Corporate Profile - Keep It At Kennards - The People Who Care |
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Background
The Kennards family has a strong reputation for business innovation and originality.
With foundations with
Walter Kennard and his establishment of the highly regarded
Kennards Hire in 1947,
the family has since
succeeded his enterprise to expand in many ways. Walter’s two sons, Neville and Andrew took Kennards
to a level he would not imagine.
In 1973, this included establishing Australia’s
first Self Storage Centre in the Kennards Hire branch at Moorebank.
Neville and his son Sam, now independently own the Kennards Self
Storage Company. Kennards Hire now has no commercial relationship
to Kennards self Storage.
Kennards Self Storage now proudly boasts being the
largest Self Storage Operator in Australia. The company has pioneered
the industry in many ways. It is founded on values of quality, value,
convenience and innovation. The entire KSS team strives to provide
customers an exceptional storage experience.
In 2004, KSS teamed up with Valad Property Group
to acquire 24 storage centres trading under the name of Millers
Self Storage. This grew the business to 56 locations virtually doubling our size.
In June 2008, Kennards agreed to acquire Valads interest in the joint venture which owned 38 properties.
Today Kennards Self Storage has 70 locations in Australia and New Zealand.
Shaping the Industry
Kennards Self Storage is undoubtedly the pioneers
of the self storage industry. They were the first to open a Self
Storage Centre in Australia and have since successfully implemented
a range of industry changing initiatives.
The company recognises the opportunity to positively
impact people's lives. From the moment a customer walks through
the door we realise they are usually going through an emotional,
stressful or even exciting ‘life event’. They are moving
house; changing jobs; going overseas; moving back with mum &
dad; breaking up with a partner; or getting together with a new
partner - and we have an awesome opportunity to make a difference
to this emotional time. All KSS centres are built with the customers
in mind first and the entire KSS team strives to assist and care for the customers expectations at this time.
“Early Adopters” of Superior
Security
In 1993, KSS installed its first individual door alarms to storage
spaces. This technology was very new, so NEW the company had to
pay for the installer to learn how to install it!
Since then, the company has alarmed almost every
new space they have built - more than any other company in Australia!
This technology also enabled the company to offer 24-hour access
without compromising security.
The Business Incubator and Support Centre
The company identified an opportunity to foster and encourage businesses
to grow and prosper. With the advent of mobile communications, businesses
started to get mobile and need office space to a lesser degree.
Kennards tailored a package to help business establish,
grow and prosper by providing more than just storage space with fax, meeting rooms, delivery, conceirge service,
24-hour access and even tea and coffee along with their storage
space to cater for this new niche.
Business get support services and can fluctuate their space needs with seasons or demand without a fixed lease.
It’s a Retail Business...
Changing focus of the business to reflect that Self Storage is really
a retail business happened in the late 80’s and constantly
evolved since then. The company has a continual programme of upgrading
our storage centres to reflect the more sophisticated and always
changing needs of its customers.
Wine Storage, Gun Storage, Motorcycle Storage...
The company is always trying to find new customers and help them
solve a problem. Private lock-up wine cellars with full climate
control systems have been built in eleven locations. Kennards wine storage is the only national provider of wine storage services.
Legally complying gun storage to enable people to comply with tighter gun ownership
laws was also developed.
Special high-security motorcycle units have also
been built... ... and the company is still looking.
Own, Manage and Joint Venture
KSS is a privately owned and family run company.
Through astute acquisition of property, clever development
and new sophisticated management skills and systems, the company
remains solid, and continues to grow.
KSS owns and invests in most of the self storage centres under its name. The company also provides a Self Storage
Asset Management service for investors who do not want to worry
about the day-to-day issues.
Constructive Company Culture - The People who care
In pursuit of providing customers with an exceptional storage experience,
KSS fosters a culture of openness, trust, responsibility where people
truly take ownership of their decisions. The company invests heavily
in developing its people and actively measuring it's culture
each year. The cultural survey is called the Organisational Cultural
Inventory and is administered by Achievement Concepts and Human
Synergistics.
