About
Garages of America
If you love cars as much as we do, then you already understand that they aren’t simply tools to get us from Point A to Point B. They have character and personality. They are works of art. They are part of us.
At Garages of America, we didn’t set out to make a glorified storage facility, instead we wanted to create the ideal atmosphere for motor vehicle owners. Our luxury garage suites are the optimal place for their car and themselves… the perfect place for both man and machine.
Our Story
Longtime friends Fred Gans and Jack Griffin had a meeting in 2008 to discuss a concept. Fred had recently learned of a real estate storage idea developing out of state with condo ownership and sized for large items such as RVs and cars. Fred, with many years’ experience in the self-storage industry throughout the country, was intrigued. Very coincidentally, Jack, as well as several others around the country, had recently conceptualized an idea for car enthusiast communities. Jack had a lifetime of car collecting and motorsports experience, as well as a real estate background. Thus, the synergy of ideas that began the discussions between the two led to the formation of Garages of America. Jack honed his thoughts and ideas to researching the best sizing for cars, amenities, and locations. His concept was even written about in publications such as the N.Y. Times and other car magazines. Car enthusiasts might finally have a real estate home that would allow them to enjoy their cars in concert along with their fellow car buddies.
Jack grew up around cars and with a dad who was an auto mechanic. As quickly as finances allowed, he bought his first Porsche at age 32; a blue 914-6 he still owns today! He then followed quite a various number of cars, mostly Porsches, and experiences such as driving race cars at venues like LeMans, Daytona, Sebring and many other tracks around the world. Along with the racing, Jack participated in touring events around the country such as the Colorado Grand, Copperstate 1000, and the California Mille. Jack’s experience in the car hobby was significant, as was his Porsche collection. While Fred had created a career of developing self-storage facilities around the country, Jack was highly involved with cars and motorsports, and enjoyed his love of the automobile and making memories with fellow Gearheads. Together, co-founders Fred and Jack had the ideal skill set to create Garages of America—with construction and development in Fred’s wheelhouse, and marketing and conceptualizing by Jack. Jack was well aware of what car enthusiasts wanted, while Fred could develop and build it in the best possible manner!
With no similar examples of this product type in Dallas-Fort Worth, the two set out to forge a niche in the car hobby. The market demand was unknown; however, the early projects have sold out entirely by the completion of construction! This led to the development and construction of four other locations in the Metroplex. Additionally, projects are being planned in Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Since their first meeting back in 2008 to discuss this incredible concept, an entirely new real estate type has emerged. This garage community has reshaped the car collecting and motorsports hobby to an entirely new level that could have never been imagined. Alongside Fred and Jack, Fred’s son Sean Gans and Mark Scott joined the team and have played a significant role in the expansion of the concept. Everyone on the Garages of America team is now, like Jack, a dyed in the wool Gearhead!
Our Team
Fred Gans
President & Founder
fgans@garagesofamerica.com
With over four decades of experience in the real estate industry, Fred A. Gans has been a pivotal figure in brokerage, acquisitions, management, consulting, and property development. As the co-founder of Garages of America, Fred brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to the team.
Fred is founder of Cornerstone Development Corporation (CDC), a renowned full-service real estate firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Under his leadership, CDC has been instrumental in various facets of real estate, including acquisition, development, build-to-suits, leasing, and management across a diverse portfolio. From single and multi-tenant office and industrial spaces to office warehouses, retail outlets, and even boat/RV storage facilities, CDC’s footprint spans wide, with involvement in over 1,000,000 square feet of office and industrial buildings and 4,000,000 square feet of self-storage facilities across 13 states.
After successfully selling his partnership interest in over 1,600,000 square feet of Security Self Storage facilities, Fred, along with CDC, embarked on developing a robust self-storage portfolio comprising 32 properties totaling 1,900,000 square feet in five states. This venture propelled CDC into being one of the 50 largest owners of self-storage facilities in the United States. In 2006, Fred orchestrated the sale of 10 individual facilities and 1,400,000 square feet in 22 facilities to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), marking another milestone in his illustrious career.
