I am a retired trial lawyer, real estate developer, civic and political leader based in Greenville, NC.A graduate of Duke University and University of North Carolina School of Law, I also attended the Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. My first job after graduation from law school was legal counsel to then Lieutenant Governor Jim Hunt. I returned to Greenville to practice with my father where I have been practicing for the past 46 years and grew the firm into one of the largest personal injury practices in the state.During those years, I also built upon my family's history and experience as real estate developers, constructing or acquiring real estate investments in NC, SC, FL, GA, TX, VA and CA. Favoring multifamily and medical development, followed by warehouse, flex space and office, I developed and own interests in more than 4,000 apartments. I have also developed and own interest in more than two million square feet of medical, office, distribution and flex space.Under the umbrella of Taft Family Ventures, our construction arm is Waterford Contracting II, LLC; development is operated under Taft Development Group; affordable housing under Taft-Mills Group, LLC and management of most assets is under Consolidated Management, Inc. In 2018-19 we have more than 1,400 apartment units in various stages of development and construction.I served three terms in the NC State Senate, was a member of the UNC Board of Governors, Southern Growth Policies Board, NC Museum of Art Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NC State Ports Authority and currently serve as a member of the Golden L.E.A.F. Foundation with more than $1.1 Billion in assets.I have four children. We maintain homes in Greenville, NC; Hope Town, Bahamas; Charleston, SC; Banner Elk, NC and Figure 8 Island, NC.Specialties: Conceptualization/Development/Construction/Management of PropertiesInvestmentsPersonal Injury Trial LawPurchase Negotiations