CHASE SMITH
Charles M. “Chase” Smith, Jr. is the Co-owner, and President of Russell and Smith Ford, Inc. in Houston Texas. The corporation operates three franchises which include Ford, Honda, and Mazda. In his current role, he manages a $31 million new and pre-owned vehicle inventory base, $12.5 million part inventory and a staff of 350 employees. Under Chase’s past leadership, Russell and Smith Ford Inc. has increased the company sales from $200 million in 2012 to $300 million.
Chase was chosen to serve on Honda’s National Dealer Council Advisory Board in 2017 and has served on Mazda’s National Dealer Advisory Board from 2014-2019. He was also elected by Honda dealers nationally to serve as the Chairman of the national advisory board from 2019-2020. Chase has served on the Board of Directors of Bo’s Place in 2015-2018, a non-profit center located in southwest Houston. He also has served on the Board of Directors of Houston Better Business Bureau from 2017-2018. In 2014, Chase was accepted into Young Presidents Organization (YPO). In his industry, he is also involved with Houston Automobile Dealer Association, Texas Dealer Association, and the Dealer Election Action Committee.
Chase holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Baylor University. Charged by his passion for learning, he has continued his professional education through attending elite programs such as the University of Virginia Darden School Of Business’ executive leadership for extraordinary performance, the Center for Creative Leadership, UH Bauer School of Business Executive Education Program, Dale Carnegie, and many more executive and industry-driven training courses.
Chase and his wife, Christi, live in Houston and have four children. They attend Houston’s First Baptist. Chase and Christi are actively involved in their Life Bible study class and serving at the church. They have a passion in supporting ministries that focus on the Great Commission, single mothers, orphans, prisoners, and protecting children from hunger and sexual abuse.
