Teams Type: Brokerage

Henry Breaux is a founding partner of The Providence Group, bringing more than 31 years of commercial real estate experience across the Southeastern United States. He began his career in Charlotte with a local land brokerage firm before expanding his expertise at Trammell Crow Company, where he specialized in tenant representation and land brokerage prior to co-founding the firm.

Henry focuses primarily on retail tenant representation and restaurant site selection, advising a wide range of national and regional brands on strategic market growth. Known for his deep market knowledge and relationship-driven approach, he has built numerous long-standing client partnerships that span decades—reflecting his consistent ability to deliver results and align with client objectives.

His client roster includes well-known retailers and restaurant concepts such as Floor & Decor, Planet Fitness, Rally House, Burton’s Grill, Taco Bell, Discount Tire, and Hand & Stone. Henry is widely recognized for his high level of service, strategic insight, and commitment to helping clients successfully expand and strengthen their presence throughout the region.

Education

University of Alabama; Bachelor of Science, Finance

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member
Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute (CCIM), Member
Boy Scouts of America, Volunteer

Specialties

Restaurant Site Selection
Retail/Restaurant Disposition
Tenant Representation

Thurman Brooks joined the brokerage team at The Providence Group in 2010, bringing more than two decades of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, development, and financing. A North Carolina native, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia.

Thurman specializes in landlord representation, with a primary focus on leasing retail properties across the Carolinas and Virginia. Prior to joining The Providence Group, he served as Director of Leasing for Faison & Associates, where he was responsible for marketing shop space, junior anchor space, and outparcels across a diverse portfolio of company-owned and third-party assets. His experience also includes time with Myers Park Mortgage, further strengthening his understanding of real estate finance and deal structuring.

Throughout his career, Thurman has worked with a wide range of institutional and regional landlords, including DDR, Kite Realty Group, Trinity Partners, Kimco, Inland, Crescent Resources, and Lennar Partners. He has extensive experience leasing power centers, grocery-anchored centers, neighborhood shopping centers, and specialty retail projects.

His transaction experience includes anchor and junior anchor deals with retailers such as Walmart, Harris Teeter, Marshalls, Ulta, Gold’s Gym, Big Lots, Hamrick’s, and Fred’s, as well as outparcel transactions with Bojangles, Chick-fil-A, Carolina Ale House, Hardee’s, Starbucks, Cook Out, and Dunkin’. Known for his proactive, relationship-driven approach, Thurman consistently delivers strong results by actively pursuing and securing the right tenants to enhance property performance.

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Bachelor of Arts, Journalism
University of Georgia; Master of Education, Sports Management

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member

Specialties

Retail Project Leasing
Land and Outparcel Sales
Investment Sales

Spencer Brown joined The Providence Group’s brokerage team in 2015, bringing more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience. A Charlotte native, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College and began his career in 2001 with Collett, a Charlotte-based retail development and brokerage firm, where he managed both in-house and third-party leasing portfolios.

Over the course of his career, Spencer has developed broad expertise across retail leasing and brokerage, including new strip center developments, power centers, redevelopment projects, land sales, and general brokerage. His experience spans hundreds of transactions with local, regional, and national tenants, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape.

Spencer represents a diverse group of institutional and private clients, including InvenTrust Property Management, Inland Real Estate Group, DNA Partners, Pacolet Milliken, Colterra Capital, Hampshire Companies, Ares Management, Wasa Properties, Kite Realty Group, and Equity Venture Partners. Known for his market knowledge and transactional experience, Spencer provides strategic guidance that supports the long-term success of his clients’ portfolios.

Education

Hampden-Sydney College; Bachelor of Arts, Economics

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina and South Carolina
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member
CCIM Candidate
Multiyear Co-Star Power Broker Award

Specialties

Landlord Representation
New Development Consulting
Redevelopment Advisory Services

Jay Hagerman joined the brokerage team at The Providence Group in early 2004 and brings more than two decades of experience in commercial real estate. A native of Virginia, Jay graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Business before relocating to Charlotte to begin his career in the industry.

Jay specializes in tenant representation, working with retailers ranging from 1,500 to 20,000 square feet throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. His in-depth knowledge of both primary and secondary markets across the region allows him to provide strategic guidance and tailored solutions that align with his clients’ growth objectives.

He has represented a diverse roster of national and regional retailers, including AT&T, McAlister’s Deli, MOD Pizza, Krispy Kreme, Planet Fitness, 7 Brew, Deca Dental, Burger King, Walk-On’s, and Advance Auto Parts. In addition to his tenant representation work, Jay has experience partnering with landlords and developers on underwriting and leasing high-profile outparcel developments, including both single-tenant and multi-tenant projects.

Known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail, Jay is committed to delivering successful outcomes and building long-term client relationships.

Education

Virginia Tech; Bachelor of Science, Business

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Agent, North Carolina and South Carolina
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member

Specialties

Tenant Representation
Land Brokerage
CCIM Candidate

Garland Hughes brings more than 20 years of commercial real estate development and brokerage experience to The Providence Group, where he joined in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, he spent 12 years with MPV Properties and eight years with Crosland, building a strong foundation in retail-focused real estate across the Southeastern United States.

He earned his MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston. Garland began his professional career with Aon Specialty Risk Services in its Mergers and Acquisitions group before returning to the Carolinas in 1996 to pursue commercial real estate with Crosland’s retail division. There, he played a key leadership role in managing anchor leasing, overseeing leasing teams, and identifying new development opportunities.

