R. Donahue Peebles
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the nation, R. Donahue Peebles is the owner of The Peebles Corporation, the country's largest African American real estate development company with a $4 billion development portfolio of luxury hotels, high-rise residential and Class A commercial properties and developments in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Las Vegas and Miami Beach.
The 49 year old has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Black Enterprise and Ebony due to his visionary success. Mr. Peebles appears regularly on CNN, CNBC and FOX to advise on real estate, economic and political issues. He has been profiled on shows such as Neil Cavuto, The Big Idea and Larry King Live as well as on the nationally syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show" and “Steve Harvey” radio programs. In May, Forbes listed Mr. Peebles in the top ten of the wealthiest black Americans in the country.
A top-selling author, Mr. Peebles first book, The Peebles Principles, distills the lessons he learned on the road to building his successful company and personal fortune. His first-person accounts of his most intriguing deals illustrate the principles that guide Mr. Peebles in all of his transactions. His second book, The Peebles Path to Real Estate Wealth, released in September 2008, outlines the fundamental tools for real estate investing and details how to make money in any market.
In addition to serving as CEO of his billion-dollar real estate development firm, Mr. Peebles is a highly sought after speaker. Viewed as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, he has addressed numerous educational, business and professional associations across the nation, including the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, The Wharton School, University of Miami and The University of the District of Columbia.
Raised in Washington, D.C., in a single-parent household, he is an avid supporter of mentoring children and exposing teenagers to the value of entrepreneurship. Mr. Peebles spends time speaking to students around the country to urge and inspire them to pursue careers in business. He has received numerous awards over the last 25 years for his entrepreneurial leadership, community service efforts and development abilities. Mr. Peebles’ most recent awards include Entrepreneur of the Year presented by Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 11th annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit; Corporate Citizen Award from One Hundred Black Men of New York; the NV Award for Entrepreneurship; the prestigious Hennessy Privilege Award for extraordinary community contributions; induction to the Martin Luther King International Board of Renaissance Leaders Hall of Fame at Morehouse College in Atlanta; and Community Leader Award from Russell and Danny Simmons’ RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation at their inaugural Art for Life event in Miami Beach.
Mr. Peebles served as a U.S. House of Representatives page while in high school, sparking a lifelong interest in politics. He has supported politicians on both sides of the aisle and has raised campaign funds for local, state and federal candidates. He currently serves on the National Finance Committee of President Barack Obama.