Charlotte State of the Market

Recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the nation, R. Donahue (Don) Peebles Jr. is Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Peebles Corporation. In an era where social responsibility and inclusion are often seen as buzz-phrases, Mr. Peebles is actively influencing change and creating opportunities that positively impact communities, through Real Estate investment and development. The Peebles Corporation is among the leading privately held real estate and development companies in the United States, with a multi-billion dollar project portfolio, spanning key markets in the nation including: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Washington D.C. Mr. Peebles and The Peebles Corporation's uniqueness is guided by the company’s own principles of Affirmative Development (TM) to empower women and minorities in closing the wealth gap – with the aim of developing not just land or buildings, but also opportunities for people. Mr. Peebles is an industry leader in large scale real estate development through Public-Private Partnerships. Through construction excellence, sustainable materials, historic preservation and innovative design, every project is strategically selected to achieve transformative results for the company and community. Mr. Peebles is an avid supporter of mentoring underprivileged youth to expose them to the value of entrepreneurship. He is the former Chairman of the Board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, is on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater New York, was a two-time former member of President Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee, and the former Chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Peebles is a frequent guest commentator on CNBC, CNN, FOX News and FOX Business Network. He has written two books entitled The Peebles Principles and The Peebles Path to Real Estate Wealth, which provide the fundamentals for individuals striving to succeed in real estate. The books articulate Mr. Peebles optimism and belief that everyone’s career goals are achievable. Growing up as a child raised by a single parent, in a middle-class home, to achieving multimillionaire status by the age 27, Mr. Peebles believes that dreams really can come true.

Donahue Peebles, III is the Executive Vice President of The Peebles Corporation and handles new acquisitions and business development. Mr. Peebles actively pursues public and private real estate transactions in for The Peebles Corporation’s various markets, including South Florida, Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area and New York tri-state area. In addition, he maintains substantial involvement in the pre-development phase, and is capable of advancing projects through the development process through strategic partnerships, management and community engagement. In addition to his role, Mr. Peebles is the Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the Peebles Emerging Developer Fund I – a $500 million investment fund for minority and women developers in markets that include New York, Los Angeles and South Florida. Mr. Peebles is the Owner and CEO of Legacy Real Estate Development, LLC a Residential Real Estate Development firm that focuses on the development and acquisition of low-income housing projects in South Florida, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area and New York tri-state area. Mr. Peebles takes an active role in The Peebles Corporation’s public image, participating in business and entrepreneurial summits, as well as real estate panels and forums. He also serves both the Washington D.C. and New York City communities by engaging with multiple philanthropies that benefit and expose youth to various opportunities in entrepreneurship. He currently works with the New York City Mission Society, Best Buddies, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., and various other organizations to improve the quality of life of impoverished and special-needs individuals on a global scale. Mr. Peebles holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University.