner-operators, demonstrating her expertise in managing complex transactions within the industry. Anna obtained a bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Rhode Island.

Katharine Lau is CEO and Co-Founder of Stuf, one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2022. She was named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 100 list in the same year. Katharine is passionate about reinventing consumer experiences in the physical world and leads the company’s strategic vision and overall strategy in transforming the self-storage industry. From 2015-2020, Katharine led supply growth at Industrious, the nation’s largest premium shared workplace provider. She built and managed a 20+ person team and oversaw the company’s rapid expansion while developing go-to-market strategies for new digital products and tenant experience services. As VP of Real Estate, Katharine pioneered an "industry first” asset and liability-light growth strategy leading to CBRE’s partial acquisition of Industrious in early 2021. Prior to Industrious, Katharine worked at Equinox as Manager of Development, supporting the company’s national expansion of luxury fitness clubs. She previously worked at L&L Holding Company and PGIM Real Estate (Prudential).

MJ brings deep expertise to the ARCO/Murray national self storage team, combining a strong technical background as a project manager with his current role as business development manager. In his BD role, he drives new business opportunities and builds lasting client relationships, crucial to ARCO’s success, with 75% of revenue generated from repeat clients. MJ is active in key industry organizations, including the Self Storage Association (SSA) and Texas Self Storage Association (TSSA). His knowledge in the field, paired with his business development focus, allows him to help clients qualify and execute on development opportunities. Outside of work, MJ enjoys traveling, playing golf with his buddies, and working on home improvement projects with his wife.

Tom specializes in the sale, development and disposition of self storage and industrial assets throughout the U.S. and has completed transactions totaling in excess of $450 million worth of consideration with recent closings in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose/Silicon Valley and Washington State. Tom is an SIOR designee. The SIOR designation stands unchallenged for excellence in the performance of real estate services, and is universally recognized as the prerequisite in the selection of a commercial real estate broker, agent, or consultant. Tom also has an MBA from Pepperdine University.