SAM Team Member Spotlight: Callie Pierce
Store Manager of Valley Storage – Little River
Callie Pierce
Q: How long have you been working for SAM?
A: I have been a part of the SAM team for eight months.
Q: How did you come to be part of the team at SAM? What attracted you to this role and our company?
A: Prior to SAM, I was the store manager for a locally owned storage facility for four years. This facility was purchased in November of 2023 by Valley Storage. I was attracted to this role because I met the owners, Todd and Tina Snook, and I immediately knew that their morals and qualities made them a team that I wanted to be a part of. I am so grateful to have been provided the opportunity to stay with the facility and advance my career with SAM.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at SAM? Is there a specific aspect of your job or the company culture that you find particularly rewarding?
A: Working with SAM is very fulfilling and it allows you not only to be a part of a team, but a family. My favorite part of the job and what I find to be most rewarding is developing a relationship with each person that contacts our property. It is during this moment that we have the chance to make a lifelong impact on this person and help them through their most troubling times or be a part of the happiest moments of their lives.
Q: Is there a memorable life lesson or piece of advice that has shaped your outlook or approach to life and work?
A: There are so many lessons and memories that I have learned and experienced while not only being a part of this team, but from the storage culture. One memory that immediately comes to mind is of a tenant who stopped by the office to pay three months of rent in advance. This tenant had always been quite reserved, but this day seemed slightly different. I asked him how he was, and I received the response of, “fine.” We chatted over the payment and he stated that he would be leaving town for a few months. He then stated that his wife was diagnosed with stage four cancer and that they were provided the opportunity for a trial program at Duke University. He mentioned that they were going to an Airbnb for the length of their stay. I expressed that there is always hope and not to give up! He was so kind and thankful for the conversation. Several months passed before I saw this tenant again. One day, he walked into the office and I immediately perked up. I asked him how he was doing and I again received the response of, “fine.” I then inquired about his trip to Duke University and how his wife was doing. As his eyes filled with tears and his voice became shaky, he said, “You remembered,” He stated that they made it to the Airbnb the night before the first trial. By the next morning, his wife had passed. I expressed my condolences and we chatted about his wife for some time before he turned and walked out of the door. This lesson showed me that our jobs are not just about wearing the right clothes and keeping units clean. It is far more than that. We encounter so many individuals throughout our day and each one has their own story. Sometimes all we can do is listen and remember, but these two simple things can have a lasting impact on not only the customer, but ourselves as well.
Q: Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that you enjoy pursuing in your free time?
A: Most of my time outside of work is spent around my three-year-old who has endless energy. When not reading books, drawing with chalk, or playing in the kiddie pool, I find myself at peace when working in the garden. There is just something about the breeze that brings along with it the scent of mint and hyacinth to calm your troubles.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
A: I discovered my love for the aquatic hobby a little over a year ago. The idea of creating an ecosystem through a healthy and balanced environment is so intriguing. I am now the proud parent to multiple varieties of invertebrates and amphibians. Of course, this is alongside my fur babies Oliver (chihuahua) and Nyx (pyredoodle).
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: My husband is a member of the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, where he serves on the motor unit.
Q: What is your go to Sunday cleaning/organizing song?
A: I can typically be found listening to podcasts of just about any variety. However, if I had to choose one song, it would certainly be Can You Feel Me by Kirk Walhum. Who needs words when the tune is just right?!
Check out our SAM Team Member Favorites playlist on Spotify!