Garland’s expertise spans tenant representation, anchor leasing, and retail development, including build-to-suit projects, neighborhood and regional shopping centers, and mixed-use environments. He primarily represents national big box retailers, junior anchors, and restaurant concepts, with clients including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Main Event Entertainment, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Chuy’s, Old Chicago Pizza & Tap Room, and Chuck E. Cheese.

Throughout his career, Garland has completed transactions with a wide range of nationally recognized retailers, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Lowe’s Foods, CVS Pharmacy, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross Dress for Less, Old Navy, Pier 1 Imports, World Market, PetSmart, OfficeMax, Talbots, Victoria’s Secret, and Ann Taylor. His development experience includes notable projects such as StoneCrest at Piper Glen, Birkdale Village, The Shops at Greenridge, and Poyner Place, further underscoring his depth of experience and long-standing impact in the retail real estate sector.

Education

College of Charleston; Bachelor of Science, Psychology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Master of Business Administration

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida,
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member
Urban Land Institute, former Executive Board Member, Technical Advisory Panel, Chaired Young Leaders Group, Chairman of Urban Plan
Charlotte Regional Commercial Board of Realtors
Charlotte Leadership School

Specialties

Tenant Representation
Site Selection

Melissa McDonald is a Principal at The Providence Group, bringing more than 35 years of commercial real estate experience. She joined the firm in 2011 after a successful 15-year tenure with Core Properties.

Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Melissa has called North Carolina home since 1990 and has developed deep expertise across the Carolinas markets. Her background spans landlord representation, retail consulting, and tenant representation, with a primary focus on advising retailers in strategic growth and site selection.

Melissa represents a wide range of junior box retailers and restaurant concepts, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, Sierra, Michaels, Ulta, Five Below, Sola Salons, West Marine, and Shake Shack, in addition to several regional retail and restaurant groups.

Her comprehensive market knowledge and collaborative approach contribute to strong alignment within The Providence Group’s tenant representation platform, allowing her to deliver thoughtful, results-driven strategies that support her clients’ long-term success.

Education

St. Lawrence University; Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina & South Carolina
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member, Ambassador, and State Director

Specialties

Tenant Representation
Retailer Consulting
Site Analysis
Shopping Center Consulting

Malcolm McLean is a Principal at The Providence Group, bringing more than 30 years of commercial real estate brokerage experience. He joined the firm in 2002 following five years with Trammell Crow Company in Charlotte, where he served as Senior Vice President.

A Charlotte native, Malcolm graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive expertise in site selection for national, regional, and local retailers, as well as the disposition of surplus properties and strategic advisory services.

Known for his seasoned perspective and deep understanding of the marketplace, Malcolm provides clients with thoughtful, results-driven guidance across a wide range of transactions. His long-standing experience and comprehensive market knowledge continue to be a significant asset to retailers and stakeholders throughout the region.

Education

North Carolina State University; Bachelor of Arts, Business

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member

Specialties

Retail Land Brokerage
Commercial and Retail Site Selection
Retail Buyer and Tenant Representation
Retail Site Dispositions

 

Andrew Tanneberger has represented national and regional retail and restaurant tenants across North Carolina and South Carolina since joining The Providence Group in 2016. A Charlotte native with a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Delaware, he combines local market knowledge with a data-driven approach to site selection and deal execution. His work spans successful multi-market rollout programs throughout the Carolinas. Prior to The Providence Group, Andrew began his career at MPV Properties, gaining experience on both the tenant and landlord sides of commercial transactions.

Education
University of Delaware — B.S., Marketing

Licenses & Affiliations
Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina & South Carolina International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Member

Retail Tenants
Five Below, Floor & Decor, Cavender’s Boot City, Half Moon Outfitters, Shoe Show, Books-A-Million, 2nd & Charles, TESO Life

Restaurant Tenants
Shake Shack, La La Land, Honey Grow, Sushi Bar, Wingstop

Medical / Veterinary Tenants
Truss Vet

Specialties
Tenant Representation | Landlord Representation | Retail Site Selection | Retail Site Dispositions

Originally from the United Kingdom, Darren began his career in commercial retail real estate in 1992 with Donaldsons in London. He earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Real Estate from South Bank University before relocating to the United States in 1996 to further expand his career in the industry.

Darren joined The Providence Group as a partner in 2003, following prior roles with Trammell Crow Company and CB Commercial in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive expertise in both retail leasing and tenant representation, ultimately focusing on advising national and regional retailers in strategic market expansion.

He has represented a wide range of prominent clients, including Aldi Foods—supporting the rollout of more than 200 stores across 15 states—as well as TJ Maxx Companies, The Home Depot, Advance Auto Parts, Skechers, 7 Brew, and Dash In convenience stores. Today, Darren continues to advise clients throughout the Southeastern United States, providing strategic guidance across site selection, market analysis, and portfolio growth.

In addition to his brokerage work, Darren serves on the board of X Team Retail, a national retail advisory group with offices in more than 40 major markets across North America.

Education

London South Bank University; Bachelor of Science, Real Estate (Honours)

Affiliations and Accreditations

Licensed Real Estate Broker, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member

Specialties

Master Brokerage
Tenant Representation
Site Selection