Houston Associates history

Resource International began in 1980 as Resource Associates, a Houston based business of associated educators, psychologists, speakers/trainers, and business professionals.

Founded in 1984, Smith & Associates pioneered the Independent Distribution business with a focused, 'can-do' approach.

By 1991 the company's staff numbered 35 and it had moved to a 15,000-square-foot facility at 10440 Westoffice Drive in Houston.

Smith & Associates' sales reached $30 million in 1992.

In 1995 Smith & Associates was named to the "World Trade 100" and also ranked 219 on Inc.'s list of the 500 fastest growing companies.

In the January 6, 1997, issue of EBN, President Robert Ackerley commented on the move, stating: "The opening of our new headquarters marks a milestone in the history of our company.

In 1999 the company continued to expand internationally with a new office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

2000: The company establishes a new domestic office in Silicon Valley, as well as international locations in Barcelona, Spain; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Seoul, South Korea.

In the same EBN article, Lee Ackerley said: "The downturn in 2001 allowed us to fine-tune the advancements made in the proceeding years, and in spite of the market slump, there were no layoffs or offices closed."

In a February 18, 2002, news release, Smith's Vice President of Operations Gary Morrissey said: "Quality is such a fundamental process for Smith & Associates--it's not a standard, it's an obligation.

Customers in the central states were served by Smith's Houston headquarters, while its Silicon Valley site--which relocated in 2003 as part of an expansion effort--provided support for clients on the West Coast.

Since opening in 2008, the park has helped drive increased convention activity and has served as a catalyst for $1.25 billion in office, hotels and residential development.

o Hess Tower, an office development which sold for – the highest price per square foot for commercial space in Houston at the time -- opened in June 2011;