David Blum, a major figure in the Asian self storage industry, died on 10 April, 2020 of COVID-19-related complications. He was 71.

David co-founded the South Florida Self-Storage Association in 2001. Under his presidency it grew to represent the whole of the state as the Florida Self-Storage Association (FSSA), which David ran until 2004. He also served on the Regional Board of the National Self-Storage Association and represented Florida as an FSSA Trustee Emeritus.

He joined the industry in 1996 with Storage USA and rose to become the vice president of operation for Budget Mini-Storage in Florida, building the company from two to ten sites in just four years.

Remembering David, former Self Storage Association Asia (SSAA) Executive Luigi La Tona said: “He was a mentor, he was a builder, he was an innovator, and he was a leader. With an infectious laugh and unwavering faith, his support for the industry in Asia was second to none from both sides of the Pacific. Rest well amigo.”

Photo:  David Blum