Full service commercial brokerage - engaged in development, property management, sales, and leasing. The company has been in existence since 1991 and offers 30 years experience in the commercial arena.
Keywords: Development, leasing, sales, property management
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
The company was founded on my birthday in 1991 and is 25 years old. I was the General Manager of an office park with 6 buildings-350,000 sf prior to starting Covington Commercial Realty. I have been in commercial real estate for 28 years, loving helping folks find the right space.
What is your primary product or service?
Personal attention and good listening to client's needs. We then match them to the right location considering the landlord, tenant improvements required, and provisions for their business 18 months to 3 years out. Typical clients are 'smaller' as we have focused on providing complete real estate services whether the client needs 200 sq. ft. or 20,000 sf.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Started with Koger Properties in Richmond Va - 18 buildings and 750,000 sf of office space in 1981. My college roommate was 'connected' to commercial real estate and my interest grew from there. Opened Covington Commercial Realty in August 1991 and have always loved the commercial real estate/property management business because every day is different!
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We stay small so we can focus on our clients. Money is not the object....if we do our job well, the money will follow. Too often prospects are 'judged' by the revenue they will generate. We work closely with start ups and small entrepreneurs that need our insight and guidance and have worked with the SBDC to successfully represent three clients this past year.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Single location in our own building on the Eastside of Greenville, SC.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Just off Woodruff Rd and I-385. Adjacent to JP's Southwest Corner, turn on Smith Hines Rd. Go .4 miles and take left on Progress Rd. Next left on Pilgrim, second building on the left....109-A Pilgrim Rd.
What type of payments do you accept?
n/a
Which areas do you service?
Upstate, South Carolina
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Chris Covington, President
What are your hours of operation?
7:30 - 5:30 Monday through Friday
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
REFERRALS! Truly, I just look for the tenant to smile when the work is done and they are moved in to a new suite that works perfectly for them.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Man can live with adversity......but not uncertainty. Winston Churchill
It's a shame we cannot forget our troubles.....the same way we forget our blessings.
No matter how many steps one takes away from God, it only takes ONE to get back to Him.