MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Chamber named Merrill P. Thomas Co., Inc. as the 2024 Small Business of the Year at the Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, presented by Merchants and Marine Bank, on Tuesday, January 14 at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel.

Founded in 1992 by Merrill P. Thomas, this Mobile-based commercial real estate firm has stood as a beacon of growth and resilience for more than three decades. Merrill P. Thomas Co., Inc. specializes in commercial real estate development, brokerage and property management across the Gulf Coast. The company has evolved from a single-tenant retail focus to managing unanchored neighborhood shopping centers and warehouse properties.

“Merrill P. Thomas Co., Inc. exemplifies the resilience and innovation that make our local businesses thrive,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the Mobile community sets a high standard for what it means to be a Small Business of the Year. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they continue to have on our region.”

The company’s story is rooted in a commitment to family and community. In 2008, Merrill’s son, Pratt Thomas, joined the company, bringing expertise from a banking career to strengthen operations. “We’re a family run business. Our kids go to school here. We go to church here. We’re a part of the community and we just want to see the community prosper,” said Pratt Thomas who now serves as president.

In recent years, the firm expanded its impact by partnering with the City of Mobile through the HOPE Program to build affordable homes for low-income families. “It’s a pretty cool experience to sign a contract with one of these homeowners and then actually get them in the house,” says Pratt.

The company’s dedication to community extends to various initiatives, from sponsoring the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation Annual Luncheon to supporting local events like the Chamber’s Business Expo. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning them accolades such as the Lagniappe Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Commercial Real Estate Company” in Mobile and Baldwin counties for three consecutive years.

Being named the Mobile Chamber’s 2024 Small Business of the Year is a milestone that reflects their values of integrity, hard work and perseverance. “We’re driven by doing the right thing for our clients,” Pratt shares.

 

2024 Small Business of the Year Finalists:

Merrill P. Thomas Co., Inc. was joined by a remarkable group of finalists, each representing the innovation and excellence that define Mobile’s business community.

• Bama Pest Control
• Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics
• J Hunt Enterprises
• Keith Air Conditioning
• Kimberly Coleman – State Farm
• Kloud 7, LLC
• L.A. Fotographee
• Rock & Roll Offs, LLC
• Small’s Mortuary and Cremation Services Inc.
• Southern View Media

Click here for more information about all the Small Business of the Year Finalists.

 

 The 2024 Small Business of the Year was presented at the Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon presented by Merchants and Marine Bank.

 The 2024 Small Business of the Year cash awards are generously funded by the Barkin Family Fund and Stoic Equity Partners.

 

Applications are open now for the 2025 Small Business of the Year. Businesses can apply at https://mobilechamber.com/small-business/small-business-awards/