Kevin Adams CEO CB Richard Ellis Memphis In charge of Memphis' largest commercial real estate brokerage firm. Recently lured back Patrick Burke, who departed to open the Staubach office in 2006. Through his Locally Global Investments, engaged with Henry Turley in reconstruction effort in Gulfport, Miss. Adams is also behind H2O Properties, which works in the Florida Panhandle.

Al Andrews Memphis Area Partner Panattoni Development Co. Memphis Since 1996, responsible for all company development in Shelby County and North Mississippi. Among biggest projects are 400-acre Southpoint Distribution Center, East Park Distribution Center and DeSoto Center Business Park.

Charles Ausburn President New Horizons Communities Port Royal, S.C. After forming Ausper Construction in 1993, Ausburn found a knack for building bucolic communities in South Carolina. Last year, purchased candy mogul Frank Mars' 1,100-acre farm near Lynnville for $10 million to create an upscale residential community with a golf course, equestrian facilities and retail. (See story, page 12.)

Joseph Barker Chairman of the Executive Committee MarketStreet Enterprises Nashville With all of his businesses running profitably, Barker should have enough steam to develop the still-vacant 25 acres in the vibrant Gulch area. The 22-story, mixed-use Icon project, developed in partnership with Bristol Development Group of Franklin, is sold out, while Velocity readies for groundbreaking. Managing director Jay Turner now handles day-to-day responsibilities, while Barker focuses on long-range strategy and civic commitments.

Bill Barkley President Crosland-Tennessee Nashville Building Terrazo condos in the Gulch, where he has invested much of his energy since 1993 along with partner Steve Armistead, having built Mercury View Lofts there. In charge of all of Crosland's investments in the state. Long-time advocate of historic preservation (evidenced by the treatment of the BMG-Little Sisters and the Castner Knott buildings).

Rob Barrick President & CEO Smith Seckman Reid Nashville Runs engineering design and facility consulting firm with 480 employees in 10 offices across the United States. Recently handled project management and engineering work for the $25.3 million Alcoa water treatment plant, which processes 16 million gallons of water a day, making it the largest membrane filtration facility in the state.

James Bearden CEO Gresham, Smith and Partners Nashville Started in 1967 as primary architect for HCA. The firm now has five divisions, including aviation and environmental compliance, as well as 16 offices across the country. Recently designed the Saturn V Center for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Jack A. Belz Chairman & CEO Belz Enterprises Memphis Legendary developer who changed the face of downtown Memphis oversees more than 30 million square feet of developed property holdings in Memphis, Nashville, Pigeon Forge, other states and Puerto Rico. Recently lured Nike to acquire a 125-acre parcel at his Northridge Industrial Park. Behind Uptown Partnership, a Memphis public-private revitalization effort.

C. Dorman Blaine Founder & President Blaine Construction Knoxville Retained to perform $35 million worth of construction for the Spallation Neutron Source, an 80-acre, $1.4 billion research facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Since founding the firm 37 years ago, Blaine became a definite force among East Tennessee builders. The company is now fully owned by Yates Co. of Mississippi.

Rusty Bloodworth Executive VP Boyle Investment Co. Memphis Studied community development in Scandinavia where he became enamored with European ideas of New Urbanism, then brought his passion to America. Builds large-scale multi-use communities he calls "new towns." Firm built Farmington, one of the earliest new urban communities.

Bruce Bosse President Merit Construction Knoxville Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this large commercial and industrial construction firm is on track to top $100 million in revenue. Currently involved in building Knoxville's new $40 million high school, the DeBusk College of Medicine in Harrogate, as well as the Lakeside Center. Clients include Scripps Networks, Walgreens, South College, the City of Maryville and Regions Bank.

Michael Bourn President Bourne Holdings Memphis Having gone into real estate three years ago, the Alabama transplant is busy developing 500 acres of commercial and residential property in Shelby County. Also in the offing are a 2,500-acre community near Oxford, Miss., and a 160-acre project in Blue Springs, Miss., near the Toyota assembly plant.

