Al Andrews, Partner
Panattoni Development Co.
Memphis
Builder of large logistics hubs, such as the Memphis Oak Distribution Center, where Thomson Multimedia subsidiary Techni- color found its 806,000-square-foot home for DVD distribution in 2003.
Joe Barker, Chief Manager
Marketstreet Equities Co.
Nashville
In partnership with Bristol Development Group, currently building Icon, a $100-million, 22-story mixed-use tower in the Gulch, a 30-acre plot of land near the Union Station Hotel. Began acquiring land there in 1999. Takes care of day-to-day management, with Steve Turner as the main equity supplier, in the privately held, multinational investment firm whose interests span real estate, banking and technology companies.
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).
Jack Belz, Chairman & CEO
Belz Enterprizes
Memphis
Oversees more than 30 million square feet of developed property holdings in Memphis, Nashville, Pigeon Forge, other states and Puerto Rico. Changed the face of Downtown Memphis with the purchase of The Peabody Hotel in 1975. Behind Uptown Partnership, a Memphis public-private revitalization effort.
Rusty Bloodworth, Executive VP
Boyle Investment Co.
Memphis
Builds large-scale multi-use communities he calls “new towns.” Studied community development in Scandinavia where he got enamored with European ideas of New Urbanism. Bloodworth’s firm Boyle built Farmington, one of the earliest New Urban communities
Paul Bower, President & CEO
Education Realty Trust
Memphis
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. Now owns or manages 59 properties, which amounts to 36,419 beds.
Gary Bowie, Owner
Empire Partner
Nashville
Key downtown Nashville residential loft real estate investor on a buying spree of late, having acquired 131 Second Avenue N. (which houses nightclub NV and offices) for just under $1 million, and Market Street Emporium for $1.75 million. Runs partnership with Ward Pace, formerly of Global Motorsports.
Fletcher Bright, Founder
Fletcher Bright Co.
Chattanooga
Has shopping centers in 15 states across the Southeast. Key properties are Cherry Plaza in Gastonia, N.C., four retail centers in Mississippi, and a wealth of retail properties in Tennessee.
Nick Cazana, President
Commercial & Investment Properties
Knoxville
Specializes in build-to-suit work, including complicated projects for high-tech clients. Top projects are Knoxville’s Northshore Medical Plaza, the Gallery Shopping Center in Huntsville, Ala., and two similar galleries in Knoxville and Nashville. Also handles warehouse construction and redevelopment.
Pace Cooper, President & CEO
Cooper Companies
Memphis
With gross revenues well over $100 million, builds and manages hotel properties, which span a geography ranging from upstate New York through Tennessee to the Mississippi Delta and southern Florida, 21 hotels in eight states in all. Company is the only Hilton franchisee with at least one of every Hilton brand in its portfolio.
Mitch Cox, Owner & President
Mitch Cox Development Group
Johnson City
David Dewhirst, Owner
Dewhirst Properties
Knoxville
Known for his preservationist inclinations, has been doing redevelopment since 1973. With partners Mark Heinz and Chicago transplant Tom Grace, Dewhirst bought three-story Cherokee building and two-story Ely building on Church Avenue and Market in August. Dewhirst is Market Square’s largest property owner with 10 parcels.
John Eakin, Founder & Chairman
Eakin Partners
Brentwood
Developed Burton Hills I & II, Highland Ridge I, II & III, Comdata headquarters building, Virginia Way Plaza and many others. Client roster lists more than 200 companies, including Suntrust Bank, Tractor Supply Co., Triad Hospitals and Quorum.
Mike Edwards, CEO
The Development Corp. of Knox County
Knoxville
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 Knox County. Also runs the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership as president and chief executive.
David Emery, Chairman & CEO
Healthcare Realty Trust
Nashville
In charge of the publicly traded REIT whose holdings are vast and expensive (some 237 properties valued at $1.9 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. (The latter was sold for $29.5 million in 1988.)
Pat Emery, Regional VP
Crescent Resources
Franklin
The largest property management company in the Cool Springs market. Formed by Duke Energy and Morgan Stanley, the firm leases and manages the Corporate Centre at Cool Springs, a five-building class A office park, with its Eight Corporate Centre opening in December 2006 and its Nine Corporate Centre starting construction this month. Recently named management company overseeing the leasing and management of the Primus Financial Services campus.
Richard Fletcher, Owner
511 Group Inc.
Nashville
Manages and leases roughly one million square feet of office space in Nashville, plus three large parking garages. A shrewd businessman, he also started a stand-alone cleaning service for his clients. Buildings include Nashville City Center and L&C Tower. Has handled leasing deals for Waller Lansden; Gresham, Smith & Partners; and the State of Tennessee.
