Coke has been active in the real estate development and construction business since 1993, involved in over $750,000,000 in transactions. Coke started his career providing residential construction management and development oversight services for Darby Development. In 2002, Coke partnered with Medical Development Associates. There, he was involved in entitling and developing 21 medical facilities for Doctors Care, the largest insurance provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield in South Carolina at that time. In 2006, Coke brought his development and construction expertise to a new venture, co-founding Columbia Development. Initially, Coke's primary focus at Columbia Development was providing construction, architectural, engineering oversight, budgeting, and entitlement services. In 2015 Coke was named Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Development, and today Coke is primarily involved in Columbia Development's corporate management, strategic planning, organizational development, and operational oversight.
Columbia Development is a privately held real estate development firm based in Columbia, SC, with offices in Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Raleigh, NC. The team is actively engaged in developing mixed-use destinations, regional and neighborhood shopping centers, and single-tenant retail assets throughout the southeastern United States with a primary geographic focus on the Carolinas. Columbia Development is currently engaged in the development of over 2.5 million square feet across the southeastern United States.
Coke's firm is the general partner involved in Fenton www.FentonNC.com, a mixed-use destination in Cary, NC. With an estimated total project budget of 1.2 billion dollars, Fenton is one of the most significant retail-driven mixed-use projects in the country today. Columbia Development's partners in Fenton are Hines www.hines.com and USAA Real Estate www.usrealco.com.
Coke and his team are well-positioned to quickly and effectively adjust to and capitalize on changes in the retail marketplace with proficiency in multiple project types and numerous catalyst retailer relationships.
When not working, Coke enjoys running, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, Anne, and two daughters, Mary Margaret and Virginia, ages 16 and 12.
Coke has been active in the real estate development and construction business since 1993, involved in over $750,000,000 in transactions. Coke started his career providing residential construction management and development oversight services for Darby Development. In 2002, Coke partnered with Medical Development Associates. There, he was involved in entitling and developing 21 medical facilities for Doctors Care, the largest insurance provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield in South Carolina at that time. In 2006, Coke brought his development and construction expertise to a new venture, co-founding Columbia Development. Initially, Coke's primary focus at Columbia Development was providing construction, architectural, engineering oversight, budgeting, and entitlement services. In 2015 Coke was named Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Development, and today Coke is primarily involved in Columbia Development's corporate management, strategic planning, organizational development, and operational oversight.
Columbia Development is a privately held real estate development firm based in Columbia, SC, with offices in Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Raleigh, NC. The team is actively engaged in developing mixed-use destinations, regional and neighborhood shopping centers, and single-tenant retail assets throughout the southeastern United States with a primary geographic focus on the Carolinas. Columbia Development is currently engaged in the development of over 2.5 million square feet across the southeastern United States.
Coke's firm is the general partner involved in Fenton www.FentonNC.com, a mixed-use destination in Cary, NC. With an estimated total project budget of 1.2 billion dollars, Fenton is one of the most significant retail-driven mixed-use projects in the country today. Columbia Development's partners in Fenton are Hines www.hines.com and USAA Real Estate www.usrealco.com.
Coke and his team are well-positioned to quickly and effectively adjust to and capitalize on changes in the retail marketplace with proficiency in multiple project types and numerous catalyst retailer relationships.
When not working, Coke enjoys running, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, Anne, and two daughters, Mary Margaret and Virginia, ages 16 and 12.
Jenkins began his career in 1999 at EDENS, where he managed a Southeastern U.S. portfolio of shopping centers. Following his time at EDENS, Jenkins cofounded Columbia Development where he has been involved in all facets of retail and mixed-use development from inception to completion, including site selection, contract negotiation, re-zoning and entitlements, lease negotiation, project capitalization, budgeting, scheduling, asset stabilization, and disposition. Jenkins is involved in forging strategic partnerships for Columbia Development, as well as corporate planning and company management. To name a few, Jenkins has been involved in projects with Lowe’s Home Improvement, Costco, Walmart, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Target, Wegmans, Verizon Wireless, USAA, and Publix, Hobby Lobby, Chipotle, and Starbucks. Over the past 5 years Jenkins has spent much of this time working with the Columbia Development team on its FENTON project, a 2.5 million square foot mixed use project in Cary, N.C. that will be opening in April of 2022. Jenkins is a graduate of the University of Georgia, an Eagle Scout, and enjoys spending time and traveling with his family. In addition, Jenkins is also an avid runner of roads and trails and enjoys spending time at the coast, traveling, backpacking, and playing golf.
