Wil Bartels

My mission is simple: to steward well-run, family-owned self-storage businesses through thoughtful, integrity-driven transitions. My journey in real estate investing began over a decade ago, rooted in hands-on operations through our family demolition business. One of our earliest projects was the demolition of the historic Royal Connaught Hotel in Hamilton, ON. Seeing the potential beyond the job itself, I shared a vision with my wife. Within two years, we made our first real estate investment — a 680 sq. ft. unit in the hotel’s redevelopment — and watched its value more than double. That experience set the foundation for everything that followed. Since then, I’ve continued building and operating businesses with a long-term mindset. In my previous role at Budget Environmental Inc., I served as Operations Manager, Director of Health & Safety, and Vice President. Alongside strong partners and a dedicated team, we grew the company from 40 to over 200 employees before a successful sale in March 2022. That journey reinforced one lesson above all others: who you partner with matters. Today, my focus is on acquiring and operating family-owned self-storage businesses. I take stewardship seriously — honoring what owners have built while strengthening operations for the long term. My approach prioritizes people, customers, and sustainable growth over short-term wins. If you’re a self-storage owner considering the future of your business — whether that’s next year or several years from now — I’m always open to a confidential, no-pressure conversation about what a thoughtful transition could look like.