John Floyd, Founder & President
Ole South Properties
Murfreesboro
Does a ton of work in the residential home market, mainly in Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson and Maury counties. Founded firm in 1986, and now claims to be the state’s largest independently owned homebuilder. TVA has noted the firm’s energy-saving efforts.
Bill Freeman, Chairman
Freeman Webb Co.
Nashville
Now employs 300 professionals and has largest apartment portfolio in Middle Tennessee. Co-founded the real estate investment, management and brokerage company at age 28 with partner Jimmy Webb in 1979. Former director of Downtown Urban Development for Nashville’s MDHA.
Sam Furrow, Chairman
Archer-Furrow & Associates
Knoxville
Former auctioneer, chairman of Furrow Auction Co., which owns millions of square feet of commercial space. Does a lot of work with historic properties.
Tony Giarratana, President
Giarratana Development
Nashville
By far the most ambitious condo developer in Tennessee, if not the entire Southeast. Finishing up the Viridian in partnership with Novare Group of Atlanta. Remains so optimistic about demand for downtown Nashville condos that he chose to go it alone, without Novare at his side, with the gargantuan Signature Tower, a $300-million, 65-story residential skyscraper slated to include a Kimpton boutique hotel.
Related stories on Tony Giarratana:
The Final Thrust, December '06
Search for
Tony Giarratana on businesstn.com...
Jeremy Giles, VP & Market Officer
ProLogis
Memphis
The Colorado-based firm manages, owns and has developed roughly 2,040 facilities in 75 markets in the United States, Europe and Asia. Giles handles the Memphis operations, including ProLogis Park Stateline, now fully leased following the expansion of Franklin Sports’ distribution space and Kyocera Mita America’s lease of 300,000 square feet in the 80-acre park southeast of Memphis International Airport this summer.
Mike Gorney, Principal
Acquisitions/Wexford Equity Partners
Nashville
Since 1995, the firm has underwritten debt and equity transactions to the tune of $1 billion, with WexTrust Capital acting as a principal investor to assure healthy returns. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm recently paid, through a subsidiary, $2.9 million for two sizeable buildings currently leased to state government tenants in Nashville.
Tim Graham, President
Graham Corp.
Knoxville
Recent projects include Merchant Towne Square, 640 Plaza, Northwest Plaza, Isaiah’s Landing and a new 400,000-square-foot Lowe’s at Southgrove. Graham founded firm in 1989 to develop, lease and manage shopping centers in metro Knoxville and East Tennessee.
Jimmy Granbery, CEO
H.G. Hill Realty Co.
Nashville
Continuing construction of the Hill Center at Green Hills, site of a former H.G. Hill grocery store now slated for a new urban development. Firm capitalizes on the vision of grocer H.G. Hill, who in 1896 began buying properties where his stores stood—and thus built a model for creating value in commercial real estate that can span generations.
Mark Halperin, Executive VP
Boyle Investment Co.
Memphis
At Boyle since 1973, Halperin is responsible for leasing and management of all office properties at Boyle Memphis, overseeing some two million square feet of class A space. Built and now manages Ridgeway Center, which spans nearly one million square feet.
Whitfield Hamilton, Regional Partner
Panattoni Development Co.
Nashville
Taking on a larger role at Panattoni’s Nashville office as Ron Colter’s role diminishes. Used to oversee operations of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker in Nashville, which he left in 2005 to become partner at Sacramento-based construction giant.
Franklin L. Haney Sr., Chairman
Franklin L. Haney Co.
Chattanooga
The 66-year-old multi-millionaire and financier built hotels and office buildings reportedly worth a combined $10 billion. The company’s success came when he began developing properties and leasing them to TVA and other federal entities. Maintains offices in Washington, D.C.
Bill Hawkins, President
Chas. Hawkins Co.
Nashville
Runs the family-owned company, which specializes in build-to-suit projects through affiliation with Hawkins Development Co. Holds a lot of inventory across town. 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
CB Ragland Co.
Nashville
In control of a large portion of land south of Broadway (in the so-called SoBro district), which is slated for major development in the near future. Formerly worked for AutoZone identifying and acquiring new sites. Created business plan for AutoZone of Puerto Rico. His dad, Chairman and CEO Mike Hayes, has been the helm since 1982.
Jeff Haynes, Chief Manager
Boyle Investment Co.
