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POWER LIST HONOREES
Click the names to meet key power players in across South Carolina. Click at left for a page-by-page list of the Real Estate Power List and more.
WADE ALLEN, Lee & Associates
MARK BARDO, Allen Tate Co.
BRENT CASE, Coldwell Banker
Commercial Atlantic
JOHN C.L. DARBY, The Beach Co.
FRANK DuPREE, Vista Capital Management
STEPHEN EDGERTON,
Coldwell Banker Caine
PETER FENNELLY, Bridge Commercial
CHRIS FRASER, Avison Young
JOHNATHAN A. GOOD, NAI Earle Furman, NAI Piedmont Triad and NAI Columbia
BRENDA HANNA, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Midlands Real Estate
BRUCE HARPER, Trinity Partners
BEN HINES, Spencer/Hines Properties
DUSTIN JOHNS, Resource Realty Group
TARA JOHNS, Resource Realty Group
DAN JOYNER, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Co.
JOSEPH KLOSIK, Keller Williams Realty
PATTY KORAHAIS,
Keller Williams Realty
DAVID LOCKWOOD, Colliers International
TED PITTS, Wilson Kibler
LAURA RITTENBERG, Coldwell Banker Realty, Atlanta; Coldwell Banker Realty, Carolinas
STEPHEN SMITH, CBRE
OWEN TYLER, The Cassina Group
SHARON WILSON, Wilson Associates
No. 1: John C.L. Darby
The Beach Co.
n his roles as president and CEO of The Beach Co., and managing partner of Kiawah River, John C.L. Darby is charged with executing the vision of his grandfather, company founder J.C. Long, to generate lasting value in all aspects of The Beach Co.’s real estate endeavors. Over more than 20 years, Darby’s efforts have had a significant impact on the communities served by The Beach Co., helping to improve their quality of life and contributing to their long-term economic vitality.
A Charleston native and 1985 graduate of The Citadel, Darby began his career in banking. In 1988, his family approached him to work for The Beach Co., and in 1990, he joined family business. Since becoming CEO in 1999, Darby has expanded the company’s presence throughout Charleston and across the Southeast.
Under his leadership, The Beach Co. grew from 18 employees to over 300, transforming into a full-service real estate business with a portfolio including residential and resort properties, office buildings, shopping centers, industrial parks and land across the Southeast. The company grew from a multi-million-dollar, multifamily portfolio to a more than $1.5 billion portfolio of Class A multifamily and mixed-used properties. Darby also expanded the firm’s construction company, Gulf Stream Construction, and development division, Beach Development, as well as formed the Beach Investment Fund, The Beach Co.’s first-ever investment fund. The firm has been frequently recognized, regionally and nationally, for excellence.
Darby supports many community organizations and serves on The Citadel Foundation, Trident CEO Council, Palmetto Business Forum, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, S.C. Tourism Council, Ashley Hall School Board, New Carolina, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, and the East Cooper Land Trust Advisory Council.
He has dedicated much time, energy and resources, both personal and on behalf of the company, to the Emanuel Nine Memorial, a planned memorial honoring the nine victims and five survivors of the mass shooting, which took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston. The memorial is expected to open in 2022.
No. 2: Sharon Wilson
Wilson Associates
S
haron Wilson is a name that has been synonymous with outstanding performance in the Greenville real estate market for decades, having earned numerous accolades from peers and clients alike. She co-founded Wilson Associates in 2014, where she is president and broker-in-charge of 28 full-time agents.
Now in its seventh year, Wilson Associates consistently ranks among the top 10 performing real estate companies in Greenville and is an affiliate of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a referral network serving clients nationwide and globally.
Recognition aside, Sharon’s motivation to succeed has never been about awards or sales goals but loving what she does and prioritizing her clients. At the start of the pandemic, Wilson Associates put the safety of their clients, agents and staff first by providing proper personal protective equipment and weekly professional office sanitizations, as well as offering showings with streaming video, safety training programs for agents, and virtual house tours.
One of Wilson’s favorite aspects of running her own company is the opportunity to hand-pick and mentor a team of professionals who share her work ethic to exceed client expectations as well as giving back to the community. In fact, Wilson Associates recently just pitched the idea of implementing bike racks alongside Greenville’s new Unity Park. This implementation will be paid for as a charitable donation to Unity Park by Wilson Associates and other real estate companies. A seventh generation Greenvillian, she encourages everyone at Wilson Associates to support a charity of their choice to help make Greenville a better place. The company supports many local organizations such as Project Host, Cancer Society of Greenville County, Artisphere, the Julie Valentine Center, and the Meyer Center.
