MEET THE TEAM
Meet The Professionals Behind Storage Caves
Jim Stepanian
– Chairman & CEO
Professional Background
Jim is the founder and CEO of Storage Caves, a rapidly growing storage development company (2022–present). In 2019, Mr. Stepanian co-founded Luxe Locker Storage, a Southwestern USA storage development company that pioneered the successful concept of “condo storage.” Mr. Stepanian partnered with Desert Land Group to grow Luxe Locker into a multi-million-dollar storage company (2019–2022).
In 2009, Mr. Stepanian founded and served as the CEO of Summerlin Asset Management LLC, which purchased and managed a portfolio of first trust deeds and other secured real estate notes. He also led Summerlin into the senior housing market, successfully developing two senior living apartment campuses.
During Mr. Stepanian’s early professional career, he spent 17 years in the telecommunications industry, where he served as the CEO of Wholesale Telecom Inc., a California public utility, from 1992 to 2009.
Jim brings Storage Caves a high level of leadership experience across diverse industries. His expertise includes corporate management, capital markets, team building, marketing & advertising, and revenue & net operating income growth for small to mid-cap corporations.
Mr. Stepanian double-majored in Business Management and Health & Human Services. In 2005, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Phoenix.
Reid Phillips
– Chief Operating Officer
Professional Background
Reid is a real estate executive with nearly 20 years of experience across the full lifecycle of investment, development, and operations. As the Chief Operating Officer for Storage Caves, he oversees the companywide operations and the end to end execution of the firm’s self-storage developments, from acquisitions and underwriting through development, stabilization, and ongoing asset performance.
Earlier in his career, Reid managed entitlements and development of ground-up residential single family and multifamily projects as well as brokered land to national homebuilders and multifamily developers for their new communities with Marcus and Millichap. Reid continued his career as a consultant, working for private clients to grow their real estate portfolios through acquisitions, value-add redevelopment and asset management including Marinas and RV and Boat storage facilities.
Joel Markovitz
– Vice President of Business Development
Professional Background
Joel is a seasoned manager with 20 years of experience in real estate debt instruments, acquisitions, finance, and dispositions. His journey began with Integrity Credit, where he played a pivotal role as the Manager of Credit and Collections for the western region and its eventual acquisition by Bell Atlantic.
He was responsible for the credit and collections activity for Navistar International in southern California working with the financing of large carrier vehicle portfolios. His ability to work with clients in the development of their businesses by using data analytics created an environment for growth. He specializes in data driven growth strategies and risk management. He has worked with major financial institutions such as Citibank, Nationstar Mortgage and Ocwen as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and has held significant leadership positions within the real estate financial services industry and has consulted for numerous public and private entities on the topics of portfolio acquisition and analysis, time management, mortgage note investing, and the eventual liquidation of those portfolio’s.
At Storage Caves, Joel is focussed on all aspects of quality assurance and quality control processes. This includes day to day internal operations management at Storage Caves corporate headquarters, new acquisitions with a focus on analyzing market feasibility, profitability, and asset disposition.
Ari Trujillo
– Operations Manager
Professional Background
Ari brings a wealth of experience in customer success and account management, making her a key player at Storage Caves. With a background in developing strong relationships and delivering top-notch support.
Before joining Storage Caves, Ari honed her skills in various customer-focused roles across different industries, consistently earning recognition for her ability to drive client satisfaction and improve service delivery. Her expertise in managing complex client needs and her dedication to understanding individual customer goals make her an invaluable part of the team.
Seth Isaacman
– Vice President of Project Management
Professional Background
Seth is a Boston University graduate with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy, backed by 2 years of experience in construction management. Seth spent 2 years as lead estimator for Corbin Reeves Construction Orange County’s finest estate homebuilders. At Corbin Reeves, Seth managed over $145 million in construction cost estimation and developed strong skills in project coordination and client relations. At Storage Caves, Seth will be lead estimator, project manager, and construction manager.
Lawrence W. Horwitz
– Company Council
Professional Background
Lawrence W. Horwitz is Storage Caves full time counsel. From 1991 through 2001, Mr. Horwitz was a founding shareholder of the Irvine, California law firm Horwitz, Cutler & Beam, practicing in the areas of securities, general business practice, real estate, and business litigation.
Mr. Horwitz is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley (B.S., Business Administration, 1981) and of Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley (J.D., 1984). While at Berkeley, Mr. Horwitz was honored by Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, where he was President in 1983, and was an Associate Editor of the International Tax and Business Lawyer.
