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NAME: Joseph Moore

AGE: 36 

RESIDENCE: Lifelong resident of Washington

Following his graduation from Washington High School in 2005, Joseph Moore received a full scholarship to Elizabeth City State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in banking and financing, and business management. He went on to receive his MBA at NC Central University in 2011. Following graduation he went to work with his father, Reverend David L. Moore and oldest brother, Jonathan J. L. Moore, at the family run business, Metropolitan Property Management. Following the passing of his father in 2019, Moore became the executive director of the company. He is also the executive director of the Leon Randolph Funeral Home.

What is your Roman Empire? Something random that you think about all of the time?

I would have to say it has evolved over time. It used to be my next trip, as I love to travel. When my oldest brother passed away, I always said to myself, “when the opportunity to travel presents itself, take advantage of it.” However, now, more often than not, I’m thinking about work. We recently ventured out and took over some new properties, and also started managing properties that we don’t own. I certainly still like to travel, but I find myself often thinking about the next business venture.

When was the last time you overcame one of your fears and how did you do it?

A few years ago a lawsuit was filed against our company by an employee of some of our properties in Virginia. We had the opportunity to settle out of court but I never wanted the integrity of the company to be questioned. My biggest fear was that we might lose in court, even though we knew the allegations were false. I was able to overcome my fears by consulting with one of my brothers and a good friend. They told me I had made it through the last few years dealing with it, so just see it though. Sometimes you just need that good counsel. As it turned out, facing my fears and telling the truth was the right choice. Imagine a Black owned management company on trial in front of an all white jury in Virginia. Talk about being scared! But they saw the truth and ruled in our favor.

Do you think Beaufort Countys’ future is headed in a positive or negative direction and why?

I believe Beaufort County has the potential to do some great things. I like seeing the diversity of the new business owners and the new businesses that are coming in. From a political standpoint it has been good to see the new minority representation on city council. My hope is with all of this happening, that everyone has the mind to work together and continue to build on the progress we have made and not digress. My father was a strong advocate of diverse representation and was instrumental in a lot of the changes within the government that we see today.

How would you encourage young people, such as yourself, to become more involved in city or county leadership?

First, our young people need to be present. It is very easy, and I take ownership of this, as well, of focusing too much on your own work, and not taking the time to become involved. It’s all about prioritizing and finding the time to go to meetings and getting more involved. It is important for us all to hold our elected officials accountable and make sure that they are fulfilling their end of the bargains, and not just telling us what they want us to hear to get their votes. There are some young folks who don’t see the need to vote because they are conflicted by the words of some of those who are running. I say, “exercise your right to vote, as we worked hard to get it.” Time is one thing we can’t get back. If we value the community in which we live, we have to take the time.

If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be and what would you serve for dinner?

I would love to have a conversation with Jesus, as it would be life changing and allow me to get the full concept of what he went through. I think Dr. Martin Luther King would make for a very interesting conversation. I would love his take on where we are as a nation and everything that he was fighting for. And there is a tie for third. It would either be President Obama or Denzel Washington. President Obama, just for what it all meant for him being the first Black President. And Denzel Washington, because he is my favorite actor and has served as inspiration to me. As for dinner it would have to be my favorite, ribeye steak.

What is the best series or movie that you have ever streamed and why do you like it?

My favorite movie of all times is Bad Boys! It has a great mixture of action, comedy and drama, and checks all of the boxes for me. To me it is very authentic in how it is presented and remains my all time favorite.