Category: Philanthropy
Overcoming Adversity: Gwyn’s Inspiring Story (EP. 55)

Overcoming Adversity: Gwyn’s Inspiring Story (EP. 55)

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In this episode of Harnessing Your Wealth, host Billy Peterson interviews Gwyn McNeal, the Chief Legal Officer of Extra Space Storage. Gwyn shares her journey from growing up in a large family in Utah to becoming a successful lawyer and executive. She discusses the challenges she faced in law school, her experiences as an amputee, and her career growth at Extra Space Storage. The conversation delves into the unique legal challenges in the self-storage industry, including litigation and creative uses of storage units. Gwyn also provides insights into the future of the storage business and the importance of adapting to market changes.

Takeaways include:

  • Extra Space Storage is focused on growth and market adaptation.
  • She attended BYU for undergraduate and USC for law school.
  • She transitioned to a full-time role at Extra Space in 2005.
  • Gwyn’s role includes overseeing legal operations and HR.
  • She emphasizes the importance of education instilled by her parents.
  • Gwyn has run multiple marathons and is an avid athlete.
  • Gwyn shares interesting stories from storage facilities.

About our Guest:

Gwyn Goodson McNeal is the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Extra Space Storage, Inc., America’s largest self-storage company. During her 20 years at Extra Space, she has acted as a trusted business partner working with all members of the executive team during the transformation of the company from a small-cap, newly public company to a multi-billion-dollar company and member of the S&P 500.  Ms. McNeal oversaw 100+ employees across such diverse teams as legal, HR, learning and development and events/travel. Ms. McNeal serves on the board of Eastern Airlines, a private air travel and cargo service company based out of Kansas City. Ms. McNeal chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee at Eastern Airlines.

About Extra Space Storage:

Extra Space Storage is the largest operator of self storage facilities and the largest third-party self storage management company. Since we were founded in 1977, we have grown to include more than 4,000 locations across the country from our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT.

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with Extra Space Storage

Connect with Billy Peterson:

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Harnessing Your Wealth with Billy Petrson
Honoring a Legacy: The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation with Laura Joiner (EP 54)

Honoring a Legacy: The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation with Laura Joiner (EP 54)

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In this episode, Laura Joiner discusses the Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation, which she leads in honor of her friend, the late Sam Thompson, a jockey who tragically passed away after a racing accident. The foundation initially aimed to cover Sam’s medical expenses but has since expanded to support injured riders and others in the horse racing community. Laura shares the foundation’s growth, scholarship initiatives, challenges in running a nonprofit, and the impact of their work on individuals and families in need. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and helping others.

Takeaways

  • The foundation was founded to support Sam Thompson’s medical expenses.
  • Sam Thompson’s legacy continues to inspire and drive the foundation’s mission.
  • It has grown to support injured riders and others in the horse racing community.
  • Scholarship initiatives have become a significant part of the foundation’s work and the foundation has awarded over 275 scholarships to date.
  • Community involvement is crucial for the foundation’s success.
  • The foundation aims to create an endowment for sustainable support.

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation

Connect with Billy Peterson:

Connect with Cade Peterson:

 About our Guest: 

Laura has been involved in the race horse industry since the day she was born. Previously, she and her husband (Cody Joiner) operated Circle CJ Racing, LLC. Today they are involved in breeding and racing not only quarter horses but also thoroughbreds.

Sam was not only a rider in their stable, but a close friend as well. Laura wants to put smiles on the faces of those who are in need in our industry, just as Sam did to everyone he touched. Laura has been with the foundation since the very beginning and plans to continue helping it grow larger than they ever dreamed.

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