KSS is now recognised as one of the longest running
measurers of company culture in the world with the O.C.I. tool. The first survey was undertaken in 1998, and we have measured culture annually since then.
To learn more about KSS culture survey outcomes click here.
The development of culture is important in making our business a place that fosters people to
continually engage and care about our customers.
Our Family Business Serving Your Family's Storage Needs
KSS proudly remains a privately owned family run business. We are not the typical faceless and detached corporation.
Our customers storage experience is a direct reflection of the Kennards family. We aim to be proud of the reputation of our business with our name on the door
We are tireless in pursuit of improving our business so that the customers (i.e. families) we serve experience something special.
The KSS culture and values also reflect that of the Kennards Family. This means you can depend on and trust us.
The Company has been lead by Sam Kennard (son of Neville) since 1995.
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KSS is also a member of the Family Business Association.
Family Business Australia is the peak body for family and private business in Australia.
The members include multi-generational family business, multi-sibling/cousined owned and operated and specialist family business advisors.
To learn more about FBA visit www.fambiz.org.au |
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Kennards Self Storage - Board of Directors
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Sam Kennard - Managing Director
The company is under the stewardship of Sam Kennard. Sam is
the son of the founder, Neville
Kennard. He has been working full-time with the company since
1991. Prior to this he studied and graduated from Hawkesbury
Agriculture College with a Bachelor of Business (Land Ec.).
He has an intimate knowledge of the self storage business,
his experience includes several years managing storage centres,
progressed to supervision and to property development and
acquisition.
He was appointed Managing Director in 1995, when the company had just 12 locations.
Sam participated on the Self Storage Association of
Australasia Board of Directors and continues to contribute on sub-committees.
You can follow Sam on Twitter: @SamKss
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Neville Kennard - Director
Founder of Kennards Self Storage, Neville has many years experience in starting and growing businesses,
most notably in his experience in running and growing Kennards
Hire Service. Neville pioneered the industry when he first opened self storage in Australia
in 1973. This was the first Self Storage Centre to be built
in the country.
Nev was instrumental in the establishment of the Self Storage Association of Australia in 1990 and served on its
Board for several years.
In 2007, He received lifetime membership recognition to the SSAA.
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H.K. Tung - Financial Director
Currently H.K. has an executive role with Kennards Self Storage
as the Financial Controller. He has worked with Neville since
1984 and is currently one of the key management people in
the Company. He has a strong financial management background
and brings many strengths to the Company.
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Bill Bartlett - Chairman
Bill sits on a number of boards including those of Suncorp
Metway Limited, RGA Inc, Bradman Foundation, Bradman Museum
and St James Ethics Centre. He has had 35 years experience
in accounting public practice and was a Partner of Ernst and
Young Australia for 23 years. Bill has extensive experience
in the actuarial, insurance and financial services sectors
through membership of many industry and regulatory advisory
bodies including the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board
since 1994.
Bill became chairman of the Kennards Self Storage Board in 2007.
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Melinda Snowden, BEc, LLB, GAICD, F Fin - Director
Melinda is a Non-Executive Director of Vita Group Limited, an ASX listed lifestyle electronics and
telecommunications retailer (revenues of approx $300 million) and MLC Limited, the wealth management division of NAB.
Melinda is an investment banker with 15 years experience and a consultant with (and former director of) Grant Samuel.
She has advised on a variety of transactions including capital raisings, mergers and acquisitions, and the
preparation of independent expert reports. Prior to joining Grant Samuel, Melinda held corporate finance roles
with Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs in Australia and New York and worked on numerous strategic advisory and
financing assignments. She was also a solicitor with the corporate division of Freehills between 1991 and 1994.
Melinda’s qualifications and accreditations include Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma
in Applied Finance and Investment, GAICD, and Fellow of FINSIA.
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David vanAanholt - Director
David has over 20 years of experience in the Property and Funds Management industry. Prior to establishing his own property
group in 2007 David was the Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) of the ASX listed Goodman Group (previously known as Macquarie Goodman).