Her leadership has earned local and regional sales awards as well as her being named to the 2020 GSA Women of Influence and being awarded the 2018 Business of Integrity Award for Outstanding Community Service by the Better Business Bureau of the Upstate.
As she puts it, philanthropy and real estate professionalism, paired with ambition, approachability and innovation, make Wilson Associates just very good at real estate.
No. 3: Jonathan A. Good
NAI Earle Furman, NAI Piedmont Triad and NAI Columbia
A
1997 graduate of Furman University, Jonathan A. Good joined NAI Earle Furman in January 2000 after selling the first business he purchased after graduating college. He was elected to shareholder of the firm in 2005 and named CEO in 2011.
Good’s ability to source deals and partner like-minded teams has led to the successful operation of a firm-controlled private equity fund that is currently in its second investment cycle. He has full oversight and heads the firm’s executive committee. He has a proven record of increasing sales for the firm throughout the Carolinas and concentrates his efforts on growing the bottom line. He also coordinates every facet of broker training and development and plays an integral role in creating valuable instruction for administrative employees. He has directed the restructuring of several divisions, facilitated growth initiatives, and led the merger and acquisitions of several additional brokerage firms to continue adding resources and new talent to the firm’s various businesses.
Good has served in a variety of community leadership roles, including as a boardmember of the Greenville Housing Authority; past president of The Commercial Alliance of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors; past chairman, Loaves and Fishes, a food rescue program that collects and delivers more than 1.1 million pounds of food each year.
He serves as board secretary and member of the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Finance and Investment Committee and has been a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization since 2012. He is a member of the Aspen Institute’s Liberty Fellowship Class of 2020 and is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors.
He is a former director and the 2003 Commercial Realtor of the year for the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors, a Costar Power Broker from 2007-2012.
Company recognitions include the NAI Earle Furman Property Management Business Development Award, Capital Club, Silver, Gold and Platinum Levels, Largest Transaction of the Year, and Global Elite Performer.
No. 4: Owen Tyler
The Cassina Group
A
fter a successful career as a general real estate broker, Owen Tyler felt it was time to take on a new role as managing broker and broker-in-charge at The Cassina Group, based in Mount Pleasant. Experienced in residential and commercial real estate, Tyler is an Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified International Property Specialist, Council of Residential Specialists, Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist, and Certified Mediator. He brings a passion for his profession, a stellar reputation, and offers a superb client service experience.
Tyler joined The Cassina Group in 2014, charged with moving the brokerage to its next iteration with a focus on creating a highly specialized consumer experience. His focus on Realtor excellence and a client-first approach has helped The Cassina Group evolve into the successful luxury real estate firm that clients and customers expect today. Under his management, the firm has consistently ranked among the best in the Charleston MLS, named to the Roaring 20s List, listed as one of the top 1000 Brokerages in the U.S., and landed on the Inc. 5000 list more than once.
Tyler has served on local, state and national boards and in leadership positions for South Carolina Realtors, Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, The Children’s Trust of South Carolina, and One80 Place. He was the 2013 President of Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, 2018 and 2019 Governance Chair for One80 Place, and the 2020 president of South Carolina Realtors.
He was named 2013 Realtor of the Year by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, awarded the 2008 C. Dan Joyner Community Service Award by South Carolina Realtors, and named Charleston Global Realtor of the Year by CTAR Global Business Chapter. He was named to the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 2013 Forty Under 40.
Tyler graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
No. 5: Stephen Smith
CBRE
A
native South Carolinian born and raised in Charleston, Stephen Smith graduated from the College of Charleston and spent the first nine years of his career in the Lowcountry, specializing in commercial sales and leasing. In 1993, Smith moved to Greenville and joined the Furman Co., specializing in office sales and leasing before moving into leadership roles within the company. When CBRE acquired CBRE Furman Co. in 2014, he transitioned into his current role leading the brokerage, investment property and property management business for the state of South Carolina.
He has been recognized throughout his career with a number of professional accolades, including the South Carolina Chapter of Society of Industrial and Office Realtors’ award for the largest office transaction in 2000, 2004 and 2010 as well as being named a member of Grubb & Ellis’ Circle of Excellence in 2000 and 2005, which recognizes the top producers in the company.
