Effective Date: August 25, 2025

Revised: August 2, 2026 

1. Introduction

Empowered Self Storage Consulting & Management LLC (“Empowered,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information entrusted to us by our customers, website visitors, clients, and individuals who interact with our AI-powered communication services.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and safeguard personal information obtained through our website, telephone communications, artificial intelligence (“AI”) systems, SMS messaging, email communications, and other services provided directly by Empowered or on behalf of our clients.

Empowered provides consulting, operational management, automation, and AI-powered communication services to self-storage facilities and other businesses. In many cases, Empowered acts as a service provider on behalf of our clients. When we collect or process information while providing services for a client, we do so in accordance with our contractual obligations and applicable law.

By accessing our website, communicating with us, or interacting with an AI assistant operated by Empowered, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.

2. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through:

• The Empowered Self Storage Consulting & Management website.
• AI-powered voice assistants operated by Empowered.
• Telephone calls.
• SMS text messaging.
• Email communications.
• Website contact forms.
• Customer support requests.
• Reservation requests.
• Rental inquiries.
• Payment assistance requests.
• Client onboarding.
• Consulting services.
• Other products or services provided by Empowered.

This Privacy Policy does not apply to information collected directly by third-party websites or services that maintain their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review the privacy practices of any third-party websites you visit.

3. Definitions

For purposes of this Privacy Policy:

AI Services means artificial intelligence-powered systems operated by Empowered to communicate with customers, answer questions, provide customer service, route calls, send approved communications, and assist with operational workflows.

Client means any business or organization that contracts with Empowered to provide consulting, operational management, AI communications, automation, or related services.

Customer means any person who contacts Empowered or one of Empowered’s clients for information, support, reservations, rentals, account assistance, or other services.

Personal Information means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or can reasonably be associated with an individual. Examples include a person’s name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, IP address, payment-related information, or recorded communications.

SMS Communications means text messages sent by Empowered on behalf of itself or one of its clients, including customer care, transactional, and other authorized communications.

Website means the Empowered Self Storage Consulting & Management website and any related webpages, portals, or online services operated by Empowered.

4. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with Empowered, we may collect the following categories of information:

Information You Provide

You may voluntarily provide:

• Full name
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Mailing address
• Company name
• Reservation details
• Rental inquiries
• Payment-related information
• Customer support requests
• Information submitted through website forms

Information Collected During Phone Calls

When you communicate with Empowered or one of our AI-powered systems, we may collect:

• Telephone number
• Date and time of the call
• Call duration
• Call recordings (where permitted by law)
• AI-generated conversation transcripts
• Notes created by customer service representatives
• Information voluntarily provided during the conversation

Information Collected Through SMS

When you communicate with us by text message, we may collect:

• Mobile telephone number
• SMS messages sent and received
• Date and time of each message
• Message delivery status
• Customer responses, including SMS consent confirmations (such as a reply of “YES”), opt-out requests (such as “STOP”), and requests for assistance (such as “HELP”)

5. How We Use Your Information

Empowered uses personal information only for legitimate business purposes and in accordance with applicable law. The information we collect helps us provide our services, improve customer experiences, maintain the security of our systems, and fulfill our contractual obligations to our clients.

Depending on how you interact with us, we may use your information to:

• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support.
• Process reservations, rental requests, and customer service requests.
• Deliver information requested by customers through phone, email, or SMS.
• Operate, improve, and maintain AI-powered communication systems.
• Route calls and communications to the appropriate personnel or client.
• Verify customer identity when appropriate.
• Maintain records of customer interactions.
• Troubleshoot technical issues.
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud or unauthorized activity.
• Improve the accuracy and effectiveness of our AI systems.
• Analyze service performance and customer satisfaction.
• Meet legal, regulatory, contractual, and insurance obligations.
• Protect the safety, security, and integrity of our systems, employees, clients, and customers.

We do not use personal information for purposes that are materially different from those described in this Privacy Policy without providing notice where required by law.

6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Communications

Empowered utilizes artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies to assist customers and support the businesses we serve.