Nashville
Oversees Boyle’s Nashville operations, where he came after 17 years at Trammell Crow Co. In charge of Boyle’s aggressive build-out and acquisitions in the Nashville area, including 40 acres near I-65 in Cool Springs and Meridian business park.
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 in Nashville the Icon (located in the Gulch), as well as projects on Broadway and off West End.
Doug Horne, Chairman & CEO
Horne Properties
Knoxville
Got his start as a Wal-Mart builder by finding a Knoxville location for Sam Walton. Firm has built regional and community shopping centers in 25 states. Tennessee projects include Knoxville’s Chapman Ford Crossing and Northwest Crossing, and Forrest Gallery in Tullahoma.
Dan Jacobson, VP Properties
BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee
Chattanooga
The quiet mover behind insurance giant’s real estate deals. The 30-year veteran of BlueCross did all the legwork for company’s new campus on Cameron Hill, which will dwarf almost all previous developments in the area at $226 million and 800,000 square feet.
Wiley Johnson, Mng. Dir, development
FedEx Express
Memphis
Remains one of the most-traveled real estate executives in the state as he oversees all real estate matters, both domestic and international, for FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company. Negotiates millions of dollars in complex real estate transactions, such as build-to-suit leases, ground leases and airport deals.
Jon Kinsey, President
Kinsey Probasco & Associates
Chattanooga
Former Chattanooga mayor has become the key figure in downtown development in Hamilton County. Has been doing a lot of work in Knoxville of late (planning SunSphere revamp). Key Chattanooga projects are River Pier Landing, a $20 million downtown development across from the Tennessee Aquarium, and Knitting Mill, a 17,000-square-foot condo tower.
Michael Lebovitz, Senior VP
CBL & Associates Properties
Chattanooga
In June was put in charge of mall developer’s aggressive growth program. Focuses on regional malls, open-air, mixed-use and community centers. The publicly traded REIT got its start in movie theater development in the 1950s, and is one of the biggest REITs in the country in terms of mall holdings. (It owns controlling interest in 65 regional malls including several of Nashville’s largest.)
Bobby Loeb, Chairman & President
Loeb Properties
Memphis
Oversees more than 150 company-owned properties under management. The family firm dabbled in laundry, barbecue and fried chicken, until the 1980s when Bill Loeb’s sons, Louis and Bob, shifted focus to real estate investment/management.
Henry Luken, President & CEO
Luken Holdings
Chattanooga
Last year acquired most of Bob Corker’s vast real estate holdings as the latter headed into the U.S. Senate race. The Corker Group portfolio, which is run by Kim White, has some 40 buildings, spanning some two million square feet of office, retail and industrial space.
Related stories on Henry Luken:
Something in the Water , December '06
Search for
Henry Luken on businesstn.com...
Mark Menhinnitt, President
Actus Lend Lease
Nashville
Actus handles roughly one-fifth of all Defense Department’s privatized housing contracts nationwide. Menhinnitt runs the Nashville office that was established in 2001 and which became the company’s headquarters last year. Currently doing substantial work at Fort Campbell.
Sam Mischu, President
M&M Development Co.
Knoxville
Since 1991 has built more than 100 Walgreens stores. An Iraqi immigrant who came to the United States with his parents as a teenager, Mischu has projects in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina. He usually buys land, builds the store and then turns it over to Walgreens on a long-term lease.
Roger Moore, President
R.M. Moore Real Estate
Knoxville
Got his start in 1980 selling real estate for his father, who at the time ran the largest real estate firm in the state. Joined the Millin Dollar Cirle in 1987. His fast-growing company, which he formed 11 years ago, was broker for Parkside Drive, a $10-million development in Knoxville. Recent engagements include The Shoppes at Fountain Village and Millertown Pike retail center.
John W. Nelley Jr., Managing Dir/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 Café and C&S Harley Davidson.
David Ogle, Founder
Five Oaks Development
Gatlinburg
Powerful East Tennessee land baron whose family name is synonymous with Sevier County real estate development. Helped develop Pigeon Forge into one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Southeast.
Alex Palmer, PR & managing partner
Alex S. Palmer Co.
Nashville
Prolific Nashville developer who has completed big projects across the United States and is now working to bring to fruition his West End Summit project in Midtown Nashville, which would be the ultimate celebration of his real estate prowess. Paid $3.8 million for the Corinthian Lodge, the final piece of the Summit parcel along the 1600 West End block.
Larry Papel, Partner
Corner Partnership
Nashville
Longtime managing partner at Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz’s Nashville office who is also a principal with Corner Partnership alongside Mark Bloom and Ronald Scott. Building luxury condo complex The Adelicia in Midtown. Recently bought and restored to its former glory the historic Union Station Hotel. The triumvirate is also invested in the downtown Hilton hotel.
