History of Donaldson Brothers Rentals

Donaldson Brothers Rentals was established in 1981 when Ralph and Roger Donaldson built their first duplex.  Both brothers wanted to buy a newly vacant lot on Hynds Road where they lived.  So, they decided to buy it together and build a duplex so that each would have a unit to rent out.  With this, the rental company was born.

Ralph, 19 years old at the time, and Roger, in his twenties, built upon the knowledge and experience given to them by their father, the late Herman Donaldson.  By helping him build his rental houses throughout their youth, the young men had been taught the value of work equity and how the rental business works.

During the 1980s and ’90s, Donaldson Brothers Rentals continued to expand as they built two additional duplexes, Donaldson Apartments, Lone Oak Apartments, and Grand Falls Luxury Apartments.  Over time, they also acquired a few houses and purchased Ridgeview Apartments in 2001 and Oak Hill Townhouse Apartments in 2009.  With the addition of the Grand Falls East Luxury Apartments, the total number of units in Martin was brought to 132.

In the summer of 2004, Donaldson Brothers Rentals added the 5,000 sq. ft. DBR Clubhouse Resort complete with an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, and picnic and playground area.  The beautiful grounds offer a pond with a bridge overlooking a fountain and waterfall.  This facility is offered to residents at no extra charge.

Donaldson Brothers announced a new division of the company, DBR Beachfront, in the Spring of 2015 as the brothers expanded to Panama City Beach, Florida with vacation rentals.  DBR Beachfront currently offers a one-bedroom condo as well as a two-bedroom condo at the beautiful, oceanfront Long Beach Resort.

Over the years, Donaldson Brothers Rentals has been proud to offer a 24-hour maintenance man and an office manager.  Ralph and Roger still tend to the business full time and are involved with the day-to-day operation of the company.  Donaldson Brothers Rentals also strives to remain active within the community.

In 1999 Donaldson Brothers Rentals was honored in the National Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals.  Then in May of 2006, they were presented the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award.  They have also been voted Weakley County’s Best Apartments for the Weakley County Press Reader’s Choice Award from 2006-2018.