Four longtime commercial real estate agents have formed a new brokerage focusing on the fast-growing Upstate market.
Geoff Groat Jr. of Charleston is partnering with Andrew Babb, John Bauknight and Ralph Settle of Spartanburg.
The firm is called Roadstead Real Estate Advisors of the Upstate, located at 314 S. Pine St., Building 100, Spartanburg, according to a statement.
“A lot of factors are coming together right now to make Spartanburg one of the most attractive places to live, work and play in the entire Southeast,” Babb stated. “Our new team is well-positioned to help the growing numbers drawn to this area.”
While Roadstead’s team will operate regionwide, an emphasis will be placed on Spartanburg County, recently named the 12th fastest growing metro area in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Babb, a Spartanburg native, is a longtime real estate professional and developer who has partnered with Bauknight on several projects in downtown Spartanburg, including Palmetto Lofts; 226 and 252 W. Main St. 142 Social; and Magnolia Lofts.
Bauknight, president and co-founder of a Spartanburg-based investment and commercial real estate development firm, has been involved with Rockers Brewing Company and Streaking Birdies Golf in downtown Spartanburg. He has more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience.
Settle has worked in commercial real estate with Auro Hotels in Greenville and OTO Development in Spartanburg. Most recently, Settle is a partner and project manager of the recently completed Robert Smalls Townhomes, a 190-unit affordable housing development on Spartanburg’s north side.
Groat, of Charleston, spent 13 years with CBRE commercial real estate agency and co-founded Roadstead in Charleston 15 years ago.
“The Upstate of South Carolina has become one of the most dynamic markets in the country, and the opportunity to partner with Andrew, John and Ralph is very exciting,” Groat stated. “Their combined experience and understanding of the Upstate market is unmatched.”
Bob Montgomery covers Spartanburg County politics and growth & development. Reach him via email at [email protected].