Paul Bower President & CEO Education Realty Trust Memphis Bower runs one of America's three publicly traded student housing REITs, which capitalize on outsourcing of student housing by colleges to third parties as college enrollments grow. Company's predecessor, Allen & O'Hara, was the first to introduce the student hotel concept in 1964.

Mike Brewer Executive VP Linkous Construction Memphis Now part of Merit Shop Contractor, the firm has worked on the Renaissance Center, Christ the Rock Metro Church, and a Medtronic Sofamor Danek research and development facility. With 33 years of experience, Brewer is the right-hand man to President R.E. Linkous.

Clay Bright Vice President Brasfield & Gorrie Nashville Boasts an impressive portfolio of high-profile Nashville projects, including the BellSouth Tower, Corner Realty's Adelicia and Tony Giarratana's Encore. Last year, received the Excellence in Construction award from Associated Builders and Contractors for its work on St. Vincent's Hospital.

Fletcher Bright Founder Fletcher Bright Co. Chattanooga Established in 1927, the firm has 140 shopping centers in 16 states across the Southeast. Key properties are Cherry Plaza in Gastonia, N.C. Company also has strong residential and commercial units.

Danny Buring Partner The Shopping Center Group Memphis Based in Atlanta, the firm that has 23 offices across the country has been making noise here with Buring at the helm since he dropped his affiliation with developer Weston Companies. In May, SCG-Memphis was chosen to handle leasing of $1 million square feet of retail space for Weingarten Realty Investors, one of the largest Class A retail holders in Memphis.

Jim Bush Chairman Johnson & Galyon General Contractors Knoxville Having finished the $24 million renovation of the Neyland Stadium, the firm is building the new Pratt Pavilion at the University of Tennessee. Also continues work on St. Mary's North Medical Center Powell. With the help of Doug Kennedy, Bush runs the oldest general contracting business in the state, dating back to 1914.

Jim Campbell President & COO H+M Co. Jackson Handles construction and engineering jobs across the globe, bringing in over $300 million in sales. Clients include Macy's, Adidas, QVC Home, General Electric and Ross stores.

Gene Carlisle Founder & Chairman Carlisle Corp. Memphis The owner of 90 Wendy's eateries struck a deal with Global Hyatt Corp. in May to build a $55 million hotel as part of his $175 million One Beale project downtown, which includes luxury condos and retail. In October considered bidding for Wendy's International, worth at least $2.5 billion, in partnership with an unnamed private equity firm.

Andy Cates Vice President Colliers Wilkinson & Snowden Memphis Has represented corporations, landlords and investors in the Memphis area since 1998. Partner since 2005, Cates focuses on industrial tenants and landlords, having closed over 300 deals. Clients include Conair, DSC Logistics, Robert Patillo Properties, Herbalife and ProLogis.

Nick Cazana President Commercial & Investment Properties Knoxville Top projects are Knoxville's Northshore Medical Plaza, the Gallery Shopping Center in Huntsville, Ala., and two similar galleries in Knoxville and Nashville. Firm specializes in build-to-suit work, including complicated projects for high-tech clients, but also handles warehouse construction and redevelopment.

Pace Cooper President & CEO Cooper Companies [5] Memphis Active developer of hotel projects in Florida and Michigan totaling $90 million. Specializes in building and management of hotel properties in eastern U.S., with 21 properties grossing well over $100 million.

David DeVaney President NAI Charter Real Estate Corp. Chattanooga Firm handled $32 million in transaction volume in 2006. David took the reigns from father Chet DeVaney, who founded the company more than three decades ago. Clients include FedEx, BASF, SunTrust Bank, CBL and TVA. Repping BCBS, which recently put its gold building up for sale for $22 million.

