A LITTLE ABOUT ME

Chris Cates is a driven entrepreneur with a passion for real estate, finance and
investing. Born in Houston, Texas and a long-term resident in the DFW area, he
holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston, which laid the foundation
for his career.With an initial eye on the investment banking sector, Chris had success as Vice
President of a firm specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions for mid-market level
companies. His expertise covered a diverse range of companies with revenues
ranging from $10mm to $200mm.

In addition to his finance career, Chris has made a significant impact in the real
estate industry. As both an Investor and a Trainer in the Real Estate Investment
sector, he has been involved in various projects nationwide including developing
beach homes along the Texas Gulf Coast, as well as purchasing, renovating, and
selling condos in Texas, Hawaii, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. He has also
successfully undertaken numerous single-family flips and commercial strip center
developments, operating in major markets across the country.

Capitalizing on his comprehensive real estate experience, Chris co-founded, with
his wife, Cates & Company, a thriving Real Estate Brokerage and Property
Management Company. With multiple offices in Texas, covering the DFW, San
Antonio, and Houston markets, the brokerage boasts approximately 30 agents
specializing in residential, commercial, Investment, and farm and ranch properties.
Currently, Chris’ primary focus is on leveraging his experience and connections to
make an impact in the lending industry. With his diverse background, he will be a
wealth of knowledge for his clients. Backed by Apex Funding, Chris will be
promoting his brand Verified Rate to the marketplace.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Chris and his wife Erica have four adult
children and recently returned to the Texas Coast, where they will embark on their
next chapter. They look forward to spending quality time on the water, creating
lasting memories with friends and family, while continuing to make a positive
impact on the lives of others.