Fred holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Kansas and maintains active membership in several esteemed real estate associations, including the National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, The Greater Dallas Association of Realtors, North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors, and Texas Mini Storage Association.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Fred finds fulfillment in his family life, being happily married to his wife Susan and cherishing moments with their two children and five grandchildren. Together, they call Dallas, Texas, home, where Fred continues to make indelible contributions to the real estate industry and beyond.
Jack Griffin
Co-Founder
jgriffin@garagesofamerica.com
Jack Griffin has been a co-founder since the inception of Garages of America in 2014, collaborating closely with Fred Gans. With over 50 years of experience in real estate development, brokerage, and motorsports, Mr. Griffin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization.
For twelve years, Mr. Griffin served as a partner in charge of developing suburban office building properties in the Dallas, Texas area for the esteemed Trammell Crow Company. During his tenure with the Crow organization, he successfully developed approximately 2,000,000 square feet of office buildings, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of the region.
Motorsports has always been a profound passion for Mr. Griffin, driving his active involvement in various forms of motorsports activities, including racing, touring, collecting, and restoring sports cars on an international scale. Renowned within the motorsports community, he has competed at prestigious venues such as Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans, Mosport, Road America, and numerous other tracks worldwide.
The sports cars from Mr. Griffin’s esteemed collection have not only participated in but triumphed at concours events, garnering recognition both regionally and nationally. His collection has graced the pages of magazines and television shows, showcasing his dedication and expertise in the automotive realm. As a past Board Member of the local chapter of the Porsche Club of America, he has actively contributed to fostering the passion for automotive excellence within the community.
For the past eight years, Mr. Griffin has been instrumental in producing and organizing Autos in the Park, the premier car show in the area, held at the Cooper Aerobics Center. Additionally, he has organized several other notable car events in the region, further solidifying his commitment to promoting and celebrating automotive culture.
You will often find Jack hanging out in his garage most days, where he embodies the true essence of a gearhead. Spearheading the direction of Garages of America as a car community and lifestyle, Mr. Griffin has cemented his legacy as an original gearhead, passionately advocating for the automotive enthusiast community. Known affectionately as our “CGO” (Chief Gearhead Officer), Jack is the driving force behind our dedication to automotive passion and excellence.
Apart from his love for cars, Mr. Griffin is also a pickleball fanatic, showcasing his dedication to the sport in his leisure time.
Mr. Griffin pursued his academic endeavors at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance in 1967. He takes immense pride in his family, with three sons and eight grandchildren, all residing in the Dallas area, where Mr. Griffin has established a legacy of excellence and passion in both real estate and motorsports.
Sean Gans
Business Development Executive & Sales
sgans@garagesofamerica.com
Sean Gans joined Garages of America in 2014, following his graduation from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts. His career in commercial real estate began with a focus on the construction and development of self-storage facilities across multiple states. Sean’s role encompassed feasibility due diligence, site analysis, zoning, city entitlements, and sales and marketing of self-storage properties. In the same year, GOT expanded into condo storage development, achieving remarkable success by selling out their initial two projects in the DFW area prior to construction completion.
Sean’s contributions have been instrumental in the sales, marketing, and development phases of key projects. He has played a vital role in the expansion of the brand, spearheading marketing, sales, and development efforts for over 10 new locations, resulting in the sale of 700+ garages.
Sean’s efforts have laid the foundation for Garages of America to continue its development of this unique brand of garages storage facilities across multiple states.
Under the brands of Garages of America and Garages of America, Sean has been pivotal in expanding a highly successful garages condo concept by creating a lifestyle brand for car collectors everywhere. Both brands present lucrative opportunities for regional and national expansion.
Sean is happily married to his wife Sonny, and together, they are blessed with three beautiful children.
Mark Scott
Business Development Executive & Sales
mscott@garagesofamerica.com
Mark Scott became part of Cornerstone Development Corporation / Garages of America in 2016, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in marketing, sales, and development. His deep-rooted passion for cars resonates profoundly with the values cherished by Garages of America, rendering him an invaluable addition to the team.
