Founding Principal, MRP Industrial

B.S., Civil Engineering ,1995

What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Real estate development is a very mature industry. At MRP Industrial, we are not a pioneering business exploring new ideas or fueling growth through cutting-edge technology. Instead, we are creating large-scale, risk-adjusted return investment opportunities and delivering at the highest level of trust, quality and reliability for our investment partners, consultants and tenants. Since 2013, this approach has provided MRP a platform to grow from two experienced professionals with a phone full of relationships to deploying over $3 Billion in capital across 26 million square feet of ground-up industrial development across the Northeastern US.

What are some of your best memories of your time at Clemson?

The best memories stem from all the spontaneous parties. It was the early 1990’s. We didn’t have the distraction of cells phones, email or social media. Communication was all by word of mouth spreading across campus. We would start off an afternoon with 10 guys and a game of caps, but by sunset it could grow to a gathering of hundreds of friends all having a good time together and just enjoying college life in Tigertown.

What were the key inflection points in your career after you left Clemson?

The recession in 2008 hit real estate hard. Shortly after, my mentor and I had to share a $200,000 partner salary to stay together and retain our positions with a national developer. We were motivated by an incentive-based comp structure. That’s the highest guaranteed income we’ve had since and we remain partners today.

You learn to do what you love, work with people you enjoy, and aim to perform at the highest level. The opportunities and compensation will follow.

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, Kiawah Island is a happy place for me and my family. I look forward to more time back in the South all together while continuing to maintain an active role in MRP and real estate investing- just maybe with a different background. Also excited to watch my teenage daughter’s passion for theater continue to grow and support her on the journey ahead, wherever it may lead. And of course, maintain a healthy and active lifestyle for as long as possible.

Professionally, this month we are opening a new office in Charlotte led by a dynamic, experienced young duo – both with Clemson degrees. I’m excited for the opportunity and challenge to double the size of MRP Industrial by replicating in the Southeast what we have been able to accomplish in the Northeast.

What would you recommend students do to maximize their remaining time at Clemson?

Continue to build upon improving your network and reputation. No matter the path you choose, both will follow you forever.

What else should we know about you?

For 30 years, I’ve kept a framed quote in my office: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered with failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” —Theodore Roosevelt.

It’s a critical mindset for anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations.