Merrill P. Thomas Co., Inc. has been named a finalist for the Mobile Chamber Small Business of the Year award, which recognizes the company’s journey and contributions to the commercial real estate industry. Founded in 1992 by Merrill P. Thomas, the company is a second-generation family-run business specializing in commercial and industrial real estate development, brokerage and property management services. Merrill, who began his career at Folmar and Associates, launched the company after successfully managing several Super Kmart projects. Over the years, it has grown and adapted to industry changes, shifting from single-tenant stores to managing unanchored neighborhood shopping centers and warehouse properties. Pratt Thomas joined it in 2008 with expertise from a successful career at Regions Bank.