Net Worth Ranker
What Is Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel’s Net Worth?
Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel, a figure known for his ventures in politics and reality television, possesses a net worth estimated at $6 million. This valuation reflects his diverse engagements, including his past role as the State Treasurer of South Carolina and his presence on the Bravo reality series “Southern Charm” from 2014 to 2018. His financial standing is also rooted in his entrepreneurial endeavors, notably as the founder of the Ravenel Development Corporation, a commercial real estate firm. Further augmenting his public profile, Ravenel has also engaged in political campaigns, including a run for the US Senate in 2004.
Early Career and Political Ventures
Ravenel’s career trajectory took shape with the establishment of the Ravenel Development Corporation in 1992. According to the company’s website, Ravenel has successfully completed 65 retail projects across ten states, showcasing his capability in commercial real estate development. Before focusing on reality TV, Thomas Ravenel transitioned into politics. His initial foray into the political arena was his 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate, where he finished third in the Republican primary. He later endorsed Jim DeMint, who won the election. However, his campaign wasn’t without issues; the Federal Election Commission fined Ravenel over $19,000 for improper filing of required election forms, marking an early challenge in his political career. In 2006, he secured the position of South Carolina Treasurer, defeating Grady Patterson, who had served nine terms. His political pursuits continued in 2014 when he again ran for U.S. Senate but garnered less than 4% of the vote. This period also marked his entry into reality television with “Southern Charm,” where he was a cast member for the first five seasons and made a guest appearance in season seven. It’s reported that his salary for appearing on “Southern Charm” was $25,000 per episode. Given his appearance in 67 episodes, his total earnings from the show would amount to $1,675,000 before taxes and deductions.
Legal Issues and Personal Life Impacts
In June 2007, Thomas Ravenel’s career faced a significant setback when U.S. Attorney Reginald Lloyd indicted him on federal cocaine distribution charges. The indictment alleged that Ravenel had purchased under 500 grams of cocaine in Charleston through an intermediary in 2005. Following these charges, Governor Mark Sanford suspended Ravenel from his duties as state treasurer. Subsequently, Ravenel sought treatment at a rehabilitation facility and resigned from his position as Treasurer. After completing a rehabilitation program in Arizona, he pled guilty to “conspiring to buy and distribute less than 100 grams of cocaine.” In March 2008, he was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison. The controversies extended beyond legal issues to personal matters. In April 2018, Ashley Perkins, a real estate agent, accused Ravenel of sexually battering her mother, Debbie Holloway Perkins, after they met on Tinder in late 2015. Ravenel’s attorney denied the allegations, but Ravenel reportedly agreed to a $200,000 settlement with Perkins, which included a non-disclosure agreement. In May 2018, Dawn Ledwell, who had been a nanny for Ravenel’s children, also accused him of sexual battery. Ledwell alleged that Ravenel had assaulted her in early 2015, stating, “I went upstairs to get my jacket which had the key to my vehicle in the pocket. I was corralled into the master bedroom, and he shut the door behind me. I turned around, and he had his pants dropped, not wearing underwear. He was blocking the door. I was mortified, embarrassed, and scared.” These allegations further complicated Ravenel’s public image and legal standing.
Real Estate Holdings and Investments
Thomas Ravenel’s real estate investments have played a crucial role in shaping his net worth. In 2020, Ravenel acquired a historic mansion in Aiken, South Carolina, for $1.8 million. Known as The Balcony, this estate covers 5.85 acres and includes a 1,134 square foot guesthouse and stables. Ravenel mentioned plans to renovate the property extensively, aiming to transform it into a “wonderful showplace” with the help of an interior designer and a general contractor from Aiken. In June 2019, Ravenel listed his Brookland Plantation home on Edisto Island, SC, for $3.95 million. The 4,284 square foot home, situated on a 60-acre property, features four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, along with a polo field, horse barn, and a two-bedroom apartment. The property was eventually sold for $3.4 million in March 2021. These real estate transactions reflect Ravenel’s strategic approach to property investment, contributing significantly to his financial portfolio. The $3.4 million sale of Brookland Plantation, after the initial listing price of $3.95 million, represents a decrease of $550,000 from the asking price. While this does indicate a negotiation in the sale, it still significantly boosted Thomas Ravenel’s assets.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel was born on August 11, 1962, in Charleston, South Carolina. He is the son of Louise and Arthur Ravenel Jr., who both passed away in 2023. Arthur served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Louise became an advocate for the rights of disabled individuals after her son William was born with Down syndrome in 1959. Thomas grew up with five older siblings and served as captain of the wrestling and football teams in high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel in 1985, then he graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1991 with an M.B.A. focused on real estate and finance. Thomas Ravenel’s academic background, including his MBA in real estate and finance, provided him with a solid foundation for his business ventures, particularly in the Ravenel Development Corporation. His education at The Citadel also instilled discipline and leadership skills, evident in his roles as captain of the wrestling and football teams during high school.
Custody Battle
In May 2023, Thomas Ravenel was awarded sole custody of his children with ex-girlfriend Kathryn Calhoun Dennis due to Kathryn’s “drug use, negligent parenting and a series of reckless actions that placed her minor children in danger.” This development marked a significant personal milestone, highlighting the legal and personal challenges Ravenel has navigated. The custody arrangement, granting him sole responsibility, suggests a considerable commitment to his children’s well-being. The court’s decision to grant Thomas Ravenel sole custody, citing Kathryn Dennis’s “drug use, negligent parenting,” underscores the gravity of the situation and its potential impact on the children’s lives. The legal proceedings and their outcome likely had emotional and financial implications for all parties involved.
Settlement Details
In September 2019, Thomas Ravenel pled guilty to third-degree assault and battery in Dawn Ledwell’s case and was ordered to pay a $500 fine. He settled a civil suit with her in which he agreed to donate $80,000 in her name to a charitable organization that helps survivors of sexual assault. The $80,000 donation in Dawn Ledwell’s name to a charitable organization supporting survivors of sexual assault reflects Thomas Ravenel’s efforts to address the allegations and contribute to a cause aimed at helping those affected by similar situations. This act, although part of a legal settlement, demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility.
