MEET JOE
People Over Politics: Better Roads, Schools and More Transparency
Every time I turn on the news, I see politicians more focused on scoring points, manufacturing outrage, and fighting each other rather than solving the problems we face here at home. Meanwhile, we literally have bridges collapsing in our county. We deserve better than endless political theater. We deserve leaders who roll up their sleeves and get to work.
I’m a general contractor by trade and a professor in Clemson University’s Construction and Real Estate Development program. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with hundreds of contractors, nearly every state Department of Transportation, and many local and state agencies to make projects more efficient, cost-effective, and accountable to taxpayers. By using data and technology to improve results, I’ve seen how innovation can make government work better — and that’s exactly the mindset we need in Columbia.
My wife, Jill, and I have raised our three daughters here in Clemson — two at Daniel High School and one at RC Edwards Middle School. For nearly ten years, our family has also opened our home as foster parents, which has given us a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by South Carolina’s most vulnerable children. Jill serves as a career development facilitator at Daniel High, and conversations around our dinner table often focus on helping students graduate ready for college, careers, and life. Supporting kids and families isn’t just something I talk about — it’s a commitment that shapes our everyday lives.
Politics was never on my life’s bingo card. I love my work at Clemson and never planned to leave the classroom for the State House. But when I saw how divided things had become — and how little our community’s voice was being heard — I knew it was time to step up. I’m not a career politician; I’m a neighbor who wants to solve problems, not score political points. I’m running to focus on what matters most: fixing our roads, strengthening our schools, and bringing real transparency to government.
I’m asking for your help so we can build a South Carolina that works — for all of us.
