Atlanta native takes lead of one of the largest Black-owned CRE firms in country

Downtown Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

An Atlanta native recently took over as one of the youngest Black men to lead a commercial real estate firm in the country.

Leonte Benton started work as an intern at the Atlanta-based T. Dallas Smith and Company more than 15 years ago while he was student at Morehouse College.

“I know what it’s like to have a dream and a desire to participate in my future because I was once that kid who benefited from having great mentors to pave the way for me,” Benton said.