Biography

Stephan Thomas brings a combination of business leadership, operational expertise and commercial real estate knowledge to Elevate Commercial. With more than 25 years in restaurant operations and multi-unit management, plus experience as a financial branch manager and commercial insurance agent, Stephan understands commercial real estate from both sides of the transaction: as an advisor, and from the perspective of the businesses that occupy the space.

Before moving into commercial real estate, Stephan built his career in restaurant leadership, overseeing multiple locations, developing teams and opening new units. He has been part of more than 20 restaurant openings, giving him firsthand knowledge of site selection, market evaluation, lease negotiation, construction and the financial realities operators face.

Today, Stephan represents tenants, landlords and investors across South Carolina, with a focus on the Upstate and Midlands. His work centers on retail and restaurant real estate: tenant representation, landlord leasing, subleasing, investment sales and retail development. His approach starts with each client's business objectives and ends with terms that support long-term success.

As Co-Founder of Elevate Commercial, Powered by eXp Commercial, Stephan is building a brokerage centered on relationships, market knowledge, transparency and results, backed by the national reach of eXp Commercial.

Beyond real estate, Stephan is invested in the community he calls home. He serves as 2026 Chair of the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Fountain Inn, a board member of the Center for Community Services and a member of the City of Fountain Inn Board of Zoning Appeals.

For Stephan, commercial real estate is about more than buildings and transactions. It's about helping businesses grow, strengthening communities and creating opportunities that deliver lasting value.