AI communications are designed to improve customer service by providing timely, accurate, and consistent responses while allowing human representatives to focus on more complex customer needs.

Our AI systems may:

• Answer incoming telephone calls.
• Respond to frequently asked questions.
• Provide facility information.
• Assist with reservations.
• Provide rental information.
• Send requested customer care text messages.
• Provide payment information.
• Provide driving directions.
• Route calls to appropriate personnel.
• Collect information necessary to complete customer requests.
• Schedule appointments or callbacks where applicable.

AI systems operate using information provided by customers and business-specific knowledge supplied by Empowered or its clients.

Although our AI systems are designed to provide accurate information, responses generated by artificial intelligence may occasionally contain errors or omissions. Customers should verify important information with a representative whenever necessary.

Whenever reasonably available, customers may request to speak with a live representative instead of interacting with an AI assistant.

7. Call Recordings and Conversation Transcripts

To improve customer service, maintain quality standards, assist with training, and comply with legal obligations, Empowered or its clients may record telephone calls where permitted by applicable law.

Recorded calls may be reviewed by authorized personnel for:

• Quality assurance.
• Employee training.
• AI model improvement.
• Customer service investigations.
• Dispute resolution.
• Compliance monitoring.
• Fraud prevention.
• Security.

AI-generated transcripts may also be created during customer interactions.

Call recordings and transcripts are treated as confidential business records and are protected using reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.

Access to recordings and transcripts is limited to authorized personnel and service providers who require access to perform legitimate business functions.

8. SMS Communications

Empowered provides customer care SMS messaging on behalf of itself and its clients.

SMS communications are intended to deliver information specifically requested by customers during an active interaction.

Examples include:

• Rental links
• Secure payment links
• Facility directions
• Reservation confirmations
• Move-in information
• Account assistance
• Customer support information
• Other customer care resources requested by the customer

Unless a customer separately enrolls in a marketing program, Empowered does not send unsolicited promotional, marketing, or recurring text messages through its customer care messaging platform.

9. SMS Consent and Double Opt-In

Empowered is committed to ensuring that customers receive SMS messages only after providing clear and affirmative consent.

Customer-Initiated Requests

Customers initiate the SMS process by contacting Empowered or one of Empowered’s clients and requesting information that can be delivered by text message.

Examples include requesting:

• A rental link.
• A secure payment link.
• Driving directions.
• Reservation information.
• Move-in instructions.
• Other customer care information.

Consent Confirmation Process

Before any requested information is delivered, Empowered uses the following consent process:

1. The customer contacts Empowered or one of our clients by telephone.
2. During the conversation, the customer requests information that may be delivered by SMS.
3. The AI assistant or representative asks whether the customer would like to receive the requested information by text message.
4. If the customer agrees, Empowered sends an SMS Consent Confirmation message.
5. The customer must reply YES to provide affirmative consent.
6. Only after the YES response is received will Empowered send the requested customer care message.
7. If the customer does not reply YES, no requested information is sent and no additional SMS messages are delivered.

This process is designed to protect customers, verify consent, and comply with applicable carrier requirements and industry standards.

Sample SMS Consent Confirmation

Empowered Self Storage: You requested information from one of our client businesses during your phone call. By replying YES, you consent to receive the requested customer care text message from Empowered Self Storage Consulting & Management LLC on behalf of the client business you contacted. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance.

Sample Rental Link

[Client Business]: Here is the rental information you requested during our call: https://www.example.com/rent

Sample Payment Link

[Client Business]: Here is the secure payment link you requested during our call: https://www.example.com/pay

Sample Directions Link

[Client Business]: Here are the directions you requested during our call: https://maps.google.com/example

10. Message Frequency, Opt-Out, and Customer Choices

Empowered is committed to respecting customer communication preferences.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies depending on the services requested by the customer.

For customer care communications, customers will generally receive:

• One (1) SMS Consent Confirmation message.
• One (1) SMS containing the requested information after affirmative consent has been received.

Additional SMS messages will not be sent unless:

• The customer initiates another interaction;
• The customer requests additional information; or
• The customer separately enrolls in another authorized messaging program.

