Serving Customers in Northwest Dallas' Industrial Corridor: Meet Crystal Kephart

By Sam Laird

Dallas-based property manager Crystal Kephart oversees a portfolio of warehouse and distribution facilities for Link Logistics, managing everything from customer relationships to emergency responses. Read on to learn how she supports customers’ operational needs in the region. 

How long have you worked at Link Logistics, and what does your role as a property manager entail? 

Crystal: I've been at Link Logistics for almost four years. As a property manager, my responsibilities range from handling contracts and coordinating construction jobs to partnering with vendors, customers and structural engineers.  

What types of properties do you oversee in Dallas—and what is the difference between distribution and manufacturing space? 

Crystal: I manage our properties in Northwest Dallas—specifically Carrollton, Farmers Branch and The Colony. About 96% of my portfolio is distribution centers, with the remaining 4% dedicated to manufacturing.  

I can use my own customers as examples of the difference between distribution and manufacturing space. My distribution-focused customers receive deliveries of everything from ceramic tile to HVAC equipment, and some have a small retail component where customers pick up products directly or place large orders for shipment. In contrast, I also have a manufacturing customer that produces massive batteries weighing roughly 8,000 pounds each. The core distinction between manufacturing and distribution properties is that for the former, it's less about providing space for storage and more about accommodating the business’s hands-on assembly needs.  

What makes Northwest Dallas such a great location for warehouse and distribution operations?  

Crystal: For our customers, the access Northwest Dallas provides is a huge advantage. Our Carrollton properties sit at the intersection of I-635, the George Bush Turnpike and I-35—three major highways that make it easy for our customers to move product in and out of their spaces. The Colony properties are similarly positioned near I-35, 75 and 121. Both submarkets are close to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, which is a major attraction for distribution users.  

What do you find most rewarding about working in industrial real estate? 

Crystal: I'm a problem solver at heart, and that's what property management is really about. I like meeting customers with different needs and figuring out how to help—whether that means connecting them with another customer who offers a relevant product or service, or just being responsive. I learn something new every day. 

What skills does it take to succeed as a property manager? 

Crystal: You must be a people person. You might be on a call with an executive at a major customer's corporate office one hour and having an intimate conversation with a small family-owned customer the next. Being adaptable in your communication is key. When a customer has an issue, they like to know we have them covered. Staying calm, communicating proactively and following through every step of the way builds trust. 

What do you value most about Link Logistics' approach to industrial real estate? 

Crystal: Our customer-first approach is something I attribute to our success. It shows up in how we maintain our buildings, our sustainability efforts around utilities and LED lighting, and the trust our leadership places in us property managers to do the job well.  

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? 

Crystal: I dedicate my free time to riding horses or being out on the lake. Before real estate, I worked as a chef and continue to love cooking and baking cupcakes for my team. 

Explore Link Logistics warehouse and distribution space in Dallas-Fort Worth to find the right fit for your business.