THE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
explains. “You need a team that understands the values and the vision.” This has led to a strong emphasis on culture within the organisation — a culture built around accountability, consistency, and long-term thinking. It’s not flashy, but it is effective. And importantly, it is scalable. Building a Business That Lasts Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Kennard’s story is his focus on longevity. In an age where many businesses are built to sell, Kennards has been built to last. This doesn’t mean avoiding change — far from it. The company has continually adapted to new technologies, customer expectations, and market conditions. But these changes are always made within a broader framework of stability and purpose.
a discipline that proved critical during downturns. The result is a portfolio that not only spans more than 125 locations but also maintains a reputation for quality and reliability - a rare combination in a fragmented industry. The Power of Long-Term Thinking If there is a single thread that runs through Kennard’s story, it is his commitment to long-term thinking. In a business landscape increasingly driven by quarterly results and short-term gains, Kennard has taken the opposite approach. Decisions are made not for immediate impact, but for their implications five, ten, or even twenty years down the line. “Real estate rewards patience,” he explains. “If you’re constantly reacting to the short term, you lose sight of what really matters.” This philosophy has shaped everything from site acquisition to capital allocation. Rather than chasing speculative opportunities, Kennards has focused on high-quality locations with strong fundamentals - assets that will hold value across cycles. It’s a strategy that has paid off handsomely, particularly as self-storage has matured into a recognised and resilient asset class. Navigating Risk and Failure Despite its success, the journey has not been without setbacks. Kennard is candid about the mistakes and challenges that have shaped both him and the business. “There’s no such thing as a straight line in business,” he says. “You learn more from what goes wrong than what goes right.” While he doesn’t dwell on specific failures, he emphasises the importance of resilience — not as a buzzword, but as a practical skill. For Kennard, resilience is about maintaining perspective, adapting quickly, and staying committed to the long-term vision even when short-term outcomes disappoint. It’s this ability to absorb setbacks without losing direction that has allowed the business to weather economic cycles and emerge stronger each time. Leadership That Endures As the company has grown, so too has Kennard’s role as a leader. What began as hands-on management has evolved into something more strategic - guiding culture, setting direction, and ensuring continuity. One of his key insights is that leadership is less about control and more about alignment. “You can’t build something lasting on one person,” he
“We’re not here to flip assets,” Kennard says. “We’re here to build something that endures.”
It’s a philosophy that resonates beyond the self-storage industry. At its core, it is about creating value over time — for customers, for employees, and for future generations. A Masterclass in Restraint If there is one lesson that emerges most clearly from Kennard’s journey, it is the power of restraint. In business, the temptation to do more - expand faster, take bigger risks, chase new opportunities - is constant. But Kennard’s success suggests that knowing what not to do can be just as important. By focusing on fundamentals, maintaining discipline, and thinking long-term, he has built a business that not only survives, but thrives. The Legacy Ahead Today, with a multi-billion-dollar portfolio and a market- leading position, Kennards Self Storage stands as a testament to what can be achieved through patience and persistence. But for Sam Kennard, the story is far from over. The next chapter is not just about growth, but about continuity - ensuring that the values and principles that built the business continue to guide it into the future. Because in the end, Kennard’s vision was never about building the biggest company. It was about building one that lasts.
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April / May 2026 – 5
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