Charles Cordes
PRESIDENT
A pioneer vendor in the self-storage industry since 1989, Mr. Cordes was co-founder and vice-president of U.S. Door & Building Components (“U.S. Door”) before co-founding Summit. While navigating U.S. Door to a leadership position within the metal building and self-storage component industry, Mr. Cordes actively developed class “A” commercial projects in Central Florida with local investors. Specializing in manufacturing processes, steel consumption, operational administration, and global sales management, Mr. Cordes is a notable figure in the global self-storage industry. He was a founding vendor member of the Florida Self Storage Association (FSSA), and served as one of its presidents. Mr. Cordes has been a featured speaker at industry trade shows, and has authored or been quoted in numerous trade publications.
Personally holding a General Contractor license in several states, nationwide, Mr. Cordes maintained close supervision of projects developed in all markets, while monitoring contract installation crews, active throughout America, Europe, Mexico, and South America. Departing in 2009 from U.S. Door after 25 years in the manufacturing, commercial development, and self-storage industries, Mr. Cordes focused on additional development and construction in the new emerging market of charter schools; an industry that was still very active during the downturn in the economy. Traveling globally throughout his career, immersed in markets of all types, Mr. Cordes acquired a vast knowledge of these successful markets, construction styles, and operational trends.
Charles is married to Jeanne, his wife of 36 years, and together they have two grown children, Shannon and Ryan, and one grandchild Amelia.