David Dewhirst Owner Dewhirst Properties Knoxville Started specializing in redevelopment in 1973. With partners Mark Heinz and Tom Grace, currently busy readying the Holston Bank Building condos for 2008 occupancy. Known as Market Square's largest property owner with 10 parcels, Dewhirst, an engineer, plans to use historic tax credits to turn the old JFG building into a mixed-use development.

Jim Downing CEO Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon Nashville With 12 offices in the Southeast, the engineering and architecture firm has quite a footprint in Nashville with engagements by Opryland U.S.A., MetroCenter, four shopping malls (including Green Hills Mall), and Nashville International Airport. MDHA's engineer of choice.

John Eakin Chairman Eakin Partners Brentwood Developed 3.5 million square feet of office buildings in the Nashville market, such as Burton Hills I & II, Highland Ridge I, II & III, Comdata headquarters and Virginia Way Plaza. Firm co-founder Barry Smith heads the powerful leasing team.

Mike Edwards President & CEO The Development Corp. of Knox County Knoxville Also running the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Edwards presides over a private, not-for-profit organization that helps companies choose sites, build facilities and develop infrastructure in the Knox County area. TDC has developed some 2,000 acres of business and industrial parks in the area.

David Emery Chairman & CEO Healthcare Realty Trust Nashville Runs the publicly traded REIT which Credit Suisse ranks 13th among 76 most liquid and financially flexible. As of June, its 178-property-and-mortgage portfolio was worth $1.6 billion. Prior to starting Healthcare Realty Trust in 1992, led Emery Partnership, which built the 480,000-square-foot Nashville City Center and 3322 West End.

Pat Emery Regional VP Crescent Resources Franklin Formed by Duke Energy and Morgan Stanley, the firm is the largest property management company in the Cool Springs market with its impressive collection of corporate centers. Oversees leasing and management of the Primus Financial Services campus.

Steve Ernst President Ernst Construction Nashville The fast-growing luxury residential builder, clearly on the radar of many affluent locals, recently announced construction of a 130-room Hampton Inn & Suites in Hendersonville's Indian Lake Village, via its Ernst Hospitality unit.

John Floyd Founder & President Ole South Properties Murfreesboro Handles plenty of home construction in La Vergne, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Smyrna and Spring Hill. Founded firm in 1986, and now claims to be one of the top 100 builders in the nation. TVA has noted the firm's energy-saving efforts.

Bill Freeman Chairman Freeman Webb Co. Nashville Co-founded the successful real estate investment, management and brokerage company at age 28 with partner Jimmy Webb in 1979. Manages over eight million square feet of commercial and residential facilities in North America, including 60 multi-family residential properties (10,000 units). Former director of Downtown Urban Development for Nashville's MDHA.

Sam Furrow Chairman Archer-Furrow & Associates Knoxville Well-known auctioneer, chairman of Furrow Auction Co. has been in the auction business for 25 years. Handles public auctions, orderly liquidations, private sales and industrial equipment appraisals. Owns millions of square feet of commercial space.

Greg Gheen President Realty Trust Group Knoxville Founded less than a decade ago, this development and advisory firm made it to the top 25 health care development companies, as ranked by Modern Healthcare magazine. Gheen's shop also handles development projects for banks and the government sector.

Tony Giarratana President Giarratana Development Nashville Remains the most ambitious condo developer in Tennessee with the proposed $225 million, 70-story Signature Tower, but complexities of financing had delayed groundbreaking at press time. His other projects, done in partnership with Novare Group of Atlanta, are running smoothly.

Mike Gorney Principal/Acquisitions Wexford Equity Partners Nashville Headquartered in Chicago, the firm last year bought 13 properties, mostly government buildings, in Middle and East Tennessee from Hearthwood Properties. Since conception in 1995, the firm has written more than $1 billion in debt and equity transactions, with WexTrust Capital acting as a principal investor to assure healthy returns.

