Voices from our ʻOhana

Ed with Madelline

My name is Madelline Anasco Quijano, an accountant who worked for Edmund Clarence Olson for almost 30 years.  I was hired as an accounting clerk by his accountant, Zenaida Smith, at his solely owned corporation, A-American Storage Management Co., Inc. on February 14, 1995. The Management Company managed 16 Self Storage entities back then which grew to managing more than 100 properties in California, Nevada, Illinois, and Hawaii.  

In April 2003, we lost Zenaida Smith as she battled for more than a year with liver cancer. Edmund Olson had to find someone to take over Zenaida’s position.  Officers of the management company were uncertain if I could do the job.  Edmund Olson trusted and believed in me, which up to this day, I will be forever grateful.  He approached me and told me that I would take the position.  It was a mixed emotion of appreciation and worry for me.  I told him that Zenaida had so much knowledge and experience.  He said: “I know you can do it.”  From that point, I learned everything that I need to learn with Ed’s instructions and guidance.  He was instrumental in building my confidence and believing in myself.  There were humps and bumps but those made me learn more even through mistakes and challenges.  I became Ed’s “Money Girl” as what he used to say whenever he introduced me to people since I handle all his finances.

Edmund Olson gave me the opportunity to continue his legacy in the Self-Storage business.  After his passing, he gave me together with my co-workers:  Joshua Paterson, and Claire Shamsid-Deen the ownership of A-American Storage Management Co., Inc.  The Edmund Olson Trust No. 2 has investments in 17 of the 27 self-storage entities that we manage.  Our goal is to generate more revenue so the Trust can continue its purpose in helping the community.