DBT40 Honoree: Marcus Thomas

Title: Founder/ Operator/ Developer

Marcus Thomas | DBT PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI

Workplace: Christopher Alexander Holdings, LLC

Age: 35

Marcus Thomas likes to think of himself as a persistent guy. When he was nine years old, he would take the DART bus to school while his mom worked around the clock. His mom and grandmother were key mentors who inspired him to keep going and to give back to the community, even if it was not always possible in the moment.

After graduating from Salesianum School, Thomas built a career in commercial and residential property development in firms that covered New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. He now works with New York-based Christopher Alexander Holdings to help lead the charge in revitalizing the city where he grew up. As part of a team that resurrected the CDC for Wilmington’s fifth district, forming strategic partnerships with the Wilmington Housing Association and the Delaware Affordable Housing Group to transform a long vacant house into workforce housing. Beyond that project, he also played a part in advising city policy on how to address the affordable housing crisis. Taking it one step further, Thomas wrote an ebook on financial literacy to assist others looking to get out of debt.

Remembering the lessons his mother and grandmother taught him, Thomas organizes an annual turkey drive so less than fortunate families can have a memorable meal for Thanksgiving and he repeats the effort with an annual Christmas shopping event for a single family. He also launched a “Suits and Ties” program where he provides young men a sharp suit to boost their confidence while interviewing for jobs. He considers himself a simple guy who loves life’s everyday joys. He has a passion for cooking and enjoy experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, as well as traveling and exploring new cultures and cuisines. Staying fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important to Thomas.