Mr. Horwitz was admitted to the state bars of both Texas and California in 1984. He commenced his practice with the international law firm of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, where he practiced in the corporate and securities group. Mr. Horwitz subsequently practiced corporate and securities law with Stradling, Yocca & Carlson in Newport Beach, California. Prior to forming Horwitz, Cutler & Beam, Mr. Horwitz was elected a partner of the law firm of Hart, King & Coldren, where he practiced in that firm’s transactional department.
Mr. Horwitz is admitted to the U.S. Federal District Court, Central District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. From 1994-2001, Mr. Horwitz was a key participant in the formation and operation of two investment funds providing bridge financing for private and public companies. He currently serves as Company Counsel for Storage Caves.
Brett Isaacman
– Construction Oversight
Professional Background
Brett brings over 20 years of construction management experience to Storage Caves.
Brett is an attorney that has spent his career as a construction professional and is very well connected in the industry. With a deep understanding of complex building processes especially mixed-use multifamily housing (ground-up and rehab), utility construction, light industrial, and high-end custom residential products, Brett’s expertise is the building of strong teams to actively manage projects with a focus on schedule and budget that result in successfully executed and delivered construction projects.
This experience comes from 12 years as VP of Construction for Southern Sun Construction and 8 years as President of The Sun Group, both successful SoCal GC firms. Brett is a graduate of Cal Western School of Law and UCSD and is a member of the California Bar Association, as well as BIA and ULI.
Brooklyne Waddell
– Director of Client Relations
Professional Background
Brooklyne joins Storage Caves as a former Division I College Athlete from San Diego State University, where she earned her degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in communications. Before stepping into her role as Director of Client Relations, she worked with a high-level technology recruitment company, building strong relationships with clients and guiding them through important career decisions.
As a trusted advisor and excellent communicator, Brooklyne serves as the primary contact for every current and future storage client. Her calm, organized approach and attention to detail are valued assets to the company. She is committed to prioritizing owners’ needs and ensuring they feel supported and confident throughout the Storage Caves experience.
Drawing on her background as a Division I Lacrosse player, Brooklyne brings the same dedication and discipline to her professional role. Outside of work, she enjoys staying physically active and finds purpose and community attending church with friends and family.
Nicole Stepanian
– Chief Relations Officer
Professional Background
Nicole Stepanian serves as the Chief Relations Officer for Storage Caves, bringing a unique blend of expertise in real estate development and integrative health. With over 17 years of experience in real estate and a master’s degree in Integrative Health Science, Nicole provides both strategic and people-centered leadership. Her nationally board-certified background as a health and wellness coach has shaped her ability to build and sustain strong relationships, whether with investors, partners, or within the company culture. She has coached leaders and teams across large corporations and universities, honing her skill in guiding organizations toward success with integrity and high standards. At Storage Caves, Nicole oversees investment relations, human resources, marketing, and corporate development, ensuring the company’s vision is carried out effectively and relationships excel at every level.
Shiela Keifer
– Director of Property Strategies & Partner Relations
Professional Background
Shiela brings more than a decade of leadership in the self-storage industry along with over 20 years of high-level retail management experience. Her background in operations, team development, and customer experience has helped shape a results-driven approach focused on long-term growth and operational excellence.
Known for building strong teams and creating efficient systems, Shiela has successfully led multi-location operations while improving workflow consistency, service quality, and day-to-day performance. Her ability to recruit top talent, mentor leaders, and create scalable processes makes her a key part of driving continued growth at Storage Caves.
Beyond operations, Shiela’s positive energy, loyalty, and people-first leadership style help create a motivating environment where both employees and customers feel supported, valued, and connected.
Francisco De Oliveira
– Director of Digital Media
Professional Background
Francisco De Oliveira leads the creative team at Storage Caves. Francisco is also the founder and creator 360 Virtual Tour Solutions and PXL360, overseeing all brand and marketing communications. As Storage Caves Creative Director, he fosters a culture of enthusiasm, inspiration, and innovation, encouraging exploration and smart risk-taking. His leadership ensures cohesive customer experiences that drive acquisition, retention, and exceed goals.
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Have a question? We’re here to help.
For inquiries, you can reach out to Ari or Joel directly at 949-866-4325 or via email at [email protected]. If you prefer, send us a message, and a member of our sales team will get back to you within 12 to 24 hours.
Corporate Office
6034 Lanier Islands Pkwy
Buford, GA 30518 - Buford Location
721 S. Parker St. Ste190
Orange, CA 92868 - Corporate Office
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