Jimmy Granbery CEO H.G. Hill Realty Co. Nashville Opened a stellar tree-lined retail/office complex in the heart of Green Hills, on site of a former H.G. Hill grocery store. Firm continues to capitalize on the vision of grocer H.G. Hill, who in 1896 began buying properties where his stores stood, creating value for generations.

Chuck Griffin President BarberMcMurry Architects Knoxville In charge of East Tennessee's largest and oldest full-service architecture firm. Since joining the firm in 1983, Griffin became an expert in project management and facilities evaluation. Portfolio includes medical buildings, churches and office structures.

Franklin L. Haney Sr. Chairman Franklin L. Haney Co. Chattanooga The 67-year-old financier may have failed in his bid to buy the Washington Nationals baseball team, but it should not hurt the ego of a builder whose projects are worth a combined $10 billion. Success came to him when he began developing properties and leasing them to TVA and other federal entities.

Stan Hardaway President Hardaway Construction Corp. Nashville Most known for Willis Corroon headquarters, Nashville International Airport and the Tennessee Bicentennial Capitol Mall projects, Hardaway recently completed the $35 million Historic Metro Courthouse renovation, and the $25 million Freshman Commons dining hall at Vanderbilt University.

Bill Hawkins President Chas. Hawkins Co. Nashville Family-owned company specializes in build-to-suit projects through affiliation with Hawkins Development Co. In 1989, joined the firm established by his late father and local industrial development pioneer Charles Hawkins. High-profile projects include the Tire Centers building in 43-acre Logistics Way Industrial Park.

Michael Hayes Asset Manager C.B. Ragland Co. Nashville Firm led by Hayes' father, Mike Hayes, controls vast holdings of land south of Broadway in the coveted SoBro district, where it started as a grocery business in 1919. Formerly worked for AutoZone identifying and acquiring new sites. Wrote the business plan for AutoZone of Puerto Rico.

David Hill Senior Director South Waterfront Development Knoxville This well-credentialed guru of urban planning is in charge of a massive urbanization effort in Knoxville as construction begins on the 20-year South Waterfront project. Hill has held numerous jobs in city planning in North Carolina, Texas and New York. He also is Knoxville's COO.

Ashlyn Hines Principal Bristol Development Group Nashville Co-founder and one of three principals of Bristol Development Group, the urban residential developers behind numerous projects statewide, including the Icon in Nashville, and two successful condo buildings on Broadway and off West End. Bristol's commercial brokerage is based in Franklin.

Joe Hollingsworth Owner & CEO Hollingsworth Companies Clinton The former vice chairman of the Tennessee Board of Economic Growth started his company at age 16 when he built his first house, and now controls a network of business parks in four states. The firm not only builds industrial space—it can help with anything from site selection to funding and growth management.

Doug Horne Chairman & CEO Horne Properties Knoxville Got his start as a Wal-Mart builder by finding a Knoxville location for Sam Walton. Horne has built regional and community shopping centers in 25 states, including Knoxville's Chapman Ford Crossing and Northwest Crossing, and Forrest Gallery in Tullahoma.

Page Inman President Inman Construction Memphis With typical annual revenues between $50 million and $80 million, this firm operates in 11 states, including Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Recent projects include Brentwood Originals manufacturing, Urology Center of the South and Campbell Clinic in DeSoto County.

Larry Jensen President & CEO Commercial Advisors Memphis Former sportswriter turned mover and shaker in Memphis business circles. Runs the independent affiliate of Cushman and Wakefield Alliance, which represents FedEx, Baptist Hospital, Baker Donelson and Accredo Health. Former head of the Memphis Chamber.

Jon Kinsey President Kinsey Probasco & Associates Chattanooga Former Chattanooga mayor has become the key figure in downtown development in Hamilton County, and now he's busy making a name for his firm in Knoxville with a multi-million renovation of the Sunsphere, which was built for the 1982 World's Fair. Other projects include Candy Factory in Knoxville and River Pier Landing in Chattanooga.

