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Our Company

A Real Estate Company That Moves People Forward

Strat Property Management, Inc. (SPMI) is a San Diego-based real estate management company that has owned and operated residential, commercial, and self storage properties since 1999. Founded by Don Clauson and Randy Strauss, SPMI now manages over 110 properties across California, Texas, Colorado, and Kansas — and is the parent company behind StaxUP Storage, Lockaway Storage, UNITS Portable Storage, Horizon Hills, and SPMI Capital.

Our Story

Strat Property Management, Inc. began in 1999, when Don Clauson and Randy Strauss set out to prove a simple idea: properties run better when the people managing them actually know the markets, the buildings, and the customers. They started with a single self storage facility and a hands-on approach that still defines the company today.

That first facility led to a ground-up development in 2000, and from there the company grew with intention. SPMI added operating facilities and land across Southern California, Texas, and Colorado, then expanded into multifamily and commercial properties, building regional teams who live and work in the communities they serve.

What began as 12 managed properties is now a multi-state platform spanning residential communities, commercial real estate, and 42 self storage facilities, with 19 in Texas, 23 in California, and 5 in Colorado, plus two portable storage locations in San Diego and San Antonio.

Through every stage of that growth, the priorities have stayed the same: strong local management, long-term relationships, and a real commitment to the neighborhoods where SPMI operates.

Meet Our Full Team →
Strat Property Management team members wearing Stratitude shirts during a community volunteer event.
Group photo of Strat Property Management team members representing the company's culture and multi-state operations.

What We Do

Our Family of Companies

Strat Property Management, Inc. (SPMI) has a family of real estate offerings under many specialty brands:

Modern apartment living room at Strauss on Fifth managed by Strat Property Management

Residential

Apartment communities in San Diego, CA; the Horizon Hills manufactured home community in Campion, CO; and additional residences in Kansas City, KS — leased and managed in-house.

Available Apartments →

Exterior view of a commercial property managed by Strat Property Management

Commercial

Office, retail, and mixed-use properties across California and Texas.

Commercial Properties →

Drive-up self-storage units at Lockaway Storage featuring secure roll-up doors and convenient vehicle access.

Storage Solutions

Marketed under StaxUP Storage, Lockaway Storage, and UNITS Portable Storage.

See Self Storage →

SPMI capital advisor overseeing financial statistics.

Capital Advisory

Through SPMI Capital, for outside real estate owners and investors seeking financing.

Visit SPMI Capital →

The Strat Difference

What "Stratitude" Means to Us

Since 1999, SPMI’s culture has run on what the team calls Stratitude — five commitments that show up in how every property is run and every resident, tenant, and team member is treated:

S

Strengthen Our Community

We invest in relationships that build stronger communities.

T

Treat Others the Way THEY Want to be Treated

Respect, empathy, and kindness guide every interaction.

R

Represent With Integrity

We do the right thing, every time.

A

Accomplish a WOW!

We deliver exceptional experiences that exceed expectations.

T

Take it to the Next Level

We embrace growth, innovation, and a drive to be better every day.

Rooted in Our Communities

Stratitude shows up off the clock, too. SPMI team members have volunteered at the Monarch School Project’s Farmers Market, the San Antonio Food Bank, Haven Homes donation drives, partnered with the California Family Life Center for their Strat Gifts of Love community program, and participated in local pet drives — across both the California and Texas markets where SPMI operates. It’s part of why the team treats “strengthen our community” as a daily practice, not a once-a-year initiative.

Learn More About Who We Are →

Have Questions?

Visit our FAQ Page for answers about applying for an apartment, leasing commercial space, renting storage, and more — or contact our San Diego office directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Or contact us →

Randy Strauss, Strat Property Management, Inc. Owner and CFO

Randy Strauss

Owner | CFO

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As modest as he is analytical, as consistent as he is adaptable, as independent as he is committed to the professional development of his team, Randy Strauss is a leader who would like to remain behind the scenes. This humble commitment is one of the central reasons for Strat Property Management Inc’s success.

He’ll tell you that he prefers to have ten digits than 26 letters, but those who have worked closely with him describe him as a perceptive communicator who shows his appreciation in addition to voicing it. Acting as Chief Financial Officer, Strauss is Strat’s financial architect, overseeing the accounting department as well as apartment operations.

Despite Strat’s growth, Strauss has managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. He can often be seen running his two daughters to softball practice in the afternoon, acting as both coach and treasurer for the league during the last 5 seasons.

A graduate of the Olin Business School at Washington University at St. Louis, Strauss’ early career included time as a concert promoter in both St. Louis (Contemporary Productions) and San Diego (Bill Silva Presents).

Environmentally conscious, Strauss grew up in a family that emphasized frugality and common sense: turning off the lights when they aren’t needed, closing the curtains when it’s cold out and turning off the heater when it’s 75 degrees. Team members working out of the San Diego office attest that Strauss lives these conservation principles daily, including practicing a vegan diet.

If you ever get a chance to talk sports with him, take it. Strauss has curated a sizable baseball and football card collection during the last 15 years. His knowledge of the history is entertaining and insightful.

At his core, Strauss is first a devoted husband and father. Strat’s acquisitions, developments and milestones are a source of great pride and joy for him, but they take a backseat to the memories created daily with his family.

Don Clauson, Strat Property Management, Inc. Owner and CEO

Don Clausson

Owner | CEO

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30 years of Self Storage Experience

Don is among the most respected independent self storage operators in the Country. He is a hands-on leader with first-hand knowledge and experience gained by operating and growing his portfolio. This is coupled with on-going involvement in highest levels off industry leadership positions, where he helps operators across the United States navigate an industry that has seen unprecedented advancement and sophistication in recent years. His industry relationships and loyal associations with colleagues extend from REIT CEO’s, national association leaders and staff, other local and national operators and a long list of brokers, lenders, and industry vendors.

Industry Leadership

Past Chairman, LOC
Former Chair, NSSA
Founding Member, StoreLocal

Vision and Purpose

In 1999, Don, along with his partner Randy Strauss, formed Strat Property Management, Inc. a management company specializing in self storage and multi-family management. The platform has grown from initially managing 12 properties to managing and overseeing 118 properties today.

In 1999, Don purchased his first self storage facility, and in 2000 completed his first ground up facility. Both are still owned and operated today. Don began aggressively purchasing operating self storage facilities, and land to develop self storage facilities, in Southern California, Texas and Colorado. Currently SPMI operates 51 self storage facilities – 22 in Texas, 24 in California and 5 in Colorado – and two portable storage facilities – 1 in Texas and 1 in California. The properties are operated as Lockaway Storage (Texas and Colorado) and StaxUP Storage (California). His acquisition strategy is to identify investments with upside potential and to seek a competitive advantage geographically. Acquisitions have included ground-up developments, conversions, properties with expansion potential, value-add from property renovation, and implementing superior management and economies of scale.