Joe Taylor

Joe E. Taylor Jr. was a prominent businessman and public servant from South Carolina. He founded Southland Capital Partners, a private equity venture, in Columbia in 2014.1 Taylor was a Wofford College graduate (Class of 1980) who had a successful career in business and government.1

Key points about Joe E. Taylor Jr.:

1. Business career:

   • Co-founded Southland Log Homes with his father while still a student at Wofford1
   • Rose to become president and CEO of Southland Log Homes, making it the largest pre-cut log building producer in North America1
   • Sold Southland Log Homes in 20051
   • Founded Southland Capital Partners in 20141

2. Government service:

   • Appointed chair of the state Jobs Economic Development Authority in 20031
   • Served as South Carolina's Secretary of Commerce from 2006 to 20111
   • Led successful efforts to attract businesses to South Carolina, including Boeing to Charleston1

3. Civic involvement:

   • Served on the Wofford College Board of Trustees1
   • Won a seat on Columbia City Council in 20211
   • Received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor1

Unfortunately, Joe E. Taylor Jr. passed away on December 29, 2022.1