SAM Team Member Spotlight: Jill Gauger

District Manager at Storage Asset Management

Jill Gauger

Meet this month’s corporate team spotlight, Jill Gauger, District Manager! Jill was nominated for the spotlight by her peer who said, “Jill exemplifies leadership at its finest. Her ability to keep each location running smoothly while supporting her team with empathy and clear direction is nothing short of remarkable. Jill doesn’t just manage, she inspires. Her commitment to excellence, tireless work ethic, and genuine care for her employees make her the backbone of our district. She’s not just doing an amazing job, she’s setting the standard.” Get to know Jill in the Q&A below!

Q:  Can you introduce yourself and provide some background on your role within SAM? What are your primary responsibilities and areas of expertise?

A:  I started with SAM as a District Manager the day before Valentine’s Day 2021, which I think is fitting because I love SAM! I have really enjoyed the ability to travel and see a lot of different states and cities in my time with SAM. I pride myself on good communication with my managers and owners. I love to train my team and watch them grow and develop. I also like to challenge myself to learn new things and perfect my abilities daily.  I have recently been promoted into the District Director role. I am very excited to work with new SAM employees and new owners.  

Q:  What attracted you to this role and our company?

A:  I came from about 16 years in retail management prior to SAM. Seven of those years were spent in District Management roles. The DM role at SAM attracted me because I saw more growth opportunity with retail stores closing consistently. Also, I felt my experience would translate well into the DM role 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:   I find helping tenants with their needs very rewarding. We are dealing with so many different positive and negative life circumstances in storage. It’s great to know that I may have offered that little bit of relief during their stressful life situation.

Q:  Has a memorable life lesson or advice shaped your outlook or approach to life and work?

A:  Work smarter not harder! This is the best thing I have ever learned from a former supervisor. If you can stop when you are overwhelmed and say this line to yourself, you will find a way to get it done by working smarter-NOT HARDER!

Q:  Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing in your free time?

A:  I love Pittsburgh sports, all things crime documentaries, reading, the beach, and generally being outside in the sunshine.

Q:  Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

A:   I love to sing. I initially went to college for vocal education for three years before changing my major. I used to teach vocal lessons on the side.

Q:  Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

A:  I have two sisters that I am very close with. I hate that I am highly allergic to all pets or animals with hair because I would have 100 pets at my house. Seriously, it would be a farm.