arts
Fifty years of easy leasing is key to D&M’s success
Summary by The Fort Worth Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Bob Francis , Fort Worth Report
· July 24, 2026
· 4 min read
Every few years, Brian Estridge meets a friend for lunch at a Potbelly sandwich shop. At the end of the meal, which in Estridge’s case is usually the shop’s signature A Wreck sandwich, the two sign a couple of papers. Estridge is then given the keys to his new car and he and his friend go their sepa
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Fort Worth Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Bob Francis, Fort Worth Report Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway That customer-first approach and simple, laid-back transaction style is one reason Fort Worth’s D&M Leasing is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, said Kelly Strausser, chief operating officer for Hernco, D&M’s parent company.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
D&M Leasing's 50-year milestone is a testament to the company's ability to adapt and thrive in the Fort Worth business landscape. With its headquarters now located in the former Whitley Penn building at 1400 W. Seventh St, D&M Leasing has become a staple in the city's economy. The company's commitment to a customer-first approach and simple transaction style has resonated with locals, including prominent figures like Brian Estridge, president and CEO of Fort Worth Colonial Charities. As a major player in the city's business community, D&M Leasing's success has a ripple effect, contributing to the local economy and supporting other Fort Worth businesses. The company's growth, with a fivefold increase since 2018, also reflects the city's own expansion and development, particularly in the downtown area where its headquarters is situated. As Fort Worth continues to evolve, D&M Leasing's presence will likely remain a constant, with its unique business model continuing to attract customers from across the metroplex.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: arts ·
Published: July 24, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 4 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Every few years, Brian Estridge meets a friend for lunch at a Potbelly sandwich shop. At the end of the meal, which in Estridge’s case is usually the shop’s signature A Wreck sandwich, the two sign a couple of papers. Estridge is then given the keys to his new car and he and his friend go their sepa
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bob Francis at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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