In that role David was responsible for Goodman’s operations in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
David work for Goodman for more than a decade and before joining them he was a Fund Manager at Paladin Australia Limited
(acquired by Deutsche Bank) and Associate Director of CDH Properties (Acquired by KPMG). David hold a Bachelor of Business
(Land Economy) Post Graduate Diploma in Management and a Masters in Business Administration.
He is an Independent Director of 360 Capital Property Group and is a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute.
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In 1972 Neville Kennard, then Managing Director
of Kennards Hire Service on a visit to the United States, first
saw a "Mini Storage" - rows and rows of garages with roller
doors at a facility in California.
The idea clicked in Neville's mind, so he came
back and built six 20ft x 10ft storage units behind the Kennards
Hire Centre at Newbridge Road, Moorebank - Australia's first self
storage! With a sign out the front saying "Kennards Mini Storage"
and a small Yellow Pages ad, the spaces were rented and more were
built progressively until the available land was full with about
100 units.
THE 1980's
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Properties were gradually acquired and developed
during the 1980s.
In 1981 a big old wool store in Fortitude Valley,
Brisbane was on the market, so the decision was made to form a company
to specialise in stand-alone self storage facilities. Thus Easi
Stor Pty Limited was formed to acquire, develop and market a chain
of self storage centres.
During this time, 9 properties were opened.
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Fortitude
Valley
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THE 1990's
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Even after the real estate boom of the late 80’s, the company
continued to actively look to grow throughout the next decade. The
style of development was improved and individual door alarms were
introduced to all developments from 1994.
1991 the decision to use the name Kennards Self Storage was made and the 9 properties were re-badged.
Sam Kennard became the Managing Director in 1995, and Neville continued to help with Acquisition and development.
In 1997, the company began its Melbourne expansion with the acquisition of Huntingdale.
The focus on particular investment criteria sharpened and properties were selectively acquired and developed.
There were 14 new Self Storage Centres acquired and developed in the 1990's.
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Huntingdale
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THE NAUGHTIES
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The growth programme continued, and two properties
were opened in Adelaide in 2000-2001. Wine Storage was developed
and introduced to numerous locations.
There are now 11 wine storage locations.
Up to 2003, the company added another 2 new self storage centres.
In 2004, Kennards Self Storage teamed up with Valad Property Group to successfully acquire 24 self storage
properties operating under the Millers Self Storage brand.
Valad is a Real Estate Investment Trust (R.E.I.T.) listed on the Australian Stock Exchange,
with investments in office, industrial, bulky goods retail as well as self storage.
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The partnership was 50:50 in the acquisition of the Millers sites. Kennards retained independent ownership of its
existing properties and manages the business for the joint venture.
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The 2004 acquisition grew the Kennards group to 56 locations in total.
The Millers properties were re-branded to Kennards in 2005.
In 2007, the Kennards Valad Partnership acquired 8 locations in New Zealand. The properties are located in
Auckland and other North Island provincial areas.
By 2008, the Kennards brand has 69 locations open with 3 additional locations under construction or planning.
It has in excess of 400 000 square metres of space available and employs over 200 people.
In June 2008, Kennards agreed terms to acquire Valads interest in the partnership that commenced in 2004.
The acquisition involved 38 properties. This is a significant step for Kennards which remains privately owned.
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Preston | |
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Chermside | |
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Sustainability Initiatives |
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We are conscious of our role and potential impacts on the environment so are constantly adopting new practises to
assist in environmental sustainability.
These initiatives include:
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Electricity Consumption Efficiency
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To reduce our use of electricity we install timer switches to lights were
possible. Customers can choose the amount of time for the lights to be on, instead of burning all day.
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Passive Ventilation- We engineer buildings to use passive (non mechanical)
ventilation a much as possible.
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Paper Reduction and Recycling
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To reduce paper use for invoices we prefer customers adopt the automatic
rental payment option or email invoices.
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Our cardboard boxes use recycled cardboard.
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We buy-back boxes for re-use, saving disposal and manufacturing of new ones.
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Water
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Our new developments utilise retention systems to minimise excessive water
flow impacts off our properties.