Jenkins began his career in 1999 at EDENS, where he managed a Southeastern U.S. portfolio of shopping centers. Following his time at EDENS, Jenkins cofounded Columbia Development where he has been involved in all facets of retail and mixed-use development from inception to completion, including site selection, contract negotiation, re-zoning and entitlements, lease negotiation, project capitalization, budgeting, scheduling, asset stabilization, and disposition. Jenkins is involved in forging strategic partnerships for Columbia Development, as well as corporate planning and company management. To name a few, Jenkins has been involved in projects with Lowe’s Home Improvement, Costco, Walmart, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Target, Wegmans, Verizon Wireless, USAA, and Publix, Hobby Lobby, Chipotle, and Starbucks. Over the past 5 years Jenkins has spent much of this time working with the Columbia Development team on its FENTON project, a 2.5 million square foot mixed use project in Cary, N.C. that will be opening in April of 2022. Jenkins is a graduate of the University of Georgia, an Eagle Scout, and enjoys spending time and traveling with his family. In addition, Jenkins is also an avid runner of roads and trails and enjoys spending time at the coast, traveling, backpacking, and playing golf.
Bud has been active in the development and construction business for 41 years. Bud has developed coastal resort communities, medical office buildings, and retail shopping centers totaling over $500,000,000 in asset value. Bud is the Managing Partner of Columbia Development, focusing on debt and equity relationships, and construction oversight. Bud attended the University of South Carolina. He and his wife Genie are proud grandparents of eight grandchildren, and enjoy spending time in the mountains of North Carolina and in Charleston, South Carolina.
Bud has been active in the development and construction business for 41 years. Bud has developed coastal resort communities, medical office buildings, and retail shopping centers totaling over $500,000,000 in asset value. Bud is the Managing Partner of Columbia Development, focusing on debt and equity relationships, and construction oversight. Bud attended the University of South Carolina. He and his wife Genie are proud grandparents of eight grandchildren, and enjoy spending time in the mountains of North Carolina and in Charleston, South Carolina.
Meredith graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Finance and Marketing. She began her career in the financial industry working for Carolina First (TD Bank) and RBC Centura as a financial analyst and underwriter, as well as assisting with portfolio management. Meredith has been with Columbia Development for 10 years and has worked on projects ranging from medical office development, single and multi-tenant retail development, and shopping centers. Meredith is involved from project inception through pre-development, leasing, finance, to disposition or stabilization. Meredith has worked with numerous retailers across the Southeast including Mattress Firm, Sleepy’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Michaels, Petco, Five Guys, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, USAA, Ross Dress for Less, Harris Teeter, Ulta, The Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby, Taziki’s, Chipotle, AT&T, Doctors Care, Chuy’s, Mission BBQ, and Starbucks. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her family.
Meredith graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Finance and Marketing. She began her career in the financial industry working for Carolina First (TD Bank) and RBC Centura as a financial analyst and underwriter, as well as assisting with portfolio management. Meredith has been with Columbia Development for 10 years and has worked on projects ranging from medical office development, single and multi-tenant retail development, and shopping centers. Meredith is involved from project inception through pre-development, leasing, finance, to disposition or stabilization. Meredith has worked with numerous retailers across the Southeast including Mattress Firm, Sleepy’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Michaels, Petco, Five Guys, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, USAA, Ross Dress for Less, Harris Teeter, Ulta, The Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby, Taziki’s, Chipotle, AT&T, Doctors Care, Chuy’s, Mission BBQ, and Starbucks. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her family.
