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DeThomas Investments is a small group of seasoned real estate professionals with a strong entrepreneurial spirit who specialize in development and redevelopment, retail build-to-suit, acquisitions, and dispositions. With their expertise and experience in various aspects of the real estate industry, they are skilled at identifying new opportunities that offer value and profitability for all parties involved. By repeatedly closing deals that make sense for their clients, they have established a reputation as reliable and trustworthy partners in the real estate industry. Their focus on entrepreneurship and commitment to building strong relationships allows them to provide high-quality services to clients looking to invest in real estate.
In 2015, while developing Park Place in Snellville, it became apparent that there was a significant need for hospitality services in the area. To optimize the value of the development, we embarked on a process to build, own, and operate a 100-room hotel under the HIS brand, the world’s largest limited-service hotel chain. By taking on the self-development of the hotel, we were able to maximize the project’s yield. As of 2023, we continue to own and operate the HIS hotel.
Between 1996 and 2003, Crown Media was established by Tom Abernathy, a partner in the company, through the acquisition of two billboards along I-85 in Gwinnett County. Recognizing the potential to create value through billboard development, Abernathy and Ronnie De Thomas built 33 billboards in Georgia and Alabama. In 2003, the billboard portfolio was sold to Lamar Advertising, while retaining 10 underlying ground leases or easements in the Georgia market that the company still owns today. Currently, Crown Media continues to seek out new billboard opportunities while acquiring underlying easements or leasehold interests for investments throughout the southeast.
As a founding member of Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group, Tom brings nearly 40 years of extensive investment and development expertise to Abernathy Development Company. Tom has been involved in all areas of commercial real estate from financial operations to construction management. Tom has successfully developed over 5 million square feet of retail through the Southeastern United States, which includes some of America’s most prominent retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. He has widespread knowledge and proficiency in acquisition, financing and marketing for commercial real estate projects. Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in business management, from the University of Alabama.
After years in the legal and multifamily development field, Justin brings unique perspective and experience to the Abernathy Development Company. This experience shows his proficiency in contract and lease negotiations, property management, construction management, brokerage, acquisitions and dispositions. Justin earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration, with a Major in Real Estate Finance and a Minor in Economics from the University of Alabama. Justin went on to receive a Juris Doctor degree from Mercer Law School.
Gale Pride serves as assistant property manager and bookkeeper at Abernathy Development Company. She is responsible for supporting the property manager’s managerial and financial responsibilities of multiple retail properties. Gale’s 25 years of property management and property accounting experience qualifies her to offer incomparable customer service to both Abernathy Development Company management customers and tenants. Prior to joining Abernathy Development Company in 2007, Gale worked for Cushman & Wakefield and Carter as an Assistant Property Manager. She earned her associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1986. Gale is an active volunteer with several charitable organizations.
An experienced CPA, Becky Kicklighter is the controller at Abernathy Development Company overseeing all aspects of accounting for the firm. Becky earned two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, one in accounting and one in management.
Jeremy brings extensive real estate acumen to the team and is involved in all facets of commercial real estate. His 16 years of experience solidify his proficiency in shopping center development/redevelopment, brokerage, leasing, property management and construction management. Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in real estate, from the University of Georgia. He is a licensed real estate broker in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina and secured the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and Certified Leasing Specialist (CLS) designations. Jeremy is also a member of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Georgia chapter of CCIM, and National Association of Realtors.