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Rainwater tanks are being installed in new developments for use on gardens and cleaning.
Tanks are also to be installed in existing sites where space may permit.
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Landscaping of Properties
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Property Development
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Adaptive Re-use of Buildings
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Many of our storage centres are re-developments of existing buildings.
This adaptive re-use saves the environmental cost of demolition of otherwise obsolete buildings
and construction of new buildings. The use of additional physical resources is minimised.
We are specialists in property refurbishment and renewal. We are able to extend the economic life of
buildings through our design and development expertise, saving the environmental cost.
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Properties Wanted & Management Services |
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Acquisitions
We continue to look at acquiring new properties to grow our business.
We encourage owners to submit their properties to us for prompt consideration of the suitability.
Our Acquisition and Investment options include:
- Greenfield development sites with or without Council approval
- Conversion of existing buildings
- Existing self storage buildings
- Joint Venture Proposals
To submit your property for consideration click here.
Self Storage Management Services
Kennards offer Self Storage Management Services to look after the day-to-day operations of a storage centre.
The Kennards business systems with outstanding people and infrastructure allow passive investors to enjoy
the benefits of the company's experience and industry leadership.
Asset Management Services Include:
- Day-to-Day operations
- Training
- Supervision and comprehensive H.R. Management
- Call Centre Sales and Support
- Marketing and Advertising execution
- Pricing and Revenue Management
- Property Presentation & Quality Management
- Group Purchasing negotiations and savings benefits
- Website and Internet Strategy execution
- Comprehensive Monthly and Quarterly Reporting against portfolio and benchmarks
- Accounts Payment
- Benefits of Kennards Brand and Reputation
- Customer Relations Management
- Value enhancement recommendations
- Frequent audits and inspections
New Storage Centre Services:
- Advisory on location selection
- Feasibility
- Design and Layout Advice
- Construction Project Management
- Planning Coordination
- Approvals
To learn more about our self storage management email: properties@kss.com.au
Properties Available
Our site acquisition decisions occasionally see us with excess property available for sale or lease.
Our site selection decisions typically mean we acquire properties in high profile growing metropolitan markets
that are suitable for many retail and service industry users.
To visit our list of current available sites click here.
ENJOY A CAREER IN SPACE WITHOUT LEAVING THE GROUND?
A bit about who we are
Kennards Self Storage is a privately owned family business and has a long history for innovation and
pioneering in the storage industry. The business started in 1973 after Neville Kennard noticed self
storage in the USA. He subsequently built Australia's first storage spaces. Kennards Self Storage
now runs under the stewardship of his son Sam.
Kennards Self Storage is the clear market leader with a distinct and famous brand position among
consumers. It is highly regarded for professionalism and quality. We have locations in most major
Australian Metropolitan areas and actively looking to grow.
A Company proud of its values and culture
We are committed to making sure our customers have a storage experience with us that is
outstanding. Our values underpin everything we stand for and we expect our people to enjoy living
them.
We encourage our people to be open and direct; contribute and make a difference. Our team
is to act with integrity, have a passion for our customers, our brand and our goals.
The company encourages participation in decision making, innovation and having fun.
In support of our efforts to make KSS constructive, effective and fun, a detailed Company Culture Survey is carried
out annually. We foster constructive behaviours and seek to reduce aggressive and defensive styles.
Our most recent organisational inventory is shown here.
The 2009 O.C.I. reveal the strongest attributes of Kennards organisational culture are:
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- Humanistic & Encouraging - where people are expected to help others learn and develop offer encouragement and resolve conflict constructively
- Self-Actualising - where work is seen as enjoyable, ideas are communicated and people maintain their integrity.
- Affillitive - illustrated by people being open and warm, use good interpersonal skills and show concern.
- Achievement - style which has an expectation for people to achieve self set goals, pursue high standards and work for sense of accomplishment.
To learn more about the KSS culture click here.
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Why join us?
People joining Kennards Self Storage have the opportunity to be the best they can by:
Growing personally and professionally;
Maximising their potential;
Renewing themselves through feedback and coaching.