Ellen has been with Columbia Development for 16 years and specializes in project oversight and execution, including re-zoning and entitlements, lease negotiations, budgeting and financial analysis, scheduling, and asset dispositions. Ellen attended the University of South Carolina and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and International Business and a Master’s degree in Teaching. Ellen began her career at Fluor Corporation in Greenville, South Carolina, as a member of the Government group. At Fluor, Ellen worked exclusively on the Hurricane Katrina FEMA relief project, which provided temporary housing units throughout Louisiana to more than 160,000 displaced residents. Ellen has worked with numerous retailers while executing projects ranging from mixed-use and anchored shopping centers to multi-tenant and net lease properties. A partial list of retailers includes Wegman’s, Costco, Walmart, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Publix, Verizon Wireless, Chipotle, and Starbucks.
Ellen has been with Columbia Development for 16 years and specializes in project oversight and execution, including re-zoning and entitlements, lease negotiations, budgeting and financial analysis, scheduling, and asset dispositions. Ellen attended the University of South Carolina and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and International Business and a Master’s degree in Teaching. Ellen began her career at Fluor Corporation in Greenville, South Carolina, as a member of the Government group. At Fluor, Ellen worked exclusively on the Hurricane Katrina FEMA relief project, which provided temporary housing units throughout Louisiana to more than 160,000 displaced residents. Ellen has worked with numerous retailers while executing projects ranging from mixed-use and anchored shopping centers to multi-tenant and net lease properties. A partial list of retailers includes Wegman’s, Costco, Walmart, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Publix, Verizon Wireless, Chipotle, and Starbucks.
Abbitt began his career with CB Commercial in 1997. He was the Managing Partner for The Shopping Center Group, LLC in Raleigh from 2000 through 2013, at which time he joined Columbia Development. Abbitt specializes in site acquisitions and tenant relationships for Columbia Development. Abbitt has completed transactions with almost every major retailer operating in the Carolinas, and has been involved in over 150 anchor tenant transactions. A partial list of completed transactions includes Ross Dress for Less, Old Navy, The Gap, Banana Republic, Office Depot, Target, The Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Lifetime Fitness, Harris Teeter, LIDL, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Costco, Publix, Ulta, DSW, TJX Brands, BI-LO, Walmart, Chipotle, Starbucks, Sheetz Petroleum, Verizon Wireless, and LA Fitness. Abbitt Graduated from the University of Georgia in 1997 with a BA in Real Estate. Abbitt coaches soccer in his free time and is an avid outdoorsman.
Abbitt began his career with CB Commercial in 1997. He was the Managing Partner for The Shopping Center Group, LLC in Raleigh from 2000 through 2013, at which time he joined Columbia Development. Abbitt specializes in site acquisitions and tenant relationships for Columbia Development. Abbitt has completed transactions with almost every major retailer operating in the Carolinas, and has been involved in over 150 anchor tenant transactions. A partial list of completed transactions includes Ross Dress for Less, Old Navy, The Gap, Banana Republic, Office Depot, Target, The Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Lifetime Fitness, Harris Teeter, LIDL, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Costco, Publix, Ulta, DSW, TJX Brands, BI-LO, Walmart, Chipotle, Starbucks, Sheetz Petroleum, Verizon Wireless, and LA Fitness. Abbitt Graduated from the University of Georgia in 1997 with a BA in Real Estate. Abbitt coaches soccer in his free time and is an avid outdoorsman.
