Our Team
Peachtree Development and Investments, LLC, is a premier, full-service commercial real estate development company focused on providing turnkey real estate development services to a variety of both National and Regional Retailers. At Peachtree Development and Investments, our firm specializes in providing all components of the real estate development process to allow our clients the ability to expand their business footprint both quickly and efficiently. Peachtree Development and Investments is privately funded with nationwide operations to provide our clients with the highest level of service in our build-to-suit, design-build and fee development projects.
About Our Team
Jim Bennett - Principal
Jim Bennett holds degrees in Forestry and Business Administration from Auburn University as well as an MBA from Auburn in Real Estate Development (MRED). Following graduation, Jim began his career in Savannah, Georgia with an environmental consulting firm providing services structured to assist in compliance with local, state and federal environmental laws and regulations pertaining to commercial, industrial and residential development. Jim later moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work for a nationwide commercial development Company specializing in the development of net lease assets. While there, Jim was crucial in developing numerous new tenant relationships and achieved the Highest Producer in the Company Award numerous years in a row. In 2016, Jim partnered with long-time friend and business associate, Rusty Skalla, to form Peachtree Development & Investments. Jim enjoys spending his free time working with numerous philanthropic organizations, traveling, golfing, hunting and fishing. Contact Jim at jbennett@peachtreedev.com
Rusty Skalla - Principal
Rusty Skalla spent the first 16 years of his career building a specialized chemical company into a global leader that operated in more than 17 countries by 2016. It was after these 16 years that he and his brother decided it was time to sell and move on to new ventures. Throughout his 16 years in the manufacturing industry, Rusty spent his spare time constructing and renovating over 275,000 square feet of commercial and residential rental properties for his personal portfolio. Rusty has a passion for construction and development and in 2016 partnered with Jim Bennett to form Peachtree Development & Investments to offer clients a turnkey solution for all their real estate needs. Rusty believes in giving back and currently sits on the Boys and Girls Club advisory board along with supporting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, St Jude Hospital and many other organizations that focus on underprivileged youth. Contact Rusty at rskalla@peachtreedev.com
Chandler Darby - Construction Manager
Chandler Darby began his career in construction as a Quality Control Manager for numerous U.S. Corps of Engineers construction projects. Prior to Chandler joining the Peachtree Development team, he successfully completed a multitude of projects ranging from student housing, self-storage facilities, industrial warehouse space, and government office complexes. Chandler joined Peachtree Development in 2022 to serve as a Construction Manager. Chandler currently holds his General Contractors License in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Chandler enjoys spending time outdoors and volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Contact Chandler at chandler@peachtreedev.com.