Since earning the SIOR designation, Smith has been closely involved with that organization throughout his career, serving as the Carolinas Chapter president, and as a regional director and a member of the board of directors.
He has worked with a number of business and philanthropic organizations in South Carolina, noting that he is “very proud of the work that I have been part of through my professional career and through these organizations.”
He currently serves on the board of directors for the Greenville Tech Foundation and the board of directors for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, as well as on the Executive Leadership team for the March of Dimes Real Estate Committee. He is a former member of the board of governors for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Greenville YMCA board of directors.
Wade Allen
Lee & Associates
A 1983 graduate of Clemson University, Wade Allen is a 38-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry with vast experience in brokerage transactions, property and asset management, as well as construction and development of multiple asset types. His career roles have included both owner-occupier responsibility and real estate service provider relationship management. Recruited to Lee & Associates in 2019 as president and broker-in-charge of the company’s Charleston operations, Allen has been instrumental in growing the business in all facets. He has led the company to a compounded annual growth rate of 20% in revenues over the past two years. He serves many organizations through past and present board appointments, including Clemson University, Camp Twin Lakes, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, Downtown Athletic Club and The Church at LifePark.
Mark Bardo
Allen Tate Co.
In his 35 years of real estate leadership, Mark Bardo has held in many roles, including at an executive level. Licensed as a broker in four states, he currently oversees all sales and operations for Allen Tate Co. in the Upstate with nine offices and 170 personnel. Since his appointment, he has led the regional office to double-digit growth since 2019. Previously, Bardo led other divisions to similar growth levels. He is past chair of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s marketing and technology committee, a past board member of the Charlotte MLS and a current board member for Luxury Portfolio International.
Brent Case
Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic
With more than 25 years experience in the business, Brent Case is president and BIC of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic in North Charleston, specializing in retail brokerage in sales, leasing, tenant representation and development as well as multifamily, office and land acquisitions. Case has received many accolades, including Commercial Realtor of the Year, CCIM Region Vice President, and Commercial Realtor of the Year and has been named Broker of the Year and Circle of Distinction over the past 10 years. Since 2012, he has been named Coldwell Banker Commercial No. 1 Sales Professional by State every year, as well as to the top 2% of the Coldwell Banker Commercial Global Network of Brokers.
He serves on the National Advisory Board for Coldwell Banker Commercial Corporate, the Executive Committee for the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS and chairs the North Charleston Business Expo. An active member in the Charleston Chamber, he has headed the Chamber’s Leadership Charleston program. He is leading the company in the development of three shopping centers totaling over 100,000 square feet, managing all aspects and processes of the development cycle. He has also been the exclusive real estate agent for many National Brands Retail Tenants. Case also is a Principle in Tenant Development Company LLC and in AI Insurance Services LLC.
Frank DuPree
Vista Capital Management
Frank DuPree has been in the multifamily industry since 1978. Currently, he is CEO and founder of Vista Capital Management Group in Greenville, but prior to this role, he served as regional vice president of Apartment Investment Management Company. Prior to AIMCO, DuPree worked as an asset manager for Insignia Financial Group. He holds real estate broker’s licenses in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. DuPree is a Housing Credit Certified Professional, awarded by the National Association of Home Builders; a Certified Property Manager, awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management; and as a Certified Commercial Investment Member. DuPree is a past president of the Upper State Apartment Association and the South Carolina IREM Chapter, an active member of the Urban Land Institute, and currently serves on the National Affordable/Workforce Housing Council and as a National Governing Councilor for IREM.
Stephen Edgerton
Coldwell Banker Caine
More than 10 years ago, Stephen Edgerton joined Coldwell Banker Caine in the Upstate as COO. Today he serves as president and CEO, overseeing the company’s related real estate divisions. Under his leadership, the organization has come to be known for its innovative attitude, hundreds of high-caliber associates and deep commitment to community. Edgerton works personally with Meals on Wheels and other organizations. The company’s Caine Cares program similarly impacts the Upstate through programs focused on human services, animal welfare, arts and health and wellness. Previously, Edgerton has served as chairman of the Coldwell Banker Large Office Group for five years, as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Metro Greenville YMCA and as board member for Artisphere and VisitGreenvilleSC. He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization. Edgerton graduated from Rhodes College and earned an MBA from Arizona State University.
