Rod Lockard – DXD Capital

Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, DXD Capital is a forward-thinking real estate investment firm specializing in self-storage development, acquisitions, and management of high-quality assets across the United States. Founded with the vision of redefining self-storage real estate, DXD Capital emphasizes using data through a suite of proprietary tools that foster the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and strategic planning in every project.

At the helm of its construction efforts is Rod Lockard, the company’s managing director of construction, who relies on over 20 years of experience in the self-storage construction industry. His journey through the industry and his leadership on complex projects make him a key player in DXD Capital’s success and a respected figure in commercial construction.

Lockard’s influence extends beyond the projects themselves. His leadership style encourages collaboration and proactive problem-solving, essential in an industry often challenged by unpredictable variables like weather, logistics, and local regulations. Those who work with him speak of his calm demeanor under pressure and ability to make decisive choices while considering the long-term impact of each decision.

Navigating the challenges of coastal construction

One of the most demanding projects Rod has overseen is the DXD’s Nantucket investment. Building on the historic and environmentally sensitive island posed a unique set of challenges.

“Nantucket is a different beast altogether,” Lockard explains. “Every aspect of the project had to be carefully managed, from adhering to strict local building codes to coordinating material shipments to an island accessible by ferry.”

The picturesque island of Nantucket, known for its pristine beaches and colonial charm, presents various environmental and logistical difficulties. Lockard’s team faced stringent environmental regulations to preserve the island’s natural beauty.

“We had to implement erosion controls and make sure that every material we brought in was approved,” he says. “It wasn’t just about building a facility—it was about protecting the community and respecting the environment.”

In addition to environmental hurdles, the team dealt with the challenge of sourcing local labor while balancing the need to bring in skilled specialists. This careful coordination required months of planning and negotiation with local stakeholders.

“We couldn’t just show up with an army of contractors,” Lockard points out. “We had to engage the community and respect local traditions and preferences.”

Furthermore, the logistics of transporting heavy equipment and materials via ferry were daunting.

“If you miss a ferry, that’s half a day gone,” he notes. “Every minute counted, and the planning had to be meticulous. We had to stage materials at nearby ports and work within narrow availability windows.”

Lockard emphasizes that the key to success lies in building strong relationships with local suppliers and maintaining clear, open communication to anticipate any disruptions.

From blueprint to reality

Another significant challenge arose in Bristol, Rhode Island, where Lockard’s team built a state-of-the-art storage facility while adhering to stringent historical zoning codes. The facility, which won MSM’s ‘Facility of the Year’ in 2024, looks more like row houses or multifamily than self-storage.

“The building has a story to it,” Lockard recalls. “We wanted to preserve the story in the community while offering a modern amenity.”

The Bristol project exemplified Lockard’s commitment to respecting architectural heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern engineering. It’s about balancing preservation with innovation, he explains.

One of the major hurdles was ensuring the building’s energy efficiency while maintaining historical authenticity. Lockard worked closely with sustainability experts to incorporate energy-saving technologies that complemented the building’s classic aesthetic.

“Blending old and new is a challenge,” he says. “But when done right, it respects the past while preparing for the future.”

The team made it work through creative design and strategic planning. By collaborating with local architects and historians, Lockard’s team ensured that the final product honored the community’s legacy while providing a highly functional modern space.

A career in construction

Lockard’s journey in construction began before he even took his first steps. Born in 1958, he grew up immersed in building and development, thanks to his father, a commercial contractor who started his own company the same year Rod was born. From a young age, Lockard could be found on job sites—cleaning up, getting in the way, and itching to get behind the controls of a backhoe. Construction was in his blood, and he never hesitated to get his hands dirty.

After graduating high school, Lockard knew exactly what he wanted: to build. He joined his father on job sites, learning the craft firsthand. To expand his skills, he completed several apprenticeships, driven by a desire to understand every aspect of the work. His father, determined to instill independence and leadership, encouraged Rod to start his own company. In 1980, Lockard took that advice and launched his own construction business.

Just a few years later, in 1983, Rod noticed something unexpected: his company’s name was showing up on the same bidder lists as his father’s business. Then, in 1984, his father sat him down to share difficult news—he could no longer continue running the company due to Parkinson’s Disease. Faced with the possibility of selling or phasing out the family business, Lockard offered to take over. He rolled his company into his father’s, taking the helm as president and carrying the family legacy forward.

In 1989, Lockard rebranded the company as Lockard Inc., solidifying his leadership and vision. After years of dedication and growth, he eventually decided to sell the business. Always a builder, Lockard then played a pivotal role in developing an architectural firm in the early 2000s. But his curiosity didn’t stop there—around 2004, he began exploring the burgeoning world of self-storage facilities. By 2015, seeing a growing wave of opportunity in self-storage, he decided to move away from brokerage and co-founded Storage Construction. His vision was clear: build a company, build a team, and ride off into the sunset.

Lockard officially retired from Storage Construction at the end of 2021, confident he had built something that would endure. Despite receiving numerous offers to lend his expertise elsewhere, he turned them all down and focused instead on relocating to Northern New Mexico. That plan took a surprising turn when DXD reached out. Based in Albuquerque, DXD was the perfect opportunity—geographically aligned and professionally intriguing. In February 2022, Lockard joined DXD, bringing his decades of experience and passion for building to a new chapter in his career.

Lockard’s commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond just the practical aspects of building. He emphasizes the importance of creating facilities that not only meet the needs of today but also stand resilient against future challenges. Whether adapting to changing environmental standards or designing with the community in mind, his approach is rooted in long-term thinking.

As DXD Capital expands its portfolio, Lockard remains focused on pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities. He believes that the future of self-storage lies in utility and thoughtful integration within communities.

“It’s never just about the building—it’s about creating spaces that serve the community and stand the test of time,” he says.