Benjamin L. Sims, President, Board Member,
has an extensive amount of management experience in both commercial and retail development. Ben began his career in Civil Engineering working with one of the largest firms in the US. His portfolio grew, as he was designing distribution centers for a leading retail brand and acting as team lead in the expansion of pharmacies throughout the western US. He later transitioned to an Engineering Program Manager for a successful supermarket chain and the biggest group of quick serve restaurants on the map. Add to this, the many years spent managing the construction process for new store development at the Corporate level. Ben’s 18+ years of design and construction experience more than equip him to provide quality solutions and direction that you can count on! Ben possesses strong leadership and communication skills, and has the ability to motivate and effectively work with clients and staff at all levels. His belief in the Creed Team is unmatched. When he set out to make this vision a reality, along with longtime friends and mentors, he knew there were not enough companies out there that took the time to build strong long-standing relationships. Ben’s unique understanding of projects from conception to completion allows him to provide a level of support that will exceed your expectations.
EDUCATION
Construction Technology Engineering
Texas Tech University | 1996-1998
Associate of Science, Engineering
Frank Phillips College | 1996
Garry J. Houston, Executive Vice President, Board Member,
is an industry recognized marketing and management executive with extensive experience in engineering services, construction, real estate, industrial and transportation projects. As Creed’s business development leader, Garry has over 36 years experience in business, marketing, sales and business development. Mr. Houston has managed programs of marketing and client relationship for over $12 MM in annual sales, developed national marketing plans to attract Fortune 500 Companies, developed and managed IPOs for REITS and other real estate projects and managed and arranged financing for companies developing expansions and new construction. He is experienced in project progress tracking, reporting and management of schedule and budget deviations; hiring, supervising, development of project teams, vendors and subcontractors. Garry utilizes an open, interactive management style, coupled with strong leadership and teamwork to achieve client and employee satisfaction. He possesses excellent technical, analytical, financial, interpersonal and communications skills.
EDUCATION
B.A. Business Administration & Finance
University of Texas | 1985
MEMBERSHIPS
Texas Association of Business | Board Member
Tyler Economic Development Corp. | Board Member
East Texas Food Bank | Board Member
Tyler Chamber of Commerce | Legislation Committee
Henderson County YMCA | Board Member
Mitchell M. Bernhard, J.D., Board Member,
is a degreed geologist and attorney with over 38 years of experience. Mitchell has specialties in environmental, geotechnical and construction consulting in the petrochemical and commercial construction industries worldwide. Mitchell is a proven leader with considerable experience both starting and managing businesses and directing departments in larger businesses. He has provided services throughout the world on major design and construction projects. In addition, Mr. Bernhard’s experience as general counsel of an international engineering and construction company has given him the knowledge base to handle complex issues on any project. He has worked in the construction industry since 1976; and has worked as a construction helper, a foreman, an engineering technician, a driller and logger on geotechnical and environmental drill crews, a manager, attorney and a business owner. He is a results based leader with significant business ownership and management experience balanced with strong people skills and a solid background in the engineering and legal fields.
