Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Storm.
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career started when I was at SMU, studying Accounting and Real Estate. I was fortunate to intern with Robert S Folsom Investments and join the company when I graduated. After four years, I was recruited by the Vantage Companies, one of the nations’ largest industrial/office developers.
After a five year career with Vantage, I returned to my hometown of Amarillo, Texas to enter the commercial real estate business for myself.
Over the next 20 years, I operated a commercial real estate management/leasing and development company responsible for the development of multiple property types totaling more than 1,000,000 SF of commercial space in several states.
I took a seven year sabbatical from the real estate business to be CEO/President of Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in Amarillo. Cal Farley’s is a large, privately funded residential child care facility that was started in 1939 and has raised more than 7,000 young men and women, at no charge to their families or any governmental entity.
After returning to the Board of Cal Farley’s and retiring from the staff, I returned to the real estate business where I devote my time today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The commercial real estate business is cyclical. There have been some really difficult times along the way. The Savings and Loan bust in the late 80’s. The dot.com meltdown in the early 2000’s. The Great Financial Crisis of 2008/09. The bust in the oil fields in 2014/15. Covid.
Those periods were characterized by upset capital markets, tenant failures and severe business disruption.
Those periods created opportunity along with disaster. Navigating the cross-currents was interesting. To say the least.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
SafeStop Secure Truck Parking is just what it says. A secure place for truck drivers to stop when in the Dallas area. It is completely fenced, accessible by secure gates activated through a reservation system that records every vehicle/driver on the concrete-paved lot. It is completely covered by an interactive camera system that is monitored, live, 24 hours a day. The driver’s lounge incudes clean restrooms, free showers, laundry facilities, free wi-fi and food/drink/vending.
There are other places for trucks to park when they must – truck stops, dirt or gravel lots, exit/entry ramps, etc. – but none have the security and convenience features SafeStop does.
For t he driver or trucking company that values the safety of the driver and the security of the truck/trailer and their cargo, SafeStop is far and away the best choice for a rest or staging stop in the Dallas area.
We’re proud to support the trucking industry with this facility.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Dallas offers a tremendous climate for business. Located in a State that offers a wonderful business environment, there is plenty here for businesses to flourish.
I enjoy the cultural and sports offerings, as well. DFW airport and Love Field offer the ability to reach anywhere in the world easily and quickly.
The downside, in my view is the traffic. It can be brutal. Especially on the major highways and streets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesafestop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_safe_stop?igsh=dnl0OTY0OGQyZ3ln&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ERTt2VyHn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safestop-secure-truck-parking/
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Thesafestop
