Thomas Immobilier Inc celebrates 60 years of service
TREI was founded by Mildred Thomas in the spring of 1962. She was one of the first women in real estate in the coastal region. In 1963, she met Phil Permenter, as well as Carl Mears and EC Sanders, who were the main promoters of the canal lots at Cherry Grove Beach.
Mildred’s growing involvement in the Cherry Grove area led her to move her office and home to Cherry Grove in 1964. There she sold 80% of the flume lots developed by the Mears and Sanders team during the next 10 years.
According to his son, Hank Thomas, Broker-in-Charge, moving to Cherry Grove was a pivotal event as it was the least developed of the beaches and offered immense opportunity. Between 1974 and 1975, Mildred sold 2.5 beachfront lots to Gayle Jordan and Bob Hancock, who built North Myrtle Beach’s first condominium project, the Beach Villas.
According to Hank, this was the start of the condominium building boom in the area. In 1979 Hank took over the business, maintaining a strong commitment to customers, employees and the community.
“My mom taught me a lot about business,” Hank said. “However, probably the most important things I learned were his work ethic and his commitment to clients.”
The business has since branched out – now offering property sales, vacation rentals, annual rentals, landlord management services and homeowner association management.
“What sets our company apart is our exceptional team of employees who genuinely care about our customers and provide the best possible service,” Hank said. “Whether you’re on vacation, buying a home, or letting us manage your property, our goal is customer satisfaction.”
This 60-year milestone has significance. “Not only is this a tribute to my mother and my family, but as an organization we are proud to be part of this vital community. I serve on the North Myrtle Beach City Council as a small way to help maintain the beauty of what so many visitors find appealing here,” he said. “It’s not just where I have a business. This is my home and it has been my whole life.
TREI’s birthday theme is: Touching Lives. Create memories. “We are grateful to be in an industry where every day we can touch the lives of others, helping them create meaningful and lasting memories,” he said.