OUR TEAM & PARTNERS

All the Reasons you need

Development geared toward the best locations for success

MAKING THINGS MATTER

With over 40 years of experience, Tom Abernathy leads a team focused on delivering high-quality service for development spanning retail, restaurant, entertainment and automotive industries. And it’s a family effort, as Tom’s son Justin brings a unique perspective to the company following years in the legal and multifamily development field. In an effort to provide high-quality retail development centered around destination-driven end users, the Abernathy team targets suburban markets with increasing populations and incomes, where sales can grow organically.

Meet the Team

Combining years of experience into a common vision

TOM ABERNATHY
Founder

Tom brings nearly 40 years of extensive investment and development expertise to Abernathy Development Company.

JUSTIN ABERNATHY
Development Manager

After years in the legal and multifamily development field, Justin brings unique perspective to Abernathy Development Company.

STEVE GAULTNEY
Developer

Steve was the founding member of Gaultney Dev. Co. and has over 35 years of experience in development.

BETH INGLEDEW
Project Manager

Having worked in the legal field for over 20 years, Beth provides exceptional management experience from conception to completion.

JEREMY YARBROUGH
Real Estate Broker/ Developer

Jeremy is involved in all facets of commercial real estate with 16 years of experience.

BECKY KICKLIGHTER
Controller

Becky earned two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, one in accounting and one in management.

SHANA BENNETT
Accounting

Shana has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years and inventory management for 10 years.

OUR Affiliates

Combining years of experience into a common vision

SLTLogo-01

SLT Ventures was formed in 2017 when longtime friends and colleagues came together to collaborate on a new Tesla development in Tampa, Florida.  SLT is the combination of centuries of experience among Steve Roberts, Robert Long, Tom Abernathy, and Neill Faucett.  Each having a unique set of skills and dynamic characteristics, SLT Ventures provides unparalleled real estate development services. In 2017 SLT Ventures acquired 7 acres along North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida to develop a mission critical customer fulfillment center in Central Florida for Tesla. The development involved the rehab of an existing parking deck that would house the delivery of 350+ cars, while constructing a new 30,000 square foot service plus center.

Individually, or in some cases working with one another, the members of SLT Ventures have successfully developed over 5 million square feet of retail which can be seen throughout the Southeast. Having performed admirably, these individuals have gained the respect and relationship of many National and Regional tenants.

NEILL FAUCETT
Founder & Partner

Neill has over 40 years of experience in the real estate development and investment industry. Most recently, Neill served as a managing principal of Lubert Adler, a private real estate equity firm for 13 years. Lubert Adler invests across all asset classes throughout the US. Neill was also involved in the development of Atlantic Station, a large mixed us development in midtown Atlanta. Prior to that, Neill was a partner in a CPA firm in Atlanta, Faucett Taylor & Associates.

STEVE ROBERTS
Founder & Partner

With over 5 decades of experience in the real estate development industry, 20 years being the CEO of Candler Development, Steve brings vast experience in property acquisitions, finance, development, and management.

ROBERT LONG
Founder & Partner

With over 40 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge in site identification, acquisition, development investigation, due diligence, obtaining land use entitlements and permits for a proposed project.

Testimonials

Experienced and trusted

Tom Abernathy

Founder

As a founding member of Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Group, Tom brings nearly 40 years of extensive investment and development expertise to Abernathy Development Company. Tom has been involved in all areas of commercial real estate from financial operations to construction management. Tom has successfully developed over 5 million square feet of retail through the Southeastern United States, which includes some of America’s most prominent retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. He has widespread knowledge and proficiency in acquisition, financing and marketing for commercial real estate projects. Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in business management, from the University of Alabama.

Justin Abernathy

Development Manager

After years in the legal and multifamily development field, Justin brings unique perspective and experience to the Abernathy Development Company. This experience shows his proficiency in contract and lease negotiations, property management, construction management, brokerage, acquisitions and dispositions. Justin earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration, with a Major in Real Estate Finance and a Minor in Economics from the University of Alabama. Justin went on to receive a Juris Doctor degree from Mercer Law School.