Zuckerman began his commercial real estate career in Atlanta in 2006 with a focus on landlord representation. As such, he managed the in-town portfolios of Dewberry Capital, Halpern Enterprises and the Atlanta History Center, among other major clients. In 2011, Zuckerman joined North American Properties, where he led the leasing strategy for the turnaround of Atlantic Station Town Center, a major Atlanta destination consisting of 1.3 million square feet of retail space, anchored by several major tenants including Target, IKEA, Regal Cinema and Dillard's. Zuckerman successfully increased the development’s occupancy by 20 percent by adding more than 40 new national and local retailers and chef-driven restaurants. Zuckerman's next challenge was the acclaimed Avalon development in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he was instrumental in the pre-leasing of more than 400,000 square feet of retail space. Avalon opened with an unprecedented 98 percent occupancy rate, delivering an acclaimed mix of tenants like Whole Foods, Apple, Anthropology, Free People, Lululemon, & Williams Sonoma. Furthermore, Zuckerman strategically curated Avalon's best-in-class, chef-driven restaurant mix, which many consider the cornerstone of the development. Upon stabilization, Atlantic Station Town Center and Avalon were sold for a combined profit of more than $350 million. Most recently, Zuckerman served as vice president of leasing for Fuqua Development in Atlanta. His main focus in this position was The Battery Atlanta, a $2 billion mixed-use development combined with the Atlanta Braves' new SunTrust Park and known for its prestigious retail, food and entertainment businesses. An Atlanta native, Zuckerman spent his high school years in Israel and later served in the Israeli Defense Force before returning to his home city in 2006. He is a graduate of Georgia State University, with Bachelor of Business Administration in real estate. He and his wife, Hilary, have two daughters, and he enjoys cycling and walking the Atlanta Beltline on weekends.
Zuckerman began his commercial real estate career in Atlanta in 2006 with a focus on landlord representation. As such, he managed the in-town portfolios of Dewberry Capital, Halpern Enterprises and the Atlanta History Center, among other major clients. In 2011, Zuckerman joined North American Properties, where he led the leasing strategy for the turnaround of Atlantic Station Town Center, a major Atlanta destination consisting of 1.3 million square feet of retail space, anchored by several major tenants including Target, IKEA, Regal Cinema and Dillard's. Zuckerman successfully increased the development’s occupancy by 20 percent by adding more than 40 new national and local retailers and chef-driven restaurants. Zuckerman's next challenge was the acclaimed Avalon development in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he was instrumental in the pre-leasing of more than 400,000 square feet of retail space. Avalon opened with an unprecedented 98 percent occupancy rate, delivering an acclaimed mix of tenants like Whole Foods, Apple, Anthropology, Free People, Lululemon, & Williams Sonoma. Furthermore, Zuckerman strategically curated Avalon's best-in-class, chef-driven restaurant mix, which many consider the cornerstone of the development. Upon stabilization, Atlantic Station Town Center and Avalon were sold for a combined profit of more than $350 million. Most recently, Zuckerman served as vice president of leasing for Fuqua Development in Atlanta. His main focus in this position was The Battery Atlanta, a $2 billion mixed-use development combined with the Atlanta Braves' new SunTrust Park and known for its prestigious retail, food and entertainment businesses. An Atlanta native, Zuckerman spent his high school years in Israel and later served in the Israeli Defense Force before returning to his home city in 2006. He is a graduate of Georgia State University, with Bachelor of Business Administration in real estate. He and his wife, Hilary, have two daughters, and he enjoys cycling and walking the Atlanta Beltline on weekends.
Albert began his career in 2003 at Mashburn Construction where he managed construction projects related to industrial, educational, and medical facilities. In 2006, Albert was hired by EDENS, where over a 10-year period he developed in excess of 2,000,000 square feet of grocery-anchored shopping centers, power centers, and multi-use developments throughout NC, SC, GA, FL, and OR. Beginning in 2016 he transitioned over to Columbia Development Group to lead design, permitting, and construction management for the company. Since that time, he has been instrumental in executing retail projects throughout NC and SC. Major tenants that he has developed for include Publix, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby, Target, TJX Brands, Best Buy, West Marine, Ross, ULTA, and Academy.
Albert began his career in 2003 at Mashburn Construction where he managed construction projects related to industrial, educational, and medical facilities. In 2006, Albert was hired by EDENS, where over a 10-year period he developed in excess of 2,000,000 square feet of grocery-anchored shopping centers, power centers, and multi-use developments throughout NC, SC, GA, FL, and OR. Beginning in 2016 he transitioned over to Columbia Development Group to lead design, permitting, and construction management for the company. Since that time, he has been instrumental in executing retail projects throughout NC and SC. Major tenants that he has developed for include Publix, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby, Target, TJX Brands, Best Buy, West Marine, Ross, ULTA, and Academy.
