Marcus J. Thornton
Vice President
Lic. 375727
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Professional Experience
Associated Office
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Marcus J. Thornton is an accomplished commercial real estate professional and former collegiate athlete with a proven track record in tenant representation and strategic advisory services. An Atlanta native and graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Marcus earned his BBA in Real Estate and later completed graduate coursework in Sports Management.
Marcus began his career in commercial real estate with T. Dallas Smith & Company in 2017, where he specialized in representing occupiers across office, industrial, and land sectors. Over eight years, he successfully guided clients through site selection, lease negotiations, and strategic planning, building a reputation for delivering exceptional service and results.
In 2025, Marcus joined CBRE as Vice President in Office Occupier & Advisory Services, where he leads complex transactions and provides innovative solutions to optimize client portfolios. His expertise is supported by strong skills in negotiations, client relationship management, and market analysis.
Before entering real estate, Marcus excelled as a student-athlete at UGA, serving as team captain and earning All-SEC honors. He was recognized for academic excellence and community service, including being named UGA’s Student Athlete of the Year in 2015. Following college, Marcus played professional basketball overseas before transitioning to business.
Beyond his professional achievements, Marcus is deeply committed to community engagement, serving on multiple boards and co-founding Next Play University, a youth sports organization focused on leadership and personal development.
Marcus began his career in commercial real estate with T. Dallas Smith & Company in 2017, where he specialized in representing occupiers across office, industrial, and land sectors. Over eight years, he successfully guided clients through site selection, lease negotiations, and strategic planning, building a reputation for delivering exceptional service and results.
In 2025, Marcus joined CBRE as Vice President in Office Occupier & Advisory Services, where he leads complex transactions and provides innovative solutions to optimize client portfolios. His expertise is supported by strong skills in negotiations, client relationship management, and market analysis.
Before entering real estate, Marcus excelled as a student-athlete at UGA, serving as team captain and earning All-SEC honors. He was recognized for academic excellence and community service, including being named UGA’s Student Athlete of the Year in 2015. Following college, Marcus played professional basketball overseas before transitioning to business.
Beyond his professional achievements, Marcus is deeply committed to community engagement, serving on multiple boards and co-founding Next Play University, a youth sports organization focused on leadership and personal development.
Education
- BS, Real Estate, University of Georgia, Terry College of Business
Professional Affiliations / Accreditations
- Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta – Fulton County Board Member
- University of Georgia
- Real Estate Foundation Board of Trustees – Board Member
- Board of Visitors – Board Member
- Real Estate Foundation Cortona Italy Foundation – Board Member
- Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors – Board Member
- Atlanta Real Estate Foundation – Board Member
- Core Net Global – Member
- Next Play University – Co-Founder & General Manager