Who We Are
SynerGen Partners specializes in delivering innovative solutions for complex commercial real estate needs. With over 70 years of combined experience, we provide strategic and customized approaches to deliver measurable results. Our 360-degree approach integrates both landlord and occupier considerations, generating actionable strategies that align with your business goals and maximize portfolio value. Operating without conflicts of interest, we ensure every decision is made with your best interests in mind.
Jonathan McLaurin
Senior Managing Partner
Jonathan’s leadership is characterized by his ability to craft and implement visionary strategies that intentionally delivers value to all stakeholders. His deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his commitment to fostering collaboration, positions SynerGen Partners to achieve sustained success in a competitive environment.
He’s guided by his family’s motto of leaving things better than they found them. This spirit led him to a 20-year career in institutional asset management within the commercial real estate industry. Jonathan has successfully managed billions of dollars of institutional investor capital across the United States, transcending the entire investment cycle including acquisition, development/redevelopment, renovation, lease-up, and disposition across diverse asset classes, including office, industrial, and life science. His success is spearheaded by an ability to develop and execute unconventional deal structures that are mutually beneficial.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Legal Studies from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Abraham McLaurin
Managing Partner
Abe drives market analysis, property evaluation, and business development for SynerGen, ensuring the identification and execution of opportunities that maximize value for investors. With a deep foundation in real estate, Abe began his career as an investor-focused Realtor in Ohio, where he specialized in the acquisition, management, and leasing of B-C class multifamily properties, optimizing portfolio performance for his clients.
Abe later transitioned to a Tenant Representation Associate role with the Allan Bailey Johnson Group in Dallas, TX, where he honed his expertise in commercial leasing. He successfully executed transactions for office and industrial clients with space requirements ranging from 2,500 to 100,000 square feet, leveraging data-driven insights and strategic negotiation to deliver tailored solutions. His ability to develop and implement impactful sales campaigns directly contributed to his clients’ success.
Abe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate from The Ohio State University, equipping him with the analytical and strategic skills essential for evaluating market dynamics and unlocking investment opportunities. His track record of identifying underutilized assets, securing profitable deals, and fostering business growth positions SynerGen to deliver consistent and sustainable returns for its investors.
Demaurius Strong
Managing Partner
Demaurius serves as the driving force behind technology, security, and networking infrastructure at SynerGen, leveraging his deep expertise to build and maintain robust systems that align with the firm’s strategic goals and operational excellence. With over 15 years of experience and as the founder of SR Communications—an Atlanta-based consulting firm—Demaurius has consistently delivered innovative, scalable, and reliable technology solutions that empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
An expert in designing and implementing expansive WAN architectures and best-practice engineering for Cisco platforms, Demaurius excels at providing strategic technical guidance throughout all phases of a project lifecycle. His proactive approach to problem-solving ensures that systems are not only efficient but also optimized for scalability and sustainability, translating directly into enhanced operational performance and return on investment for stakeholders.
Demaurius is equally committed to fostering operational clarity and long-term value through leadership and knowledge transfer. By emphasizing comprehensive documentation and process transparency, he ensures that SynerGen is equipped with sustainable technology frameworks that reduce costs and mitigate future risks.
His ability to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology with business operations positions SynerGen as a leader in technology-driven innovation, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of delivering value to investors, clients, and partners alike.
Al McRae
Board Member
Al serves as on the board of advisors for SynerGen, where he brings his extensive expertise in financial strategy, investor engagement, and strategic vision to the firm’s leadership team. With over 19 years of diverse experience in the banking, finance and investments, Al has a proven track record of driving growth, optimizing financial performance, and fostering meaningful stakeholder relationships.
Earlier in his career, Al specialized in investment management, wealth structuring, and balance sheet strategy for high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. He later transitioned to managing and mentoring larger teams of wealth and investment professionals, ultimately overseeing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of deposits, investments, and credit. His ability to navigate complex financial ecosystems and deliver sustainable value has made him a trusted leader and advisor throughout his career.
Al’s strategic acumen is further demonstrated by his active participation on the boards of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Woodruff Arts Center, Georgia Bankers Association, and Georgia State University Foundation. His civic engagement extends to membership in Rotary Atlanta and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, as well as his participation in the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2023.
Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, Al is uniquely equipped to provide strategic guidance that aligns with SynerGen’s mission and drives value creation for all stakeholders.
Leonte Benton
Board Member
Leonte brings 20 years of experience and strategic insight, making him a valuable board advisor in the commercial real estate and business development arenas in support of the SynerGen mission. As a founding member and catalyst for T. Dallas Smith & Company where he currently serves as President, Leonte has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s success, specializing in delivering tailored real estate solutions that align with clients’ strategic objectives.
With expertise in site feasibility, contract negotiations, financial analysis, business development, and client relations, Leonte has a proven ability to navigate complex transactions and create value. His deep understanding of diverse commercial real estate assets—including office, warehouse, and land—has enabled him to successfully represent a broad spectrum of clients, from boutique firms to industry-leading corporations such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, FedEx, JP Morgan Chase, and the General Services Administration.
Leonte’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional achievements. He is a dedicated community advocate, serving on boards such as the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Youth Enhancement Services, and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Leonte is also an alumnus of prestigious leadership programs like LEAD Atlanta (2014) and Leadership Georgia (2018).
His board service has included impactful roles with the Atlanta Police Foundation, Next Generation Men & Women, the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS, and the Empire Board of Realtists, where he served as president. Recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40, Leonte’s blend of industry expertise, leadership acumen, and community engagement positions him as a highly capable advisor that will complement the strength of the SynerGen Executive Management Team.