Before attending UNC and moving to Chatham County in 1989, Ken was raised up in rural Eastern NC, and early on learned the value of family and community. From his many hours working and hanging out in the general store his grandparents ran, the importance of respecting all people and having a space for folks to meet and talk was ingrained in him. It also gave him the love of collecting old soda bottles – and his shelves bear witness to it!
The land of his childhood also influenced his respect and care for the environment and the animals that depend on it. Many hours in the middle of nowhere plowing fields, helping raise fledgling bald eagles and banding waterfowl (swans are much more agreeable than geese!), many more hours in the seat of the old Oliver 1800 tractor planting, cultivating, and harvesting – it all drove home his love of the outdoors, the creatures that inhabit it and our calling to care for it all.
And these two values, environment and community, led to his working with two outstanding local non-profits. The Haw River Assembly, where he has served as a board member, puts into peoples’ hands the tools and the knowledge they need to be effective guardians of the Haw River. Ken was also a part of founding Bynum Front Porch, dedicated to keep the old Bynum General Store alive as a community gathering place. He’s currently on its Board of Directors and invites you to come down for a Friday night of music under the stars from May to September.
On the for profit side, Ken has a ton of experience in commercial property leasing and acquisitions. He helped grow a local retailer’s footprint from a tiny catalog outlet store in Carrboro to over 100 stores nationwide. Ken also knows the residential investment market in the area – closing on and managing several rental properties.
So whatever you want to do – settle down in your own home, add an investment property to your financial portfolio or just stroll along the Haw River – Ken is ready to go!
Belief: “One of the great joys in life is seeing people come together for the exchange of ideas, talents, laughter and yes, even property. We tenaciously collaborate to make it happen!”
Background: Raised up in Eastern NC, in a county that still doesn’t have a stop light, Ken graduated UNC and then moved near the banks of the Haw River in Chatham County over 25 years ago.
Favorite Causes:
Please listen below to Ken’s interview on the Chatham County Round Up.