Mark’s professional journey commenced right after his graduation when he partnered with Time Warner Cable. During his nine-year tenure, he exhibited exceptional talent, earning promotions four times and garnering over 22 sales awards. His adeptness as a B2B Sales Professional not only opened new avenues of profitability but also nurtured enduring business relationships. Mark also achieved the prestigious Presidents Club honor five times during his time at Time Warner Cable.
Since joining Garages of America, Mark has played a vital role in the expansion of the brand, spearheading marketing, sales, and development efforts for over 10 new locations, resulting in the sale of 700+ garages.
Outside his professional pursuits, Mark finds joy in his role as a devoted husband to Lindsay and a father to their son, Lincoln. Their household is further enlivened by the presence of two beloved dogs, Winston and Dirk. Mark’s steadfast dedication to his family, coupled with his unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, serves as a beacon of inspiration for personal and professional growth.
Additionally, Mark is a passionate basketball fan, particularly supporting the Dallas Mavericks (MFFL), and enjoys playing pickleball in his leisure time.
Johnny Gans
Business Development Executive
jgans@garagesofamerica.com
John Gans brings nearly 40 years of comprehensive experience and a diverse range of expertise in commercial real estate development, acquisitions, brokerage, appraisal, and consulting. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on finance and marketing and boasts an MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute, alongside a Texas certified general appraisal license and Texas real estate brokerage license. Additionally, he has held Series 22 and Series 63 securities licenses.
Mr. Gans’ extensive background has equipped him with substantial proficiency in various areas, including market research, in-depth demographic and feasibility studies, property valuations, contract negotiations, lease negotiations, site selection, site planning, zoning and rezoning, platting, pro forma projections, loan acquisitions, construction budgets, construction oversight, overseeing the legal process, and project management.
Throughout his career, Mr. Gans has been involved in the completion of over 10,000 commercial real estate appraisals nationwide, demonstrating his unparalleled expertise and commitment to excellence in the field.
Chris Biesanz
Chief Operating Officer
cBiesanz@garagesofamerica.com
Mr. Biesanz holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting as well as a Master’s degree in finance. With a career spanning investment accounting, acquisitions, and fund management, Mr. Biesanz has a unique skill set that touches all aspects of deal performance, from initial acquisition to disposition. Prior to joining Garages of America, Mr. Biesanz served as Director at 3E Management, LLC where he led a team of analysts involved in over $6 billion in transactions across all asset classes and led another team of analysts and accountants in fund management and corporate finance.
Burke Dambly
Chief Investment Officer
bdambly@garagesofamerica.com
Mr. Dambly brings over 20 years of professional experience in real estate capital markets raising $2 billion in securitized real estate offerings including luxury garage condos, self-storage, multi-family, industrial, office, retail, and hospitality. Mr. Dambly earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montana State University and holds Series 7, 24, 27, 66 & 79 securities licenses.
Joe Greer
Sales & Marketing
jgreer@garagesofamerica.com
Joe has been a trial lawyer for nearly 30 years. With his last law firm Greer & McGill P.C., he fought for the rights of abused senior citizens in nursing homes throughout Texas and Oklahoma. These days, he’s having a blast helping our car enthusiasts in Austin and San Antonio find the perfect solution for their too many cars, not enough room problem! When he is not selling our man cave garage condos, he can be found playing music with his band “The Greers” around the Austin area.
Ross Smith
Sales
rsmith@garagesofamerica.com
Ross Smith’s lifelong passion for automobiles has driven his career trajectory, making him an invaluable asset to the Garages of America team. From his early days assisting his father with car repairs to his high school endeavors in modifying and drag racing cars, Ross’s journey into the world of motorsports began at a young age.
During his college years, Ross discovered a love for motorcycles and road racing, fueling his desire to immerse himself further in the world of motorsports. His home track, Texas World Speedway, became a hub for his racing aspirations, shaping his understanding and appreciation for the sport.
Upon entering the workforce, Ross’s affinity for automobiles led him to Harley-Davidson, where he excelled as a parts and performance specialist for both Harley and Buell brands. His expertise extended into the automotive realm as he managed multiple auto parts stores before embarking on a 16-year career at dealerships, including Chevrolet, Jaguar, Land Rover, and BMW.
