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Real estate professional Ronnie DeThomas joined forces with Tom Abernathy in 1986 after moving to Atlanta in several retail business, in 1998 Ronnie De Thomas and Tom Abernathy formed Crown Media, developing 33 billboards around the state of Georgia and Alabama, selling to Lamar in 2003, from 2003 – to present, Ronnie has been in partnership with Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group developing retail centers around the Southeast, in 2015 – to present, Ronnie has been in multiple partnerships in the retail development world.
Due to the large-scale project’s success and the subsequent success of many other developments, the team realized its propensity for a mutually beneficial partnership and formed DeThomas Investments.
The real estate group brings a deeply rooted depth of knowledge to every project. Over 100 years of combined real estate experience shapes the firm’s comprehensive understanding of all facets of the development and redevelopment cycle as well as commercial real estate at large. With intimate knowledge of every major Southeast market, DeThomas Investments, Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group, Abernathy Development, Yarbrough Holdings & Swope & DeThomas understands what makes a successful deal.
As a group, we consistently leverage our communal expertise to deliver the best real estate experience, no matter the discipline. But it’s also the strength of our individual entrepreneurial spirits that inspire us to seek unique opportunities and creative deals.
1986 moved to Atlanta, owned several retail business with Tom Abernathy & started Billboard Company.
Crown Media formed in 1996 developed 33 billboards around Georgia and Alabama, sold billboard plant to Lamar in 2003.
Partnered with Tom Abernathy & Jim Timberlake at Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group (2003- present).
Developed Park Place in Snellville with Richard Swope (2015-present).
Partnered with Richard Swope & Jeremy Yarbrough to build Hampton Inn & Suites , Snellville Georgia which we currently own today. 5 story, 100 room limited-service hotel.
DeThomas Investments Inc. launched, offering a diverse range of real estate investment opportunities in various business sectors.
Ronnie has worked with Tom Abernathy for over 35 years and Jim Timberlake for over 25 years. Ronnie’s extensive work experience directs his proven ability to drive development, manage financing and oversee site work and redevelopment issues. Ronnie is adept at working with municipalities, landowners, tenants and contractors. In past work, Ronnie developed, built and sold a billboard company, and currently, assists landowners and developers with billboard leasing, management and sales. Ronnie is a graduate of the Atlanta Real Estate School.
Ronnie was instrumental in the redevelopment of multiple shopping centers with Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group. He is a member of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and an active church volunteer advising young adults.
Having worked in the legal field for over 20 years, Beth provides exceptional management experience from conception to completion. While overseeing and managing developments, Beth coordinates with all members of the team to successfully deliver quality projects. Beth received her associate degree from Gainesville College.
Gale Pride serves as assistant property manager and bookkeeper at Swope & DeThomas. She is responsible for supporting the property manager’s managerial and financial responsibilities of multiple retail properties. Gale’s 20 years of property management and property accounting experience qualifies her to offer incomparable customer service to both Swope & DeThomas management customers and tenants.
Prior to joining Swope & DeThomas 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.
Shana has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years and inventory management for 10 years. She has managed all aspects of accounts receivables, accounts payable and inventory. Shana has an associates degree in Business Management from RETS Medical & Business Institute (Hopkinsville, KY).
Shana is happily married to James Bennett for over 23 years. Shana and James have 3 amazing kids, Abby, Ethan, and Evan and they attend and are involved at Free Chapel Church in Suwanee, GA.
DeThomas Investments is associated with the following respected companies. These affiliates demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit and diverse expertise you’ll discover at DeThomas Investments. We believe there’s strength in numbers.
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.
