Coke has been involved in the development and construction industry since 1993, after finishing at the College of Charleston. His career achievements include playing a pivotal role in projects totaling over $1.6 billion in assets. Early on, he was involved in the development and ownership of 21 Doctors Care facilities across South Carolina, leasing to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of SC.
In 2006, Coke brought his development and construction expertise to a new venture, co-founding Columbia Development focusing on the Southeastern US. Being named as Chief Executive Officer in 2015, Coke's strategic vision and leadership have significantly broadened the firm’s portfolio, which now includes Healthcare, Grocery-Anchored Shopping Centers, Power Centers, Mixed-Use Destinations, and Re-Shoring Manufacturing.
Based in Columbia, SC, with additional offices in Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Raleigh, NC, Columbia Development is actively developing a diverse range of projects. Currently, the firm is involved in the development of over 2.5 million square feet of space in the Southeastern US.
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 18 and 14.
Coke has been involved in the development and construction industry since 1993, after finishing at the College of Charleston. His career achievements include playing a pivotal role in projects totaling over $1.6 billion in assets. Early on, he was involved in the development and ownership of 21 Doctors Care facilities across South Carolina, leasing to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of SC.
In 2006, Coke brought his development and construction expertise to a new venture, co-founding Columbia Development focusing on the Southeastern US. Being named as Chief Executive Officer in 2015, Coke's strategic vision and leadership have significantly broadened the firm’s portfolio, which now includes Healthcare, Grocery-Anchored Shopping Centers, Power Centers, Mixed-Use Destinations, and Re-Shoring Manufacturing.
Based in Columbia, SC, with additional offices in Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Raleigh, NC, Columbia Development is actively developing a diverse range of projects. Currently, the firm is involved in the development of over 2.5 million square feet of space in the Southeastern US.
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 18 and 14.
Jenkins embarked on his professional journey in 1999 with EDENS, taking charge of a collection of shopping centers across the Southeastern U.S. His next venture led him to co-found Columbia Development, where he has played a comprehensive role in the lifecycle of retail and mixed-use projects, engaging in site selection, negotiation of contracts, navigating the complexities of re-zoning and securing entitlements, orchestrating lease agreements, and managing financial structuring, budgeting, project timelines, stabilization of assets, and their eventual sale or transfer.
At Columbia Development, Jenkins has been a driving force in establishing strategic alliances, steering corporate strategy, and overseeing the company's operations and has been involved in over 1 billion in transactions. His project portfolio boasts collaborations with prominent names like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Costco, Walmart, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Target, Wegmans, Verizon Wireless, USAA, Publix, Hobby Lobby, Chipotle, and Starbucks. Jenkins has taken a lead role in Columbia Development’s FENTON project - a 2.5 million square foot mixed-use development in Cary, N.C., and its first phase opened in 2023.
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 embarked on his professional journey in 1999 with EDENS, taking charge of a collection of shopping centers across the Southeastern U.S. His next venture led him to co-found Columbia Development, where he has played a comprehensive role in the lifecycle of retail and mixed-use projects, engaging in site selection, negotiation of contracts, navigating the complexities of re-zoning and securing entitlements, orchestrating lease agreements, and managing financial structuring, budgeting, project timelines, stabilization of assets, and their eventual sale or transfer.
At Columbia Development, Jenkins has been a driving force in establishing strategic alliances, steering corporate strategy, and overseeing the company's operations and has been involved in over 1 billion in transactions. His project portfolio boasts collaborations with prominent names like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Costco, Walmart, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Target, Wegmans, Verizon Wireless, USAA, Publix, Hobby Lobby, Chipotle, and Starbucks. Jenkins has taken a lead role in Columbia Development’s FENTON project - a 2.5 million square foot mixed-use development in Cary, N.C., and its first phase opened in 2023.
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 had a distinguished career in the development and construction industry, spanning over 45 years involved in over 1.5 billion in real estate deals. His vast experience has seen him taking lead roles in the development of various projects, including medical office buildings, Doctors Care medical facilities, and coastal resort communities. In addition, he's played a pivotal role in establishing grocery-anchored retail shopping & power centers, as well as Mixed-Use Destinations. Currently, Bud holds the position of Chairman at Columbia Development. In this role, he is instrumental in guiding strategic corporate planning, managing crucial debt and equity relationships, and overseeing construction projects. Bud also lends his expertise as the Chairman of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Board of Governors. Beyond his professional achievements, Bud, alongside his wife Genie, cherishes moments with their eight grandchildren. They are often found relishing the serene landscapes of the mountains in North Carolina or enjoying the coastal charm of Charleston, South Carolina.
Bud has had a distinguished career in the development and construction industry, spanning over 45 years involved in over 1.5 billion in real estate deals. His vast experience has seen him taking lead roles in the development of various projects, including medical office buildings, Doctors Care medical facilities, and coastal resort communities. In addition, he's played a pivotal role in establishing grocery-anchored retail shopping & power centers, as well as Mixed-Use Destinations. Currently, Bud holds the position of Chairman at Columbia Development. In this role, he is instrumental in guiding strategic corporate planning, managing crucial debt and equity relationships, and overseeing construction projects. Bud also lends his expertise as the Chairman of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Board of Governors. Beyond his professional achievements, Bud, alongside his wife Genie, cherishes moments with their eight grandchildren. They are often found relishing the serene landscapes of the mountains in North Carolina or enjoying the coastal charm of Charleston, South Carolina.
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.
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 Vice President of Development at Columbia Development where his primary focus is procuring and overseeing projects in the southeast region. Walker specializes in site selection, market analysis, financial underwriting, entitlement and execution of retail oriented development projects. In his six years with Columbia Development, Walker has been an integral part of several projects ranging from single and multi tenant retail developments to grocery anchored shopping centers, including Fenton, a 2.5 million square foot mixed use project in Cary, North Carolina.
A graduate of Clemson University, Walker earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2014 and Master of Real Estate Development in 2017. He is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. An active member of the community, Walker is involved in the Columbia East Rotary Club, Ezekiel Mentorship program, Trinity Cathedral and Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Alumni Board. Walker lives in Columbia with his wife Alex and daughter Miller.
Walker Sojourner is Vice President of Development at Columbia Development where his primary focus is procuring and overseeing projects in the southeast region. Walker specializes in site selection, market analysis, financial underwriting, entitlement and execution of retail oriented development projects. In his six years with Columbia Development, Walker has been an integral part of several projects ranging from single and multi tenant retail developments to grocery anchored shopping centers, including Fenton, a 2.5 million square foot mixed use project in Cary, North Carolina.
A graduate of Clemson University, Walker earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2014 and Master of Real Estate Development in 2017. He is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. An active member of the community, Walker is involved in the Columbia East Rotary Club, Ezekiel Mentorship program, Trinity Cathedral and Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Alumni Board. Walker lives in Columbia with his wife Alex and daughter Miller.
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.
