MEET OUR TEAM

With nearly 20 years of experience in Arkansas real estate and deep roots in Central Arkansas since 1997, Russ Watson brings a strategic, results-driven approach to every deal. A 2008 graduate of Harding University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in professional sales with a focus on negotiation, communication, and personality profiling—skills that continue to shape his client-centered approach.

Russ focuses on Crescent’s acquisition and disposition efforts, primarily in the self-storage sector. He is actively involved in site selection, market analysis, underwriting, and deal structuring to identify growth markets and drive long-term portfolio value.

In addition to acquisitions, Russ leads leasing and tenant recruitment, strategically placing businesses in strong markets for mutual success. He also advises on the design and development of new projects, guiding them from concept through construction to ensure alignment with operational and market goals.

His experience spans self-storage, retail, industrial, and land assets, with a proven track record of managing complex transactions and multi-million-dollar developments across Arkansas.

Outside the office, Russ enjoys being a hands-on dad to two amazing kids, often found building, exploring, or tackling projects together. He and his wife love to travel, spend time outdoors, and work on their land. His hobbies include woodworking, hunting, and just about any activity that gets him outside with his family. Russ also devotes time to supporting ranchers in Arkansas and Oklahoma, assisting with livestock care and land management.

Steve is the Storage Facilities Area Manager for Southwind Storage. He brings over 20 years of experience in the self-storage industry, including 17 years with U-Haul, where he most recently served as an Area Manager overseeing multiple locations until 2021. Since then, Steve has led operations at Southwind Storage, where he continues to apply his deep industry knowledge, leadership skills, and customer-first approach to deliver exceptional service and operational results.

Steve is passionate about helping customers find storage solutions that meet their needs and takes pride in running clean, secure, and efficient facilities. His decades of experience allow him to anticipate challenges, train high-performing teams, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Steve is an award-winning BBQ enthusiast who loves spending time on the lake, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors with his family. He cherishes time with his children and grandchildren and brings that same sense of care and commitment to the people he works with every day.

Kathlene Claire Berdera is a Customer Service Representative for Southwind Storage. Faith and family are at the heart of everything she does. She is a graduate of University of Bohol with a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH). With a background in management and a few years in customer service, she has learned the value of serving others at a high level—whether it’s helping a customer, supporting a team, or making sure the details are handled with care. She believes in strong systems and structures, clear execution, and working together to get things done right. She takes pride in turning challenges into opportunities to enhance the customer experience and contribute to overall team success.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her family. Going on family vacations once or twice a year is what she looks forward to the most. She also loves traveling with her husband - especially the sponty once! Aside from traveling, she makes sure to go on dance classes once or twice a month just to keep her love for dancing alive.

Dianne Mia Ocubillo serves as the Accounting Assistant at Crescent LLC, where she plays a key role in supporting both residential and business operations within the real estate sector. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, she brings solid expertise in financial reconciliation along with experience from client-facing roles. Her background includes leadership in accounts management, payroll coordination, and vendor relations, showcasing strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

At Crescent, she manages the accounts payable process, prepares maintenance service invoices, conducts monthly bank reconciliations, and ensures timely and accurate credit card reporting. Her proficiency in accounting software, combined with her ability to streamline processes, maintaining compliance, or collaborating on process improvements. contributes directly to the financial stability and growth of the organization.

A dedicated team player, Dianne believes in open communication and building strong relationships to achieve success. She approaches accounting with a focus on trust, transparency, and systems that drive business excellence.. Her commitment to integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement makes her a valued member of the Crescent team.

Guided by her faith and family values, she balances her professional responsibilities with her role as a dedicated daughter. Dianne balances professional hustle with heart—taking pride in caring for her parents and embracing life’s joy outside the office through travel, karaoke, and quality time with loved ones.