First Commercial names new president

Widmer's experience from diverse background

The real estate firm behind Knoxville's Turkey Creek retail center has a new president.

First Commercial Real Estate announced this week that Keith Widmer has taken the helm. Widmer is a former CEO of Petro's Chili and Chips, and had most recently been the Sevier County point man for R.M. Moore Real Estate Co.

John Turley, a broker with First Commercial, cited Widmer's knowledge and experience, especially in fast-growing Sevier County.

"Keith is the right guy because (of) his knowledge of the market, his understanding of the retail business, which has been a primary focus of First Commercial for the last 10 or 12 years," Turley said.

First Commercial was a key player in the Turkey Creek project - in which a third phase of development is expected to get under way soon - and the firm is closely involved with a similar retail project called Dumplin Creek, at Interstate 40's Exit 407 in Sevier County. In fact, Widmer was involved in the Dumplin Creek deal, representing two parties that sold property to an investment group that included Turley.

Widmer had worked at R.M. Moore for 2 1/2 years, and his portfolio included work at Lenoir City's Town Creek retail project on behalf of Georgia developer Mimms Enterprises. Turley said First Commercial now expects to work with Mimms on that deal.

Roger Moore, president of R.M. Moore, said the move may affect his company's momentum in the short term, but said he'll still have three employees working full-time in Sevier County.

"Keith's a great guy and … this was a good opportunity for him," Moore said. "There was a day when I had to make that decision and I can't begrudge anybody for trying to better themselves or improve their family situation or whatever the case may be."

Widmer said he doesn't have an ownership stake in First Commercial currently. The executive said his time at R.M. Moore was great, but cited his Sevier County roots and the Dumplin Creek project, adding that the move "was a natural progression."

Business writer Josh Flory may be reached at 865-342-6994.

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