Chicago Title National Commercial Services California, a member of the Fidelity National Financial family of companies (NYSE: FNF), the nation’s largest group of title companies and title insurance underwriters, has unveiled its latest initiative: the Chicago Title National Self-Storage Group led by seasoned self-storage finance veteran, Chuck Mills as Vice President, National Sales.
Mills brings nearly 40 years of extensive finance experience to the position, encompassing loan origination, financial consulting and venture capital. His foray into the self-storage sector began in 2000, and since then, he has financed more than 500 self-storage loans, totaling over $2 billion. Notably, Mills most recently served as President of CEM Capital in Irvine, California, where he facilitated loan originations nationally, investment equity and facilitated joint ventures. Throughout his career, Mills has played a pivotal role in over $10 billion worth of commercial loans across various sectors, including multifamily, retail, industrial, office and hospitality.
Ryan Huntsman, Vice President and National Sales Manager at Chicago Title NCS California, is excited about Mills leading the new Self-Storage Group. “While Chicago Title has maintained an active presence in the self-storage sector for nearly two decades, Chuck’s comprehensive expertise and keen understanding of the complexities and nuances inherent in self-storage transactions will significantly benefit clients. We look forward to growing our national presence in the self-storage sector under Chuck’s astute leadership.”
Mills underscores the significance of this commitment: “Chicago Title’s focus on the self-storage sector is a significant milestone. The dedicated national platform tailored exclusively to self-storage ensures that clients have access to an expert who understands the intricacies of the industry. Whether dealing with a single property or navigating a complex multi-state transaction, clients can rely on a single point of contact.”
Mills reflects on his collaboration with Ryan Huntsman and their long-standing professional relationship. “I have known Ryan Huntsman for more than a decade and have worked with Ryan and his Chicago Title team on more than $100 million in transactions across the country,” Mills notes. “I admire Ryan’s dedication to serving his clients and have seen the outstanding success of the Chicago Title National Hospitality Group, a committed national platform that serves the hotel sector. And, now with the launch of the National Self-Storage Group, I know that this is a great fit for me and the needs of the self-storage sector.”
Over the past decade, self-storage facilities have undergone significant transformations. Today, these facilities showcase a rich tapestry of sophistication and diversity, catering to a wide range of needs. They include outdoor and indoor options, climate-controlled spaces, multi-tenant industrial units, drive-up storage, wine storage as well as vehicle, recreational vehicle and boat storage.
With its committed national platform, whether it is a single asset or multi-state portfolio transactions, modification endorsements for recapitalization, foreclosures, note sales, construction financing, or a refinance, the Chicago Title National Self-Storage Group has assembled an experienced self-storage-focused team of escrow, title officers and underwriters to assist clients. In addition to Mills and Huntsman, the self-storage team includes Jaclyn Estabrook, an 18-year veteran of the real estate industry, and Chad Wilson, Chicago Title’s dedicated self-storage escrow officer with over 25 years of experience.
Mills expressed his enthusiasm: “I am excited to leverage my experience and relationships to benefit Chicago Title clients and contribute to the growth of the company’s National Self-Storage Group platform.”
Mills earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate and Finance from the University of Arkansas and holds a California real estate broker license. He is an active member of various industry associations, including the national Self Storage Association (SSA), California Self Storage Association (CSSA), Arizona Self-Storage Association (AZSA) and Texas Self Storage Association (TSSA).
Beyond his professional achievements, Mills has enjoyed sharing his passion for soccer with the youth. For more than two decades, Mills has been involved in coaching and refereeing for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and has served as a coach for the California Futbol Academy, a Los Angeles-based club soccer organization. He also has served as an assistant coach for girls junior varsity soccer at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California.
Mills will be based in Chicago Title’s Newport Beach, California, office.
About Chicago Title Insurance Company
Chicago Title Insurance Company, a member of the Fidelity National Financial family of companies (NYSE:FNF), provides a full complement of products and services needed to execute real estate transactions, including title insurance, closing and escrow, construction disbursement and legal document recordation. The National Commercial Services (NCS) team works with industry sectors such as commercial, hospitality, retail, industrial, multifamily housing, power and energy, government and general business. For additional information, visit www.californiancs.ctic.com.
About Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) is a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries. FNF is the nation’s largest title insurance company through its title insurance underwriters – Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, Alamo Title and National Title of New York – that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. More information about FNF can be found at www.fnf.com.