Empowered does not send recurring customer care messages without an additional customer request or authorization.

Opt-Out

Customers may opt out of receiving SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any message received from Empowered.

After receiving a valid STOP request:

• The customer’s opt-out request will be honored as soon as reasonably practicable.
• No additional SMS messages will be sent through that messaging program unless the customer initiates a new interaction and completes the applicable consent process.
• Customers may continue to communicate with Empowered or the client business through telephone, email, or other available communication methods.

Opting out of SMS communications does not affect a customer’s relationship with Empowered or the client business.

HELP Requests

Customers may reply HELP to any SMS message for assistance.

A HELP response may include:

• Contact information for Empowered.
• Contact information for the client business.
• Instructions for obtaining additional assistance.
• Information regarding message frequency and applicable message and data rates.

Consent Records

Empowered maintains records of SMS consent where required by applicable law, contractual obligations, or carrier requirements.

Consent records may include:

• Date and time of consent.
• Telephone number.
• Confirmation that affirmative consent was received.
• SMS confirmation responses.
• Message delivery records.
• Customer opt-out requests.
• Customer HELP requests.

These records help demonstrate compliance with applicable messaging requirements and protect both customers and our clients.

Revoking Consent

Customers may revoke their consent to receive SMS communications at any time by:

• Replying STOP to any SMS message;
• Contacting the applicable client business directly;
• Contacting Empowered using the information provided in this Privacy Policy.

Once consent has been revoked, Empowered will no longer send SMS messages through that messaging program unless the customer initiates a new interaction and provides new consent.

11. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Empowered values customer privacy and limits the disclosure of personal information to what is necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell customer personal information.

We do not sell, rent, or share SMS consent or telephone numbers with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

Personal information may be disclosed only under the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our business, including providers of:

• Artificial intelligence services
• Telephone communications
• SMS messaging
• Website hosting
• Cloud storage
• Payment processing
• Customer relationship management
• Analytics
• Security monitoring
• Technical support

These providers are contractually required to safeguard information and may use personal information only for the services they provide on our behalf.

Clients

When Empowered is acting on behalf of one of its clients, information collected during customer interactions may be shared with that client to:

• Respond to customer inquiries.
• Complete requested transactions.
• Manage reservations.
• Process rentals.
• Provide customer service.
• Resolve disputes.
• Maintain business records.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when we believe such disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with applicable laws.
• Respond to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process.
• Cooperate with law enforcement.
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Empowered, our clients, our customers, or others.
• Investigate suspected fraud or unlawful activity.

Business Transfers

If Empowered undergoes a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or other business transaction, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to applicable law and appropriate confidentiality protections.

No Sale of Personal Information

Empowered does not sell customer personal information.

SMS consent, telephone numbers, and messaging information are never sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing purposes.

12. Data Security

Empowered recognizes the importance of protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information entrusted to us.

We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or destruction.

Our security measures may include, where appropriate:

• Secure cloud-based infrastructure.
• Encrypted communications where supported.
• Access controls and authentication requirements.
• Role-based access to customer information.
• Password management procedures.
• Activity logging.
• Routine software updates.
• Security monitoring.
• Employee training regarding data privacy and security.
• Vendor security assessments where appropriate.

Although we take commercially reasonable steps to protect personal information, no method of transmitting or storing electronic information can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Customers should understand that all online communications involve some degree of inherent risk.

13. Data Retention

Empowered retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Provide requested services.
• Maintain customer service records.
• Comply with legal obligations.
• Resolve disputes.
• Enforce contractual agreements.
• Improve service quality.
• Maintain system security.
• Satisfy insurance, accounting, audit, or regulatory requirements.

Retention periods may vary depending on:

• The nature of the information collected.
• Applicable legal requirements.
• Client contractual obligations.
• Operational business needs.

When personal information is no longer required, Empowered will securely delete, anonymize, or otherwise dispose of the information using commercially reasonable methods.

14. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve website performance, enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and support the operation of our online services.

