Don Peebles' Keynote Address at the 2023 Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development

Recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the nation, Peebles is founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of The Peebles Corporation. In an era where social responsibility, social inclusion, and making change are often seen as buzz phrases, Don Peebles is creating change and making opportunities happen in communities by leveraging his expertise and entrepreneurial skills in 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. Don Peebles and The Peebles Corporation's uniqueness is guided by his company’s own principles of Affirmative Development TM to empower women and minorities to close the wealth gap – with the aim of developing not just land or buildings, but opportunities and people also.

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.

He is an avid supporter of mentoring underprivileged youth 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, and is the former chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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 that provide rules and principles for individuals striving to succeed in real estate. In the book, Don Peebles is optimistic and believes everyone’s career goals are achievable. As a child raised by a single parent in a middle-class home, then achieving multimillionaire status by the age of 27, he believes that dreams really can come true.

Aside from Peebles’ keynote address, the conference features 21 sessions led by some of the state’s most distinguished business, economic development, and housing professionals. There will also be an Atlantic City Bus Tour on September 28, which will showcase the City’s new attractions in the Tourism District.