They can really make a difference through:
Delivering great results for the business;
Challenging work;
The freedom to make decisions;
Taking moderate risk.
...and have a great time doing it by:
Really loving being part of the team;
Aligning personal values to their work;
Achieving a sense of fulfilment and enjoyment.
We further realise that our success depends on motivated, well-trained people so we invest heavily to
ensure all team members at all levels get the training and opportunities to develop to their full potential.
If you aspire to this then you may be the right person for us.
Opportunities Available
We are currently looking for good people to fit our culture.
As part of the Storage Centre Team (as Manager or
Assistant Manager) you will enjoy operating the centre like
it was your own business. We provide in-depth training so
all you need to bring is a constructive approach to things.
Training includes detailed induction training programme,
ongoing skill development and personal growth with a
mentor programme for extra support.
Roles are varied and include functions such as: customer
service, sales, administration, and property care &
maintenance.
Due to our growth and constant change we will consider
applications for positions in Sydney, Melbourne,
Newcastle, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Remuneration includes a base salary inclusive of profit
share, plus performance bonuses and superannuation.
Positions are part-time and full-time.
| Storage Centre Areas |
Manager |
Assistant Manager |
Relief Manager |
| Sydney | Contact Us | Recruiting Now | Recruiting Now |
| Canberra | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
| Central Coast | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
| Newcastle | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
| Melbourne | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
| Brisbane | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
| Adelaide | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
| New Zealand | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
For an outline of the Storage Centre Position description click here.
| Team Headquarters |
Position |
Description |
Position Outline |
| Homebush Sydney |
Customer Care Officer - Part Time |
Become part of our friendly Call Centre Team and join an Australian owned Self Storage industry leader. |
click here. |
To Apply please click here.
Kennards Self Storage has harnessed its unique position in many ways to assist the community. We have supported many community groups, charities and causes over the years.
Local Schools supported
We frequently provide support for local schools to assist their efforts to raise funds for the improvement of the school. Ideas to support include: providing free or low-cost storage space for the accumulation of donated items to be sold at school fairs, or to auction off some cellaring time with our wine storage cellars (this is even better if someone donates wine to put in it!).
Click here for more information on how KSS can help support your school fundraising or send an e-mail to: sharon@kss.com.au for further information.
Kenya Aid
Kenya Aid is an Australian group of young and passionate people dedicated to improving health-care outcomes in Western Kenya. They aim to do this through improving both the availability and quality of basic health care in the region..
Over the past few years Kenya Aid managed to construct a hospital in Kenya and fill it with some basic items - beds, linens etc. They are now looking at collecting more items to store for an upcoming shipment in 2012.
Kennards have provided Kenya Aid with space for their worthy cause.
To learn more about the great work being achieved by Kenya Aid visit www.kenyaaid.org
Books for Charity
The Benjamin Andrew Footpath Library provides books to the homeless through hostels and a 'footpath' book club.
KSS donates space for the storage of all these books. To learn more visit www.footpathlibrary.org
Boxing Day Tsunami
Donations, free storage and boxes have been provided to support the many group providing relief efforts for the Tsunami on 26th December 2004.
Bush Fire Relief
KSS makes frequent donations of free storage space for people whose homes are affected by bushfires.
The Smith Family
Support is provided to the Smith Family to help disadvantaged children and their families create a better future through education.
To Learn more visit www.SmithFamily.com.au
Stepping Stone House
A Sydney based cause to help young teens in trouble is proudly supported by KSS each year. Stepping Stone House has a house in Dulwich Hill
and a programme designed to help young people, often abused and neglected as children take responsibility for their own lives.
To Learn more visit www.SteppingStoneHouse.com.au
The Centre for Independant Studies
The CIS is the leading Independant Public Policy Think Tank within Australasia. The CIS aims to promote individual liberty and choice,
democratic government, an autonomous and free civil society and economy based on free markets.
To Learn more visit www.cis.org.au
Other support is also provided to:
Clean-Up Australia Day, Property Industry Foundation, The Salvation Army, Rotary Clubs,
St Lucy's Special School and other local Schools and communities.
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