Cookies may be used to:

• Remember user preferences.
• Improve website functionality.
• Maintain secure sessions.
• Measure website performance.
• Understand how visitors interact with our website.
• Improve future website content and services.

Some third-party service providers may also use cookies or similar technologies as part of the services they provide on our behalf.

Most web browsers allow users to control or disable cookies through browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features of our website.

15. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your state of residence and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information.

These rights may include the ability to:

• Request access to personal information we maintain about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of certain personal information.
• Request a copy of personal information you have provided to us.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based upon consent.
• Request information regarding how personal information has been used or disclosed, where required by law.

To exercise these rights, please contact Empowered using the contact information provided at the end of this Privacy Policy.

We will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.

16. California Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, you may have additional privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including the right to:

• Know what categories of personal information we collect.
• Request access to certain personal information.
• Request deletion of certain personal information, subject to applicable exceptions.
• Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Limit the use or disclosure of certain sensitive personal information where applicable.
• Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

Empowered does not sell personal information as defined under the CCPA/CPRA.

SMS consent, telephone numbers, and messaging information collected for customer care purposes are not sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

California residents may submit privacy requests using the contact information provided at the end of this Privacy Policy.

17. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are intended for use by adults and individuals seeking information regarding businesses served by Empowered.

Our services are not directed toward children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child in violation of applicable law, we will take reasonable steps to delete the information.

Parents or legal guardians who believe a child has provided personal information may contact us using the information provided in this Privacy Policy.

18. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Decision-Making

Empowered utilizes artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies to enhance customer service, improve response times, and support the businesses we serve.

Our AI systems are designed to assist—not replace—human decision-making.

Depending on the services being provided, our AI systems may:

• Answer incoming telephone calls.
• Respond to frequently asked questions.
• Provide information supplied by our clients.
• Assist customers with reservations and rental inquiries.
• Send customer care SMS messages after the required consent process has been completed.
• Route calls to the appropriate department or representative.
• Collect information necessary to fulfill customer requests.
• Schedule appointments or callbacks when applicable.
• Provide general operational information.

AI systems make routine operational decisions, such as determining which information a customer requested or routing a call to the appropriate destination.

AI systems do not independently approve rentals, deny services, authorize payments, make legal determinations, or make decisions requiring human judgment unless specifically authorized by the client and permitted by applicable law.

Customers may request assistance from a live representative whenever one is available.

Empowered continuously monitors and improves AI performance to enhance accuracy, reliability, and customer experience. However, AI-generated responses may occasionally contain errors, omissions, or outdated information. Customers should verify important information before relying upon it for significant decisions.

19. Third-Party Technology Providers

To operate our business and provide services efficiently, Empowered utilizes carefully selected third-party service providers.

These providers may assist with:

• Artificial intelligence processing.
• Telephone communications.
• SMS messaging.
• Cloud hosting.
• Website hosting.
• Email communications.
• Customer relationship management.
• Analytics and reporting.
• Payment processing.
• Security monitoring.
• Technical support.
• Data storage and backup.

These providers are permitted to access personal information only to the extent necessary to perform services on behalf of Empowered and are contractually or legally obligated to safeguard the information entrusted to them.

Although Empowered may utilize third-party technologies, Empowered remains responsible for the customer experience and the privacy practices described in this Privacy Policy.

20. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Empowered may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our services.
• New technologies.
• Changes in applicable laws or regulations.
• Industry best practices.
• Operational improvements.

When material changes are made, the updated Privacy Policy will be posted on our website with a revised Effective Date.

Continued use of our website or services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

21. Contact Us

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us.

Empowered Self Storage Consulting & Management LLC

Website: https://www.empoweredselfstorage.com

Email: info@empoweredselfstorage.com

If you have questions regarding SMS communications, your consent preferences, or your privacy rights, please contact us using the information above.

22. Your Acknowledgment

By accessing our website, communicating with Empowered, interacting with one of our AI-powered systems, or requesting services from Empowered or one of our clients, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.

Where applicable, your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the practices described in this Privacy Policy.