Jerry Petzoldt, Chief manager
TCI Group-Jerry Petzoldt Agency
Kingsport
Founding member and champion of the Tri-Cities Regional World Trade Center Association. Recent projects include the 35,000-square-foot office building for the U.S. Army and BAE Systems defense contractor at Holston Defense plant in Kingsport, as well as Gateway Commerce Park at the interchange of I-81 and I-26.
G. Dan Poag, Chairman & CEO
Poag & McEwen Lifestyle Centers
Memphis
Pioneered the idea of a shopping center without an anchor tenant. With partner Terry McEwen, who is president, previously developed strip centers mainly anchored by Kroger across the Southeast, until Kroger bolted from some prospective developments.
Gary Prosterman, Founder & President
Development Services Group
Memphis
Since 1990 has developed 24 hotels, mostly under the Hilton brand, across the U.S., and 23 health care facilities. Peyton Manning and Fred Smith are his partners in the Cumberland House boutique hotel next to the UT-Knoxville campus. Former health care entrepreneur, investment banker and intern for then-Senator Howard Baker.
Brian Reames, Senior VP
Highwoods Properties
Nashville
In charge of the Nashville, Memphis and Columbia markets, but also oversees Greenville, S.C., and Charlotte, N.C., for the Raleigh-based company. Last year began construction on yet another office building in the fast-growing Cool Springs market south of Nashville.
Robert Rogers, Principal
RMR Investment Co.
Memphis
Formed the firm 21 years ago and now owns nearly 100 properties, including an 80,000-square-foot shopping center in Chattanooga. Holdings include some 400 acres of commercially zoned land in Jackson and more than 200 acres in Starkville, Miss. Also active in Oklahoma.
Mike Ross, President
Rarity Communities
Vonore
Key purveyor of the retirement business in East Tennessee with his multitudinous Rarity Communities, which continue to pop up all over the region. Announced in July a joint venture with Thunder Thornton on the largest residential community in the state, a proposed $750 million development in Marion County on Nickajack Lake.
Karl Schledwitz, Chairman
Southland Capital Corp.
Memphis
Continues redevelopment of the 40-acre plot of Memphis downtown land dubbed South End, from industrial to mixed-use (with $500 million worth of projects underway there). Heads real estate development and venture capital firm he co-founded with Terry Lynch, who is president, and wife Gail in 1987.
Floyd Shechter, Principal
SmartSpace
Nashville
Expert at developing office buildings and adaptive reuse projects near interstates, who also builds to suit for banks. Earlier this year, landed 400 Comcast employees at Two Rivers Corporate Center, which was an outlet center when he bought it in 2002 from Konover Property Trust for $5.6 million.
Mike Shmerling, Executive VP
Kroll
Nashville
Former CPA and private prison entrepreneur who bought his first commercial property 13 years ago. Sold nothing during the past year, focused on acquiring more land in Midtown, where he owns more than 30 properties, including a 2.5-acre parcel across from Vanderbilt University on West End. Eyeing a 10-acre development on Charlotte Ave.
Barry Smith, President
Eakin Partners
Brentwood
Former executive vice president and principal of Grubb & Ellis|Centennial, widely considered the top dog in Nashville commercial brokerage circles. Has been making deals in the Nashville market since the mid-1980s, specializing in office leasing and sales. Among top clients are FedEx, MetLife, MAPCO Express and Quorum Health Group.
Bob Talbott, President
Holrob Investments
Knoxville
Started his real estate firm in 1997
after time spent as president of
Horne Properties. Has developed some
1.3 million square feet of commercial
space, including Mercedes Place,
Sevierville Commons and Walden's
Landing in East Tennessee; now working
on a project in Utah. Branched out into
residential development in Sevier and
Knox counties.
Gary Taylor, Owner
Gary A. Taylor Investment Co.
Jackson
Heavily involved in shopping
center development
since building West Town Commons
mall. Does it all, from moving dirt to
laying utilities to putting the last coat of
paint on lampposts. Recent projects are
Casey Commons, Park Place, Sandstone
Village and Towne Centre North.
Stewart Taylor, President
Taylor Properties
Kingsport
Has built over a dozen
restaurants during the last six
years in Kingsport, as well as Traders
Village Mall. Shrewdly assembled the
land and is now poised to bring highend
restaurants and boutiques to the
intersection of I-81 and I-26 in Sullivan
County--the last undeveloped interstate
crossing in America.