Walker Sojourner is the Vice President of Development specializing in the sourcing, capitalization, site selection, entitlement and execution of development projects. Since joining Columbia Development in 2017, Walker has been involved in all facets of retail and mixed use development from inception to completion. Walker manages projects within Columbia Development’s existing portfolio, as well as analyzing new opportunities to build the pipeline. Walker graduated from Clemson University with his Bachelor of Science in 2014 and continued at Clemson to receive his Master of Real Estate Development in 2017. Prior to joining Columbia Development, Walker was the personal intern for Mayor Knox White in Greenville, South Carolina and a Development Analyst at RealOP Investments. Walker is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He is currently serving on the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Midlands Executive Committee and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Walker Sojourner is the Vice President of Development specializing in the sourcing, capitalization, site selection, entitlement and execution of development projects. Since joining Columbia Development in 2017, Walker has been involved in all facets of retail and mixed use development from inception to completion. Walker manages projects within Columbia Development’s existing portfolio, as well as analyzing new opportunities to build the pipeline. Walker graduated from Clemson University with his Bachelor of Science in 2014 and continued at Clemson to receive his Master of Real Estate Development in 2017. Prior to joining Columbia Development, Walker was the personal intern for Mayor Knox White in Greenville, South Carolina and a Development Analyst at RealOP Investments. Walker is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He is currently serving on the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Midlands Executive Committee and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Scott graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and then went on achieve his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was first employed as tax staff with Deloitte & Touche. While at Deloitte, Scott passed the exam and became a Certified Public Accountant. After rising to the level of manager, Scott left to start his own firm. He was self-employed for 11 years, handling a variety of tax and legal issues, including tax return preparation, wills and trusts, and business formations. He joined Columbia Development Group full-time in 2016 after serving as its CPA since inception. Scott enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, and reading.
Scott graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and then went on achieve his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was first employed as tax staff with Deloitte & Touche. While at Deloitte, Scott passed the exam and became a Certified Public Accountant. After rising to the level of manager, Scott left to start his own firm. He was self-employed for 11 years, handling a variety of tax and legal issues, including tax return preparation, wills and trusts, and business formations. He joined Columbia Development Group full-time in 2016 after serving as its CPA since inception. Scott enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, and reading.
After graduation from Columbia College and post-graduate work at Florida State University, Nan returned to Columbia, SC and has enjoyed a long career working in accounting in both commercial real estate development and property management. She has been with Columbia Development for 5 years. Outside of work, Nan enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, and serving in various capacities in her church.
After graduation from Columbia College and post-graduate work at Florida State University, Nan returned to Columbia, SC and has enjoyed a long career working in accounting in both commercial real estate development and property management. She has been with Columbia Development for 5 years. Outside of work, Nan enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, and serving in various capacities in her church.
Geordie graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Upon graduation in 2008, Geordie joined Columbia Development where he specializes in property management. In addition, Geordie manages a subdivision in Columbia, as well as a townhouse project in Charleston, SC. He enjoys being a father to his three kids, spending time with his entire family, and playing golf.
Geordie graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Upon graduation in 2008, Geordie joined Columbia Development where he specializes in property management. In addition, Geordie manages a subdivision in Columbia, as well as a townhouse project in Charleston, SC. He enjoys being a father to his three kids, spending time with his entire family, and playing golf.
Richard started in the construction field in 1996. Richard has been involved in the construction of various military and retail projects in excess of $200,000,000. He joined Columbia Development in 2014 and specializes in construction management. Richard is a licensed landscaper and certified in various capacities including LEED concrete, stormwater, erosion control, MSHA, and US Army Corp of Engineers quality control. In Richard’s spare time, he and his wife volunteer their time cooking for Family Life ministries.
Richard started in the construction field in 1996. Richard has been involved in the construction of various military and retail projects in excess of $200,000,000. He joined Columbia Development in 2014 and specializes in construction management. Richard is a licensed landscaper and certified in various capacities including LEED concrete, stormwater, erosion control, MSHA, and US Army Corp of Engineers quality control. In Richard’s spare time, he and his wife volunteer their time cooking for Family Life ministries.
