Meet The Team
Claret Communities is a exurban-focused development firm led by a team of experienced professionals well versed in all aspects of development, from finance to project acquisition. Our expert knowledge, capabilities, and network of resources enable us to maximize return for our investors through development of new communities in Southeastern U.S. exurban markets.
Lee Terry, Ph. D, Founder
From President at Metro Development Corporation and Co-Founder at Main America Capital, to Founder of Claret Communities, Lee Terry has over 45 years of experience owning, managing and developing commercial real estate.
Throughout his career, Lee has developed over 7,000 multifamily units, as well as numerous Class-A office buildings and neighborhood shopping centers.
Earlier in his career, he co-founded one of the first CMBS conduit companies in partnership with Barnett Bank, which later sold to GMAC. Before founding Claret Communities, Lee managed private investments, acquiring 360 acres of land in Gwinnett to rezone and develop for retail, office, industrial, and multifamily. The site sold for over $50 million, generating $10 million for the venture.
Lee holds a bachelors from University of Florida, and M.B.A. from The Wharton School of Business, and a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
Mike Ruskin, Director of Construction
Mike has over 40 years of experience in the real estate and construction industry.
Previously, Mike was President of Cambridge Swinerton Builders, Inc. (CSBI) and Founder of Cambridge Builders and Contractors, LLC (CBC). CSBI and CBC focused on mixed-used and multifamily residential projects throughout the Southeast, Southwest, and Western states. Over the past 20 years, Mike placed more than one billion dollars worth of construction.
Prior to founding Cambridge, Mike served as Director of Construction for multifamily construction and development firms, as well as project manager for commercial contractors and construction managers. Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Walker Terry, Director of Site Acquisition
Walker Terry is Claret Communities’ Director of Site Acquisitions. Walker maintains regular contact with over 85 local real estate brokers in four southeastern states: Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He closely monitors available sites in these markets for Claret’s rental communities. Walker graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
This Could be You...
If you are interested in joining our team, please send your resume and cover letter to info@claretcommunities.com with “application” in the subject.