What We Do
FirstLight Investments is a commercial real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and enhancing high-potential assets within the industrial, retail, flex, and office sectors across the Southeastern US. Through disciplined asset selection, discerning risk management, and consistent communication, the team at FirstLight pursues strong, risk-adjusted returns while ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
Who We Are
McKee Thomason
Director of Investments
McKee Thomason serves as Director of Investments at FirstLight, where he leads the selection and evaluation of investment opportunities for the firm and its clients. He brings over a decade of national commercial real estate experience, most recently with Citigroup’s Real Estate Investment Banking group in New York, advising public REITs on Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions activity.
Prior to Citi, McKee managed real estate investments and capital allocations for a family office. A Greenville, SC native, he earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Ross Kester
Founding Partner
Ross Kester is a founding partner of FirstLight Investments and serves as a principal of the firm. He began his real estate career in 2004 and co-founded Pintail Commercial Real Estate in 2015, where he remains a top producer and active member of the leadership team.
Known for his attention to detail and deep experience serving investment clients, Ross plays a critical role in evaluating and assessing the potential of every investment opportunity at FirstLight. He holds a degree in accounting and business management from Washington and Lee University and lives in his hometown of Greenville, SC.
Tyson Smoak
Founding Partner
Tyson Smoak is a founding partner and principal at FirstLight Investments, bringing nearly two decades of commercial real estate and investment advisory experience to the firm. He is also a top producer at Pintail, the commercial real estate company he co-founded in 2015.
Recognized for his talent in connecting people and fostering long-term partnerships, Tyson leads strategic decision making and investor engagement at FirstLight. A Greenville, SC native, he is a graduate of Furman University and continues to call Greenville home.
24 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601
[email protected]
©2025 FIRSTLIGHT Investments, LLC