Jerry Petzoldt, CEO & President of TCI Group-Jerry Petzoldt Agency LLC, has been involved in commercial real estate brokerage and development for 50 Years and has been awarded REALTOR EMERITUS by the National Association of REALTORS.
Jerry has a keen interest in regional economic development and is a recognized leader in commercial real estate as demonstrated by his many contributions including serving on the Board of Directors at the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors (NETAR) as Director and Division Vice President of Communications. He was also instrumental in establishing a Commercial and International Division at NETAR where he was awarded the Above and Beyond Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership in enhancing NETAR’s media relationships and for his unwavering commitment while establishing NETAR’s Commercial MLS.
In 2021, Jerry was recognized by Real Estate Forum as Best Bosses 2021. Also in 2021, he was awarded National Association of Realtor’s 2021 National Commercial Award. This national recognition program honors REALTORS® who received an award or recognition for their exceptional service and contributions to the commercial real estate industry. He is one of two recipients from the state of Tennessee to receive NAR’s award for 2021.
Jerry was influential in the forming of the Northeast Tennessee Technology Council and was awarded the TechStar Champion Award for his contribution to regional development and service to the technological community. He was also awarded the 2000-2010 Groundbreaker Award for his role in the founding of the council. He was named Business Tennessee magazine’s top 101 most influential people in the state’s commercial real estate industry for five consecutive years.
“Some of the most challenging yet rewarding real estate successes include the development of Eastman Global Technology Center at Med Tech Park in Johnson City, BAE and US Army Corporate Office Building at Holston Defense in Kingsport and the sale of the Mildred Gumm family farm land now known as The Pinnacle retail and entertainment center in Bristol. Every property and every client provides a new professional challenge that I enjoy. “
“Unlike most real estate brokers’, my personal investments are in our clients and TCI associates, not real estate. I am often asked “how do you keep up with all your real estate?” My answer surprises most; it is easy as all I own is my personal home, a 40 acre farm and a 65′ houseboat on South Holston Lake! Our clients own the real estate and our TCI associates serve their needs. The associates within TCI Group represent our clients in selling, leasing or buying. They are the most important part of our business. We help our clients build wealth in real estate and provide solutions to their real estate needs. It is that simple.”
Mr. Petzoldt has been in the real estate business since 1971 and began his career as a real estate appraiser in commercial and investment property in Clearwater, Florida. In 1982, Jerry relocated his family to Blountville, Tennessee to establish East Tennessee Realty Group and in 1996, changed his company name to TCI Group – Jerry Petzoldt Agency, LLC, to become the founder and regional partner of the leading firm in the Tri-Cities Region of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia specializing exclusively in commercial and industrial real estate.
He has an Associate degree in architecture and a Broker’s license in Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida. He is also a certified residential appraiser in Tennessee and awarded the SRA designation in 1976 from the Appraisal Institute in Chicago. He is a member of National Association of Realtors, Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors – Commercial Member and American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers member.