Bill Knestrick President & CEO The Knestrick Companies Nashville In business for 36 years, Knestrick handles brokerage and leasing, tenant representation and property management on top of construction services via its Knestrick Properties unit. Knestrick bought his father's contracting company in 1998 and has since expanded its footprint.

Maribel Koella Director & Principal NAI Knoxville Knoxville With 25 years of experience, recognized as leader in industrial properties, investment and corporate services. Clients include Aluminum Company of America, A+ Communications, Levi Strauss, U.S. Postal Service, Ruby Tuesday and BASF.

David Koziak Affiliate broker Newmark Knight Frank Nashville Last year was lured from Grubb & Ellis by Newmark Knight Frank to open and run its Nashville office. Has a reputation of one of the most prolific office brokers in the city with such clients as the National Federation of Independent Business, Aluminum Company of America, PNC Corp., Trane Corp. and Bridgestone/Firestone.

Michael Lebovitz Senior VP-Chief Development Officer CBL & Associates Properties Chattanooga Last June took helm of the shopping mall REIT's aggressive growth program as it shifted strategy from acquisitions to development. CBL's new emphasis is on building regional malls, as well as open-air, mixed-use and community centers as the concept of the traditional mall loses steam nationwide.

Stephen Lebovitz President CBL & Associates Properties Chattanooga Michael's brother runs one of the nation's largest mall REITs. Publicly traded since 1993, the company got its start in movie theater development in the 1950s, and now its annual revenue is approaching $1 billion. Father Charles Lebovitz is chairman of the board and CEO.

Benny O. Lendermon III President Riverfront Development Corp. Memphis Leads an organization whose mission is to unite Memphis' diverse river-oriented projects to boost pedestrian traffic downtown. RDC manages 11 riverfront parks, including Mud Island. One of the recent projects is Beale Street Landing, for which the organization found $10 million of federal and state funds.

Bobby Loeb Chairman & President Loeb Properties Memphis Descendant of two-term Memphis Mayor Henry Loeb, Bobby oversees two million square feet of retail, office, multifamily and industrial property. Also develops single-family subdivisions and mixed-use projects. Since 1887, family has had multiple businesses including dry cleaning, outdoor advertising and fast food restaurants.

Rob Lowe Broker Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Nashville Star broker and principal at Colliers, whose specialties include investment sales and commercial office leasing. Handled $250 million worth of deals for clients such as Bear Stearns, Prudential Real Estate Investors, CIGNA, The Gaedeke Group and Kirkland Properties.

Henry Luken Owner Luken Holdings Chattanooga Significantly expanded his empire in 2005 when he bought most of now-U.S. Sen. Bob Corker's vast real estate holdings. The Corker Group portfolio, which is run by President and CEO Kim White, has some 40 buildings, spanning over two million square feet of office, retail and industrial space.

Mark Mamantov Managing Partner Bass, Berry & Sims Knoxville One of the state's most prominent real estate attorneys, especially on bond matters. Co-founder of Bass Berry's Knoxville office. Clients include Knoxville Community Development Corp., Y-12, as well as many cities, counties and utility districts. Presides over the board of the Knoxville Symphony Society.

Alex Marks Senior VP Tower Investments Nashville he influential California ranching family, led by patriarch Steven Marks, arrived in Tennessee with a bang. Currently building three equestrian-themed residential projects in Williamson County's Leipers Fork, the family holds the majority stake in $250 million Cumberland Yacht Harbor marina and condo project, and has sights on participating in the development of the Steiner-Liff scrap yard in downtown Nashville.

Steve Massey Executive VP CB Richard Ellis Nashville At CBRE since 1985, has become an expert in the multi-family and investment sales. During past year alone handled deals topping $200 million, which include representation of large national developer Forest City Enterprises in the $68.5 million sale of The Landings Apartments in Cool Springs.