Related stories on Stewart Taylor:
Sharp as a Knife , April '06
Search for Stewart Taylor on businesstn.com...
John "Thunder" Thornton, Chairman
Thunder Enterprises
Chattanooga
Top developments include
a residential project on
Tellico Lake and the 1,450-acre
Tennessee National golfing community
in Loudon County, on which he partnered
with renowned designer Greg
Norman. Authored the famous land
swap deal with TVA (1,100 acres of his
land in exchange for 578 acres of
TVA-owned lakefront property 30 miles
west of Chattanooga).
Henry Turley, CEO
Henry Turley Co.
Memphis
Sixteen years ago, developed
Harbor Town in cooperation
with Belz Enterprises, becoming
one of the beacons of new urbanism in
Tennessee. Also developed South Bluffs.
Firm's motto is "All about downtown."
Well known for preservation efforts.
John Turley, Managing Partner
Turkey Creek Land Partners
Knoxville
Lead developer on Turkey
Creek in Knoxville, a 485,000-squarefoot
shopping Mecca with more than
70 retailers in Knoxville, a boon to the
area. Personally owns another 100
adjacent acres. Started out building
Applebee's in East Tennessee, Florida
and Pittsburgh, Pa. Owns and manages
nearly one million square feet of
industrial space in Knoxville.
Ron Watkins, President & CEO
Partners Development
Knoxville
Specializes in building
manufacturing, distribution and health
care facilities. Built Parkside Plaza in
Knoxville, a 200,000-square-foot office
building in the Turkey Creek area.
Does work in Mexico, Poland
and United Arab Emirates.
Ted Welch, GOP fundraiser & invester
Ted Welch Investments
Nashville
Remains a powerful
player with dozens of properties in
Nashville despite selling some, such as
Park Place shopping center and office
complex, to Brookside Properties in
early 2005 for $13.8 million.
David Wilson, Senior Vice President
Southern Land Co.
Nashville
Joined Southern Land Co., which
prides itself on building innovative residential
communities, in August 2004, led
the company's foray into commercial
real estate market, with a focus on land
acquisition, master planning and tenant
relations. In charge of McEwen Place
Town Center, currently under development
in Cool Springs.
Pat Wood, CEO
Lawler-Wood Group
Knoxville
Firm developed First Tennessee
Plaza, the first-ever modern high-rise
in Knoxville. Among other high-profile
projects are Whittle Communications
headquarters and Baptist Health System
of East Tennessee. The publicity-shy
real estate mogul has built an impressive
resume during his 30-year career
in real estate.
Jim Ayers, Owner/Chairman
FirstBank
Nashville
His ever-expanding FirstBank has a powerful growing commercial lending unit. Got his start in the nursing home business before starting Lexington-based FirstBank. Has significant amount of his personal fortune invested in real estate in Nashville and across Tennessee.
Mark Mamantov, Managing Partner
Bass, Berry & Sims
Knoxville
The go-to Knoxville attorney on real estate matters. Co-founder of Bass Berry’s Knoxville operations. Clients include Knoxville Community Development Corp., Y-12, as well as many cities, counties and utility districts, for which he does work as bond counsel.
Patrick McGuigan, President & owner
McGuigan & Associates
Nashville
Has built an impressive appraisal shop since its formation in 1984, serving both commercial and residential clientele, such as Vanderbilt University and Nashville’s MDHA. Works extensively with banks, including Capital Bank & Trust and Regions. Prior to starting out on his own, was with R.D. Jackson & Associates.
Tom White, Partner
Tune, Entrekin & White
Nashville
The Music City's best
known and most prolific
real estate attorney who last year
repped developer Robert Moore in teardown
of one of the city's oldest homes,
Evergreen Place, to make way for a
Home Depot. Exhaustive resume
includes representing Ensworth in high
school construction near Warner Park
and defending Hoover Inc.'s efforts
to build a rock quarry.
If there is a vacant street corner anywhere in Tennessee, it’s probably because developers and real estate brokers have been too busy with their current workload. Look in each major, and minor, market across the state and you’ll see plenty of activity. In Cleveland, Bradley County (population 100,000 souls), the value of new building permits shot up from $15 million to $29 million between January and September. A couple of hours to the northwest, in Nashville, class A office space happens to be in short supply (due to a seemingly endless stream of corporate relocations). In other words, there is plenty of money to be made. And the 101 business people listed here--the most influential movers and shakers in Tennessee commercial real estate--are doing a large percentage of the work behind major commercial developments in the Volunteer State. They might even teach you, but they’ll have to charge.
Earl Swensson, Chairman & Principal
Larry Jensen, President & CEO
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