Peter Fennelly
Bridge Commercial
Since earning his first real estate license in New Jersey at the age of 18, Peter Fennelly has been representing clients throughout the country and has worked in cities such as Princeton, San Diego, Atlanta and for the past 20 years, Charleston. Working in teams and building teams over the years has provided some of the greatest opportunity and experiences to Fennelly. From playing college football at the University of Rhode Island to international sailboat competitions around the world. Those experiences helped develop the skills, empathy and camaraderie to be part of building a great organization such as Bridge Commercial.
As the president of Bridge Commercial, Fennelly works on long term strategy, actively helps train young recruits and serves his various long term clients. Fennelly is active in his community through school, sports and community organizations and is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors and CoreNet Global.
Chris Fraser
Avison Young
A graduate of Clemson University and a United States Navy veteran, Chris Fraser entered the real estate profession in 1985. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the development of multiple product types, including hospitality, sports complexes, retail, industrial and office space, and has worked in office leasing and management as well.
Fraser’s experience has led him to a number of development and brokerage assignments, taking part in large-scale residential subdivision projects, anchored shopping centers, corporate office buildings and hotel and amenity-rich projects. Today, Fraser is managing director of Avison Young’s South Carolina and Savannah commercial real estate offices based in Charleston. Fraser holds a designation as a Certified Commercial Investment Member. He also serves in several community roles including, arts, education and economic development.
Brenda Hanna
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Midlands Real Estate
With more than 40 years in the real estate industry, Brenda Hanna has served as an agent and licensed broker for over 30 years. She opened Prudential Midlands Real Estate in 2006 and joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in 2015. She was president of the Central Carolina Realtor Association in 2014 and has been awarded a Realtor of the Year Meritorious Award.
Today, Hanna serves as the chief financial officer, broker-in-charge and owner for Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices in the Midlands. Hanna has said that she shares a passion and core values for the team members under her in serving the communities in the Columbia region.
Bruce Harper
Trinity Partners
Bruce Harper specializes in investment sales and development as well as land sales and office and medical sales and leasing. He joined Trinity Partners in 2018 and is currently managing partner for the company in the Columbia office. Prior to joining Trinity Partners, he was president and broker-in-charge of a major real estate company. He has received a Circle of Excellence Award every year since 1999, achieving Gold status each year from 2005-2008. He was awarded the CCRA 2008 and 2010 Commercial Transaction of the Year award. He is a member of the Central Carolina Realtors Association and National Association of Realtors, the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors, and the International Council of Shopping Centers. He served on the city of Columbia Design Development and Review Board, Clemson University Board of Visitors and the Columbia Market Forecast Board.
Ben Hines
Spencer/Hines Properties
A 1978 graduate of Wofford College, Ben Hines started Spencer/Hines Properties, a commercial real estate firm, in 1986. Headquartered in Spartanburg, the company, a commercial real estate firm, is celebrating 35 years in the industry.
Hines grew the company into the largest market share in Spartanburg County, with 20 brokers and a branch office in Greenville. The firm added two partners, Andy Hayes and Guy Harris, three years ago. Hines and his team have represented many clients, producing millions of dollars in commercial real estate transactions, hundreds of jobs, and substantially increasing the Upstate’s tax base. He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member and former certified financial planner. Hines has served on numerous boards, including the United Way of the Piedmont, Child Evangelism Fellowship, The S.C. Christian Foundation and First National Bank.
Dustin and Tara Johns
Resource Realty Group
Founded by Dustin (left) and Tara Johns in 2008, Resource Realty Group is the largest independent brokerage in the Columbia market, servicing investors and bank-owned properties. Since then, and as the markets improved, RRG has grown to sales of over $100 million annually, with 35 agents and six brokers. The Johns’ thrive on solving unique property challenges and complex transactions for their clients in both the commercial and residential sectors. Dustin is also a licensed builder and Tara serves as Broker In Charge. RRG also offers flat fee listing services for $2,800, regardless of price, which has saved their clients over $5 million in commission since they introduced the model four years ago. They are also active in community affairs. Tara was nominated to run for their local Leukemia/Lymphoma Society’s Woman of The Year fundraiser. Her team goal is to raise $150,000 for the society.
Dan Joyner
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Co.
