Chris O'Rourke appointed Chairman of Tomball Chamber of Commerce

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- To be truly successful you have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and venture out to parts unknown. That’s what Outback Western Wear did when the business was conveniently located equidistant between The Woodlands and Tomball. The strategy paid off and the business has flourished, weathering the initial start-up, an economic downturn, Hurricane Ike, and everything in between.

Owned by Chris and Michelle O’Rourke, the Outback Western Wear business model has been so successful, the Tomball Chamber of Commerce has appointed Chris as their 2014 Chairman of the Board. His leadership style, business acumen, and service to the community, will serve as a sterling example to other chamber members.

“We wanted to grow our customer base by being positioned to reach both counties,” said Chris O’Rourke. “To do that you have to extend your reach.”

A native Houstonian, Chris grew-up in Kemah. After high school, Chris enlisted for eight-years in the US Marines Corps, during which Chris attended an in-depth electronics school in 29 Palms, California. This spawned an interest in technology, so after active duty, Chris ventured into personal computers, an emerging field (mid 80s), and stayed the course through its rapid evolution. Chris developed the software and built the custom hardware for a 12-line bulletin board system (BBS) that provided real-time chat (similar to instant messages of today) and matchmaking (similar to www.match.com) for up to 12 simultaneous users. He went on to work in positions of increasing responsibility, from electronics technician, computer repair, programmer, hardware engineering, design and fabrication, network administrator, and network manager.

This level of talent rarely goes undetected, and in November 1995, Chris joined Microsoft where he held such titles as Systems Engineer, Field Beta Engineer, and Sr. Technology Specialist. In 1997, Chris received an award from Bill Gates for being the #1 Systems Engineer within the Central Region of North America.

Ready for a new challenge, Chris left Microsoft in 2003, to pursue other endeavors among which included investments in real estate, an apartment complex, and a handful of single-family rental homes, all located in The Woodlands as seen on web sites ChrisO Properties and Budde Gardens. In mid-2006, Chris and Michelle bought Outback Western World & Feed Supply, changed the name by shortening it, but didn’t change the quality philosophy, attention to customer service, nor the friendly laid-back atmosphere, all of which had help to develop an intensely loyal clientele. In addition to the Outback Western Wear store, 7.8 acres were purchased, which included the auction barn, horse arena, with a wedding chapel and reception hall also added.

It’s a wonder there’s any time for recreation, but Chris and Michelle are obviously good time managers and make it a priority for some ‘down time,’

“For recreation I enjoy scuba diving, camping, and Country & Western dancing,” said O’Rourke. “Speaking of Country & Western dancing, I served as an instructor at SSQQ in Bellaire from 1994 to 1999.”

When time permits, the O’Rourkes like to travel, and have enjoyed two trips to Australia. In addition to having a passionate adventurous spirit, Chris is passionate about his 1990 turbocharged, Toyota Celica All-Trac GT4, which can be viewed at Turbo Celica.

Chris intends to infuse the Tomball Chamber with the same entrepreneurial spirit.

“Plans for the Tomball chamber are to continue to grow membership, further develop the ambassador program, and implement a new web site which will host an event calendar, membership directory, and an on-line payment system.”

The on-line payment system will allow members the convenience of paying online for tickets to networking breakfasts, luncheons, event sponsorships, and membership renewals.

“It’s a very exciting time to be in the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Chris, with the same zeal and enthusiasm he approaches every other aspect of his life.

For more information about Outback Western Wear, click on the link provided.