Walker Mathews President & CEO R.C. Mathews Contractor Nashville The go-to downtown developer and contractor on projects that revitalize Nashville's urban core. Prime examples are the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Ryman Auditorium. Mathews continuously expands his father's business.

Mack McClung Owner/Partner Vastland Realty Group Nashville Formed in 1995, the firm holds 30 retail, office, residential, golf and waterfront properties in Nashville and vicinity. In April, bought the 65-acre Starwood Amphitheatre site for $4.2 million, looking at residential and retail opportunities. Other projects include Glenbrook Centre and Mansker Farms in Hendersonville.

Toby McKenzie Developer McKenzie Development Cleveland Classic example of a pull-yourself-by-the-bootstraps multi-millionaire. Born to "lower-middle class" parents, his first venture was a newspaper route in Cleveland. McKenzie then built rent-to-own and check advance chains, which landed him the necessary fortune to develop property in the Smoky Mountains.

Mark Menhinnitt President Actus Lend Lease Nashville From its head office in Nashville, which was established in 2001 and recently became the firm's headquarters, Actus handles roughly one-fifth of all Defense Department's privatized housing contracts across the country. Among recent projects are military housing in Fort Campbell, Hawaii, North Carolina and New York.

Roger Moore President R.M. Moore Real Estate Co. Knoxville Formed his company 12 years ago and now has more than 18 broker-agents (counting those in the Sevier County office). Recent engagements include the $12.9 million sale of the former Boyds Bear Country property in Pigeon Forge, multiple retail projects in Knoxville's Hardin Valley, and sales and leasing of Lenoir City's Town Creek development.

John W. Nelley Jr. Managing Director/Nashville Duke Realty Nashville Runs Nashville operations of Indianapolis-based REIT, which bought Nashville Warehouse Inc. (NWI). Notable projects include Airpark East and Metro Airport Business Center. Personally owns Midtown Cafe and C&S Harley Davidson.

David Ogle Founder Five Oaks Development Gatlinburg Powerful East Tennessee land baron who helped develop Pigeon Forge into one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Southeast. Family name is synonymous with Sevier County real estate development.

Larry Papel Partner Corner Partnership Nashville President of the Rotary Club of Nashville. On top of his legal duties as leader of Baker Donelson's corporate/mergers & acquisitions practice, remains busy as principal alongside Mark Bloom and Ronald Scott in Corner Partnership, whose Adelicia luxury condo complex is preparing to open. The trio is invested in the downtown Hilton hotel and owns historic Union Station hotel.

Bob Parks Owner Bob Parks Realty Murfreesboro A force among Midstate brokers—his firm has 600 agents who reached $1.5 billion in deals last year—Parks makes the list due to significant growth in his firm's own development projects and commercial real estate activity. Official Realtor of the Tennessee Titans, Parks recently opened an office in Florida.

Jerry Petzoldt Chief Manager TCI Group-Jerry Petzoldt Agency Kingsport Founding member and champion of the Tri-Cities Regional World Trade Center Association. Co-founded TCI with Charles Lowrey Sr. in 1996. Has offices in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol. Firm's 22 real estate professionals manage hundreds of properties and handle millions of dollars in deals each year.

G. Dan Poag Chairman & CEO Poag & McEwen Lifestyle Centers Memphis Pioneered the idea of a shopping center without an anchor tenant, having coined the term "lifestyle center." With partner Terry McEwen, who is president, previously developed strip centers mainly anchored by Kroger across the Southeast. Now focusing solely on their own concept with 12 lifestyle centers.

Gary Prosterman Founder & President Development Services Group Memphis In 1987, founded DSG and Ambulatory Management Services, which was bought by Symbion in 1998. Portfolio includes 20 company-developed properties, mostly Hampton and Homewood Suites hotels in Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi. Peyton Manning and Fred Smith are Prosterman's partners in the Cumberland House boutique hotel next to the UT-Knoxville campus.