Sponsor Profile

SmartStop

Ladera Ranch, CA · Founded 2013 · smartstop.com · Reviewed July 2026

SmartStop is a self-storage REIT (NYSE: SMA) that completed an $810 million IPO in April 2025 and sponsors self-storage DSTs through its broader platform, with assets in the $7 billion-plus range post-listing. Its…

Assets Under Mgmt
$7.0B
Full-Cycle Deals
0
Year Founded
2013
Headquarters
Ladera Ranch, CA

Overview

SmartStop is a self-storage REIT (NYSE: SMA) that completed an $810 million IPO in April 2025 and sponsors self-storage DSTs through its broader platform, with assets in the $7 billion-plus range post-listing. Its pure-play self-storage focus, internal management and combined U.S.-and-Canada footprint give it a clean, single-sector thesis, and the recent public listing adds a transparency and liquidity dimension uncommon among DST sponsors. For exchangers, it offers concentrated exposure to a resilient, low-operating-intensity asset class.

Key strategies & advantages

  • Self-storage pure-play, concentrated exposure to a resilient, low-operating-intensity asset class.
  • NYSE-listed (ticker SMA) after an $810 million IPO in April 2025, rare transparency/liquidity for a DST sponsor.
  • Sponsors self-storage DSTs through its broader platform.
  • Internally managed, capturing operating economics.
  • Operates a combined U.S. and Canada storage footprint.
These describe the sponsor’s approach and potential advantages only, and should be weighed against the risks common to DST investments — illiquidity, loss of principal, and no guaranteed distributions. Full risk factors are in each offering’s Private Placement Memorandum.

Track record

Baker 1031 does not yet have full-cycle, deal-by-deal results for SmartStop in its dataset. Aggregate figures above, where shown, are sponsor-reported and not independently verified. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Current offerings from this sponsor

Baker 1031 tracks this sponsor’s active DST and 1031-eligible offerings. Verified investors can review what’s currently available. Browse current offerings →

Gerald F. “Jerry” Baker, III — Founder & Managing Principal, Baker 1031 Investments · FINRA Series 22 / 63 · SIE. Read full bio →

Sponsor figures are sponsor-reported and not independently verified; they may reflect selection and survivorship bias, and past performance does not guarantee future results. This profile is educational and is not investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. Offerings are available only to accredited investors and are made solely through the sponsor’s Private Placement Memorandum. Securities offered through Aurora Securities, member FINRA/SIPC. Real estate investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal.

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