A Greenville native and Furman University graduate, Dan Joyner has worked with the company from his youth, starting in property management and doing appraisals, insurance and residential sales. He started the commercial division in 1996, serving as president and general manager. He became president of the C. Dan Joyner Co. in 2010 leading the company through the transition to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, Realtors in 2013. Under his leadership, Joyner continues to be the Upstate’s market leader in residential home sales and is poised for continued growth. Joyner has served on many boards in the Upstate, including The American Heart Association, Coaches for Character and Greenville Little League, and recently completed The Riley Institute’s Diversity Leadership Program.
Joseph Klosik
Keller Williams Realty
Joseph Klosik started in real estate in the Atlanta area in 2001 with Keller Williams Realty. After working as a sales agent, team leader and coach, he joined his wife, Lynne, in her sales business to form Salt Marsh Properties within Keller Williams, serving as the listing specialist and CFO. He currently is the operating principle for Keller Williams Charleston’s West Ashley and Summerville offices, as well as broker-in-charge for all Charleston Keller Williams offices. Klosik’s biggest passions are teaching and coaching agents around the country. In 2018, he was accepted into the Keller Williams Realty International Master Faculty. Klosik has served on grievance, professional standards and the MLS board of directors, is the immediate past president of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, and currently serves on the board for both the state and local Realtor associations. The Klosiks live in Mount Pleasant, where they are active in their church.
Patty Korahais
Keller Williams Realty
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Patty Korahais has been a licensed South Carolina Realtor since 2000.
She is currently broker-in-charge of more than 400 real estate associates in the Upstate as operating principal of Keller Williams Realty. She oversees more than 4,000 closed real estate transactions per year.
Korahais also serves as the broker-in-charge of Central Property Management, which has been serving clients in Greenville, Anderson and Spartanburg since 2010. Korahais said that as a local industry leader, Keller Williams always searches for solutions and resources for agents to serve their clients better.
Under Korahais’ leadership throughout the past five years, the Spartanburg brokerage has been ranked No. 1 in Spartanburg County for units and volume closed, and the Greenville offices rank third in units sold in Greenville County.
David Lockwood
Colliers International
A Clemson University graduate, David Lockwood is currently executive vice president and COO, as well as a shareholder of Colliers International South Carolina Inc. He started with the company in 1986 as a leasing agent and six years later was promoted to vice president of leasing, in charge of all lease production for the Columbia office. In 2005, Lockwood was promoted to senior vice president and promoted in 2010 to executive vice president.
In 2016, he was named executive vice president and COO, responsible for all marketing, research and IT operations, as well as overseeing staff for the company’s four offices in South Carolina. He has been president of the Central Carolina Realtors Association and the South Carolina Realtors Association, and served for more than eight years on the executive committee of the National Association of Realtors, along with numerous leadership positions within National Association of Realtors.
Ted Pitts
Wilson Kibler
Ted Pitts first joined Wilson Kibler in 1999 as a broker, and became a principal in the company in 2008. More than a decade later, in January 2021, he was named Wilson Kibler’s president and CEO, overseeing operations in all three S.C. offices in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston. Prior to being named president and CEO, Pitts left Wilson Kibler to work in Gov. Nikki Haley’s administration in 2011, first as deputy chief of staff, then later chief of staff. Following that role, he shifted his efforts to the S.C. Chamber of Commerce where he took on the role of president and CEO in 2015. Pitts graduated from Presbyterian College where he now serves on the Board of Trustees. He is also a football official in the Southeastern Conference.
Laura Rittenberg
Coldwell Banker Realty, Atlanta; Coldwell Banker Realty, Carolinas
Laura Rittenberg has 40 years of experience in residential real estate as a salesperson, branch office manager and corporate executive. After managing sales offices for two national franchises, she went on to oversee her own real estate company, mortgage company and real estate licensing school. She joined the Coldwell Banker executive team in 2000 when she sold her Denver-based company to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
In 2017, Rittenberg took the helm of Coldwell Banker Realty in Atlanta and her role was expanded two years later to include operational oversight in North and South Carolina. She leads 29 sales offices and nearly 2,700 affiliated agents. In 2020, Rittenberg helped implement the shift to virtual learning, marketing and conducting business. Under her management, the company’s sales rose to $5 billion last year, a 14% increase over 2019. She was named to the 2021 Women of Influence list and Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making a Mark. Rittenberg also is the president of the Atlanta and Carolinas chapter of Coldwell Banker Realty Cares Foundation.
