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.