Steve Gaultney

Developer

Steven E. Gaultney started Gaultney Development company twenty-one years ago after 12 years as an Executive Vice President of the Scott Hudgens Company, where he was responsible for development, leasing, construction and financing of all company projects. Gaultney Development Company, LLC specializes in developing commercial properties. The Company has been integral in the planning and development of a wide range of commercial endeavors throughout the Southeast, including office, retail centers, industrial parks totaling over 3,000,000 square feet. Steve is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Annandale Village where he has served as a member for over twenty years. Previously Steve has served on the Boards of several local civic organizations including the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, Gwinnett Tech Foundation, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Rotary Club and Founding Member of the 1818 Club. Steve and his wife Kathy reside in Peachtree Corners with their two daughters, Rachel and Meagan, where they all attend Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Steve enjoys upland hunting and shooting sports, college football, especially The University of Georgia where he is an Alumnus.

Beth Ingledew

Project Manager

Having worked in the legal field for over 20 years, Beth provides exceptional management experience from conception to completion. While overseeing and managing developments, Beth coordinates with all members of the team to successfully deliver quality projects.  Beth received her associate degree from Gainesville College.

Jeremy Yarbrough

Real Estate Broker/Developer

Jeremy brings extensive real estate acumen to the team and is involved in all facets of commercial real estate. His 16 years of experience solidify his proficiency in shopping center development/redevelopment, brokerage, leasing, property management and construction management. Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in real estate, from the University of Georgia. He is a licensed real estate broker in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina and secured the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and Certified Leasing Specialist (CLS) designations. Jeremy is also a member of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Georgia chapter of CCIM, and National Association of Realtors.

Becky Kicklighter

Controller

An experienced CPA, Becky Kicklighter is the controller at Abernathy Development Company 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.

Shana Bennett

Accounting

Shana has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years and inventory management for 10 years. She has managed all aspects of accounts receivables, accounts payable and inventory. Shana has an associates degree in Business Management from RETS Medical & Business Institute (Hopkinsville, KY).

Shana is happily married to James Bennett for over 23 years.  Shana and James have 3 amazing kids, Abby, Ethan, and Evan and they attend and are involved at Free Chapel Church in Suwanee, GA.

Neilll Faucett

Real Estate Developer

Neill B. Faucett was a managing principal of Lubert-Adler, focusing on new acquisitions and asset management in the southeastern United States. Mr. Faucett also served as a member of the investment committee.

Mr. Faucett has over forty years of experience in the real estate investment sector.  Prior to joining lubert-adler, Mr. Faucett formed Faucett Consulting, Which advised real estate clients in equity and financing transactions as well as strategic planning and business structures. previously, he was a founding partner of the atlanta accounting firm, Faucett Taylor & Associates where he concentrated on real estate. Prior to this, he worked for the international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen.

Mr. Faucett graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University. He received the president’s award as the outstanding business school graduate. In addition, he was selected as the outstanding accounting graduate.

STEVE ROBERTS

Developer

With over 5 decades of experience in the real estate development industry, 20 years being the CEO of Candler Development, Steve brings vast experience in property acquisitions, finance, development, and management. Steve’s tremendous attention to detail, tenacity, and team attitude has allowed him to successfully close and develop over 4 millions of square feet in the industrial, retail, and office sectors. 

His motto: “In this business, every crisis is an opportunity created.”

Steve’s work has resulted in the creation of jobs, economic advancement, and the fiscal growth for numerous communities throughout the southeast.

Robert Long

Developer

With over 40 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge in site identification, acquisition, development investigation, due diligence, obtaining land use entitlements and permits for a proposed project.  Robert specializes in coordinating with local municipalities, engineers, architects, and contractors, along with major and regional retailers.   Remaining involved until a project has reached completion, Robert provides for a seamless transition from acquisition through development and use for the tenant.

Gale Pride

Assistant Property Manager

Gale Pride serves as assistant property manager and bookkeeper at Abernathy Development Company. She is responsible for supporting the property manager’s managerial and financial responsibilities of multiple retail properties. Gale’s 25 years of property management and property accounting experience qualifies her to offer incomparable customer service to both Abernathy Development Company management customers and tenants. Prior to joining Abernathy Development Company 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.