Ross’s passion for motorsports transcended his professional endeavors, leading him to build his first track car from scratch in 2014. This venture propelled him into NASA’s Camaro Mustang Challenge, where he competed for several years. His extensive background in performance caught the attention of the National Autosports Association (NASA), where he served as Chief of Tech from 2012 to 2017.
Certified by the Motorsport Safety Foundation as a race course official, driving instructor, and SCCA division level scrutineer, Ross’s expertise in motorsports extends far beyond the track. He is an integral part of the scrutineering and tech team, assisting with events such as Formula 1, Formula E, World Endurance Challenge, MotoGP, and World Rally Cross, in collaboration with the FIA.
Transitioning into real estate six years ago, Ross quickly made his mark in the industry, establishing RaceTract Realty Group to specialize in motorsport properties, including multi-car garages and acreage homes with shops. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft ultimately led him to join the Garages of America family, where he is now spearheading efforts to build the brand and promote the gearhead lifestyle in the Houston market.
Ross Smith’s unwavering passion for automobiles, coupled with his extensive experience in motorsports and real estate, makes him a driving force behind Garages of America’s success. Contact Ross today to discover your perfect automotive space in the Houston area and embark on your own gearhead journey.
Saher Said
Sales
ssaid@garagesofamerica.com
Saher Said is not just a Sales Executive at Garages of America; he’s a testament to passion, perseverance, and dedication. Growing up near the Nürburgring in Germany, Saher’s childhood was steeped in the world of high-performance racing, igniting a lifelong love for cars and motorsports. Inspired by legends like Michael Schumacher, Saher dreamed of racing on the world’s most challenging tracks. However, life took him on a different journey, leading him into the realm of sales at a remarkably young age. With a natural talent for negotiation and persuasion, Saher embarked on a sales career that would become marked by ambition and success.
His thirst for knowledge and personal growth led him to pursue higher education in business, ultimately culminating in the establishment of a thriving real estate team. Under his leadership, the team consistently achieved over $10 million in sales annually, showcasing Saher’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Yet, Saher’s ambitions extended beyond personal success; he aimed to uplift and inspire others within his industry. As a seasoned professional, he generously shared his expertise by teaching real estate classes and mentoring aspiring agents, imparting invaluable wisdom and guidance.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Saher finds joy in sports, particularly his fervent support for Bayern Munich in soccer and his passion for Formula 1. However, his greatest happiness stems from spending quality time with his daughters, cherishing every moment and striving to be fully present in their lives.
With his unique blend of sales acumen, love for cars, and dedication to growth, Saher Said is poised to infuse Garages of America with a fresh perspective and genuine enthusiasm.
Joe Greer
Construction Management
bjohnston@garagesofamerica.com
Mr. Johnston has over 40 years’ experience in commercial and hotel development. Mr. Johnston developed hotels throughout the United States, Hawaii, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Cost Rica for Criswell Development, Rosewood Hotels, Omni Hotels and other companies. The size of the projects range from $35,000,000 to $400,000,000.
Mr. Johnston has a 1975 911 Porsche and a 1939 Ford. He is a member of the PCA Maverick Club.
Mr. Johnston graduated from Kansas State University in Construction Management in 1974. He is married and has 3 grandchildren and lives in Plano, Texas.
Christie Friday
Marketing
cfriday@garagesofamerica.com
Christie Friday brings over two decades of experience in sales and marketing leadership roles. With a robust skill set encompassing strategic marketing planning, promotions, and client relationship management, Christie has played a pivotal role in driving business growth and brand development. Prior to her current position, she served as Vice President of Sales at The Barber Shop Marketing and Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at driversselect, where she demonstrated her expertise in media planning, brand optimization, and community engagement.
Outside of her professional achievements, Christie is a devoted wife and mother of two young boys. Her commitment to balancing career success with family values reflects her dedication to excellence in all aspects of life. With a bachelor’s degree in Radio Television and Film Marketing from the University of North Texas, Christie is well-equipped to lead Garages of America’s marketing initiatives to new heights.
Jennifer Hemingway
Operations Manager
jhemingway@garagesofamerica.com
Jan Kennedy
Chief Financial Officer
jkennedy@garagesofamerica.com
