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Thinkgate, a leading technology and software provider for education agencies, announced today that it has moved its corporate headquarters from Atlanta to South Tryon Square located at 201 S. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte. Thinkgate currently has more than 70 full-time employees and dozens of contractors who will occupy the 21,210-square-foot space.
Thinkgate plans to hire between 75 and 120 new employees in its Charlotte office over the next three years. The positions will include mid to executive level, and salaries will range from $50,000 to $200,000 per year. The new headquarters will centralize all Thinkgate operations, including the client experience, project management, technology and deployment, sales and marketing, and accounting functions.
“After outgrowing our corporate headquarters in Atlanta and our Operations Center in Huntersville, N.C., it made sense to consolidate locations. Charlotte appealed to us due to its excellent quality of life and skilled workforce,” said Eric Waynick, Thinkgate chief executive officer. “In addition to centralizing our operations to improve communication and efficiency, this relocation will put us in the heart of Charlotte’s bourgeoning technology community. Ultimately, a centrally located office and close proximity to other technology companies will allow us to better serve our clients.”
A pioneer in advancing education through technology, Thinkgate was founded in 2004 and employed just 12 people in 2012. In 2013, the company more than doubled its workforce and is now consolidating operations and relocating its headquarters as it plans for future growth in the Queen City.
Thinkgate was recognized last year as a leading American job creator by Inc. Magazine’s Hire Power Awards. The company currently supports more than 500 K-12 education agencies and 3 million students nationwide, and provides statewide solutions in four states.
“In Charlotte’s Center City, Thinkgate will enjoy the best access to our region’s talent, full transit offerings for their associates, and easy access to our professional sports, entertainment and hospitality amenities,” said Michael Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.
Chad Hagerman with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank represented Thinkgate in the real estate transaction. Tom FitzGerald and Charles Jonas with JLL represented the landlord.
About Newmark Grubb Knight Frank
Newmark Grubb Knight Frank is one of the world’s leading commercial real estate advisory firms. Together with London-based partner Knight Frank and independently-owned offices, NGKF’s 12,000 professionals operate from more than 320 offices in established and emerging property markets on five continents.
With roots dating back to 1929, NGKF’s strong foundation makes it one of the most trusted names in commercial real estate. NGKF’s full-service platform comprises BGC’s real estate services segment, offering commercial real estate tenants, landlords, investors and developers a wide range of services including leasing; capital markets services, including investment sales, debt placement, appraisal, and valuation services; commercial mortgage brokerage services; as well as corporate advisory services, consulting, project and development management, and property and corporate facilities management services. For further information, visit www.ngkf.com.
NGKF is a part of BGC Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: BGCP), a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial and real estate markets. For further information, visit www.bgcpartners.com.