EpiCity Real Estate Services was founded in 1935 by the grandparents of the current ownership. They founded EpiCity on a strong foundation – a foundation of values. Today, nearly 80 years later, the foundation is still holding strong and the principals continue to build on the solid foundation.
For the first time in the history of the company, three generations worked at EpiCity over the summer. Davis Lee, or “DL” Stokes as he was affectionately known, would be so proud of his family. Today their grandchildren, Tom Stokes, Jr. and Jim LaVallee, direct the company. Tom’s and Jim’s fathers are also still involved as directors of family investment enterprise. Tom Sr. is a form ember of the Appraisal Institute and Ted LaVallee, as a mortgage banker. Tom Sr.’s younger son Stan Stokes, is also a director of the investment company along with Ted’s oldest child, Lynne LaVallee.
The Next Generation
The family enterprise has expanded, with Chris Stokes, Stan’s son, serving at Epic Gardens apartments as a leasing agent, as well as serving as Worship Minister at a church down the street where EpiCity’s predecessor entity, D. L. Stokes & Company, helped them get their start. In 1953, D.L. Stokes gave Clairmont Baptist Church, then called Brookhaven Baptist Church, space in one of their buildings to worship, rent free. Chris’ wife, Kori, is now the property manager for Epic Gardens. Kori recently filled the position of long time staff member Sandy Haithcock, who may not be related by blood, but with 35 years in the company, she’s as close as one can get! She still lives at the property and steps in as needed when Kori needs extra time with her newborn son, Kristian (the newest member of the fifth generation).
Also at Epic Gardens this summer was Jim LaVallee’s son, Mitchell, a college student at Georgia State University, who spent his summer doing maintenance work for the company. Tom’s son, Thomas III, now in middle school, also helped out in various capacities during the summer months.
The family ties don’t stop there. Jim’s wife, Lyn LaVallee, also works in the company administration.
Continuity is Key
“Family” has an expanded definition for the Stokes and LaVallees. Like Sandy, others at EpiCity have a long proven track record. Velinda Bowman is Director for Accounting and Human Resources and has been with the company for 18 years. Dwayne Bowman, Director of Field Service and Operations has been with EpiCity for more than 20 years.
EpiCity’s Core Business
The full-service commercial real estate company continues to be re-energized as it reconstitutes itself in the face of an ever-changing market. The company’s prime objective continues to be meeting the needs of its clientele. Since 1935, EpiCity has been serving its partners in the Southeast real estate market. All of its clients are considered “partners” because the relationships are about more than physical assets. The company offers one-on-one service, local market expertise and a focus on profitable, long-term management.
Its current portfolio numbers 28 assets including both commercial and residential properties, covering a risk range from core to opportunistic. With a focus on asset appreciation with some current income, EpiCity strives to obtain the highest value and best use for each property and partner.
Brokerage Division
In addition to commercial property management, its brokerage division specializes in commercial investment sales, office and industrial leasing and tenant representation. The company delivers an array of industry insights, operational and financial expertise plus a holistic marketing strategy to fully execute on its partners’ real estate objectives.
The rich history and tradition lives on in each generation at EpiCity, and the company continues to serve its clients with good old-fashioned values, hard work and a smile!