EDUCATION
B.S., Geology
Stephen F. Austin State University | 1983
Juris Doctor
Texas A&M School of Law | 1995
MEMBERSHIPS
(Licensed to Practice Before)
The United States Supreme Court
The United States District Court | Southern District of Texas
The United States District Court | Eastern District of Texas
American Bar Association | Business and International Law
Practice Sections
State Bar of Texas | Construction Law Section
Todd Stubblefield, Director of Construction
has taken over the Director of Construction role within the company. Todd is a construction professional with over 38+ years of experience in overseeing the construction of commercial properties and facilities, including convenient stores, oil changes and car washes. Prior to joining Creed, Todd was the Director of Construction - West at Driven Brands, one of the nation's largest oil change and car wash developers. While at Driven Brands, Todd supervised all phases of each project and personnel, from planning to the operation of the finished facility, including but not limited to, permitting, licensure, budgetary estimations and compliance with regulations and/or safety codes. He also trained and managed six Construction Managers that reported directly to him. Prior to working with Driven Brands, Todd was a Construction Manager with Diamond Shamrock/Valero Corporation/CST Brands (which was purchased by Circle K) and was responsible for the supervision and guidance of contractors and subcontractors, and the organization and maintenance of contracts, progress reports, and cost tracking reports. Todd has vast experience and certifications in the installation and removal of fuel tanks and lines, tank testing and OSHA compliance. Todd attended the University of Texas at San Antonio. What sets Todd apart is his ability to think outside of the box for the efficient resolution of any problems. His diplomatic and respectful communication skills aid in keeping projects on track and meeting deadlines, as well as coordination between management, contractors and suppliers, alike. Todd’s expertise in interpreting the company’s vision to a reality is crafted through his logical and hands-on guidance at each step of the process – from start to finish.
We believe that Todd will be a substantial asset to the team. He will help take our company to the next level when it comes to the management of our projects and the quality of product that we’re delivering to our clients.
Lexie J. Houston, Real Estate Manager
Creed Commercial Development would like to formally welcome our newest team member “Lexie Jo” Houston. She joins us as a new graduate from Dallas Baptist University after completing her Bachelor of Business Administration, BBA. During her tenure at DBU, Lexie proved her ability to lead with tremendous discipline and tenacity while playing NCAA DIVISION II Collegiate Volleyball. She garnered many accolades and clearly executed preparedness and teamwork.
Creed Commercial Development is eager to see her transition these disciplines to the future and continued success of our company. Lexie Jo will assist in Business Development and Real Estate Management. We look forward to introducing her throughout the many facets of Creed Commercial Development so she can bring support to Public Relations and Partnership Teams in driving a diverse company profile of brand awareness. Lexie Jo is a perfect fit to our strategic company objectives.
EDUCATION
B.A. Business Marketing- Dallas Baptist University
LICENSING/REGISTRATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS
Real Estate Salesperson | State of Texas License No. 9009223
David Drake, Director of Real Estate
is a real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in the brokerage and development of single tenant retail properties. Prior to partnering with Creed, David was a Development Partner at Verdad Real Estate., one of the nation's leading single-tenant real estate developers. While at Verdad., David oversaw many of the firm’s real estate development functions including cultivation of client relationships, identification of new sites, analysis of unit economics, and territorial expansion for brands represented by their clients. Prior to working with Verdad, David led the development operations in the southwest United States for McDonald's Corporation. During his eight-year tenure with McDonald's, David's commitment to excellence earned him numerous awards, including McDonalds “2013 Outstanding Real Estate Manager” and led his team to earn the company’s “National Development Team of the Year" for four years. David is a graduate of the university of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Resource Management.
EDUCATION
B.A. Environmental Resource Management - The University of Texas at Austin | 1997
Geoff M. Bernhard, Real Estate Associate, Manager of Project Development
is an outgoing part of our real estate team. He has the ability to efficiently engage with clients, investors, and owners with a tenacity to bring the maximum effectiveness to your projects. Mr. Bernhard has the ability to research market and analyze changing trends to bring success at every level. He has experience in commercial and residential real estate in the State of Texas. He has experience in the field of construction materials testing (soils, concrete, and masonry) which assured contractor compliance with plans, specifications and building codes. Geoff has assisted in the performance of environmental drilling, placement of recovery wells, operation of Geo-Probe mobile sampling unit, monitoring of soil excavation, asbestos inspection, performance of environmental site assessments and drafting of Phase I environmental reports. His experience evaluating market trends on local and national levels assists in bringing insight to prepare the most up-to-date information for your projects.
EDUCATION
Oak Brook Law School, 2005-2006
LICENSING/REGISTRATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS
Real Estate Salesperson | State of Texas License No. 697446
Licensed Asbestos Inspector | State of Texas No. 603168