The Beginning
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Passing The Torch
Walter Helm eventually left the business to his son Charles, with he and his family making it into what it is today. In order, he bought the Holiday Inn & Suites of Sulphur Springs, which he later sold; he then built the Comfort Suites in Sulphur Springs, Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Greenville, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Mt. Pleasant, the Best Western Plus Monica Royale (named after daughter Monica), Holiday Inn Express of Greenville, TX, the Holiday Inn & Suites of McKinney, and the Best Western Plus Christopher Inn & Suites of Forney (named after nephew, Christopher who was killed in a car accident when he was 18).Keeping It In The Family
Charles Helm has been involved in the lodging industry for more than 35 years and served on the Best Western International Board of Directors, where in 2007 he served as Chairman of the Board. Now, Charles Helm and his family own and operate 3 hotels in the state of Texas including the Best Western Plus Crown Colony of Lufkin, and the Best Western Premier Crown Chase of Denton (named after son, Chase). In 2019, the family's newly aquired hotel in their hometown of Sulphur Springs will become the very first Clarion Pointe hotel by Choice Hotels. In 2022, a second hotel location, Sleep Inn / MainStay Suites, was purchased in Lufkin, Texas.The three franchised properties meet the highest of design standards and customer service scores. Together, the team successfully oversees all operations and marketing.