We’re Driven. Period.
Real estate professionals Richard Swope and Ronnie DeThomas joined forces in 2003 to develop a shopping center in Oxford, Alabama as part of their relationship with Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group. Due to the large-scale project’s success and the subsequent success of many other developments, the team realized its propensity for a mutually beneficial partnership and formed Swope & DeThomas Investment Group.
The real estate firm brings a deeply rooted depth of knowledge to every project. Over 50 years of combined real estate experience shapes the firm’s comprehensive understanding of all facets of the development and redevelopment cycle as well as commercial real estate at large. With intimate knowledge of every major Southeast market, Swope & DeThomas understands what makes a successful deal.
As a group, we consistently leverage our communal expertise to deliver the best real estate experience, no matter the discipline. But it’s also the strength of our individual entrepreneurial spirits that inspire us to seek unique opportunities and creative deals.
Meet our team of industry entrepreneurs.
Richard Swope
Richard Swope is a partner at Swope & DeThomas who excels in development management, investment analysis, lender interfacing, anchor tenant negotiations and document coordination. Highlights of Richard’s Swope & DeThomas leadership include the conception and development of Oxford Exchange in Oxford, AL; managing the redevelopment of Westgate Village in Spartanburg, SC; and co-managing the redevelopment of National Hills in Augusta, GA. Prior to becoming partner at Swope & DeThomas, Richard was most recently a broker with Advantage Real Estate Services, Inc. and a retail development coordinator with SECO Development, Inc.
Richard studied real estate finance at Georgia State University and real estate law at Kennesaw State University. Richard is a licensed broker and registered appraiser with the State of Georgia and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Richard co-founded Blessings Foundation, Inc., a Georgia nonprofit organization, assisting victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD).
Ronnie DeThomas
A Swope & DeThomas partner, Ronnie has worked with Tom Abernathy for over 25 years and Jim Timberlake for over 15 years. Ronnie’s extensive work experience directs his proven ability to drive development, manage financing and oversee site work and redevelopment issues. Ronnie is adept at working with municipalities, landowners, tenants and contractors. In past work, Ronnie developed, built and sold a billboard company, and currently, assists landowners and developers with billboard leasing, management and sales. Ronnie is a graduate of the Atlanta Real Estate School.
Ronnie was instrumental in the redevelopment of National Hills Shopping Center in Augusta, GA and Westgate Village Spartanburg, SC. He is a member of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and an active church volunteer advising young adults.
Becky Kicklighter
An experienced CPA, Becky Kicklighter is the controller at Swope & DeThomas overseeing all aspects of accounting for the firm. Becky earned two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, one in accounting and one in management.
Gale Pride
Gale Pride serves as assistant property manager and bookkeeper at Swope & DeThomas. She is responsible for supporting the property manager’s managerial and financial responsibilities of multiple retail properties. Gale’s 20 years of property management and property accounting experience qualifies her to offer incomparable customer service to both Swope & DeThomas management customers and tenants.
Prior to joining Swope & DeThomas in 2007, Gale worked for Cushman & Wakefield and Carter as an Assistant Property Manager. She earned her associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1986. Gale is an active volunteer with several charitable organizations.
