Jason Comer has an extensive background in real estate development starting with small subdivisions and homebuilding. But by far, Jason’s biggest accomplishment in real estate development was his tenure as Town Founder of Alys Beach. The CEO of EBSCO Industries, Jim Stephens (Jason’s uncle), hired Jason to be the President and Town Founder (a term used in TND/Traditional Neighborhood Development circles) of Alys Beach. Jason started work on Alys Beach in Birmingham, Alabama and after 6 months moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with his family. Jason managed Alys Beach from inception through its first 10 years. Alys Beach is now in its 18th year. Under Jason’s management, the vision for Alys Beach was established and all of the departments and management personnel were put into place, most of whom are still employed there today. Jason is still an owner in Alys Beach via his ownership in EBSCO Industries, Inc. 

For Jason, developing Alys Beach was the pinnacle of real estate development possibilities. After Alys Beach, his career interests shifted to the creation and ownership of operating businesses. Though Jason’s development spurs are currently on the shelf, it is possible and arguably likely that one day the company will take on another sizable master-planned community. 

Aside from that, one of the many long-term goals for Comer Companies is to build out a portfolio of real estate assets. Currently, our only real estate holding is The Big Chill on 30A, where we own the real estate on the food and beverage side, as opposed to the retail shops side. Plans for real estate holdings are in the works by identifying potential partners who are experts in their respective spaces. So, we hope to have some exciting news to announce this year.