Joe A. Hollingsworth, Jr.
Founder & CEO of The Hollingsworth Companies
Visionary entrepreneur who founded The Hollingsworth Companies, the largest non-urban industrial real estate developer in the Southeastern United States, with over 58 years of experience in the industry.
The Founder's Story
"The Hollingsworth Companies was built on a simple principle: provide businesses with the industrial facilities they need to succeed, delivered on time and on budget."
Joe A. Hollingsworth, Jr. is the Founder and CEO of The Hollingsworth Companies, the largest non-urban industrial real estate developer in the Southeastern United States. With over 58 years of experience, Joe has led the development of more than 20 million square feet of Class A industrial space, supporting the growth of U.S. manufacturing and logistics in semi-rural areas in the Southeast.
A Tennessee native, Joe started his career in construction and real estate at just 15 years old, building his first home alongside his father. By the age of 24, he had developed over 100 single-family homes before shifting his focus to commercial and industrial real estate.
Recognizing the increasing demand for modern industrial space outside of major metro areas, Joe launched SouthPoint Business Parks, a network of privately developed industrial parks strategically located in Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. These parks have helped attract major manufacturing and distribution tenants, bringing thousands of jobs to communities across the Southeast.
His company specializes in strategic, pro-business industrial development, providing high-quality, move-in-ready buildings that help businesses expand quickly and efficiently. This approach has earned national recognition, including Southern Business & Development Magazine's designation of The Hollingsworth Companies as the largest industrial developer operating outside metro areas in the Southeast.
Joe has played a key role in economic development, serving as Vice-Chairman of the Tennessee Board of Economic Growth resulting in the creation of "Opportunity 21," the state's first long-term economic strategy.
Through his vision, leadership, and commitment to industrial growth, Joe continues to drive economic expansion, attract business investment, and strengthen industrial infrastructure across the Southeast.
Career Highlights
Early Career
Building Foundations
Started in construction at age 15, building his first home with his father. By age 24, had developed over 100 single-family homes before shifting focus to commercial and industrial real estate.
SouthPoint Business Parks
Strategic Expansion
Launched a network of privately developed industrial parks strategically located across Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, bringing thousands of jobs to communities.
Economic Leadership
Shaping Policy
Served as Vice-Chairman of the Tennessee Board of Economic Growth, creating "Opportunity 21," the state's first long-term economic strategy.
2024
Community Development
Completed Aspire, a 370-acre outdoor destination in Clinton, TN. It's the largest privately held park in the Southeast that is free-to-the-public, featuring 22 miles of trails, event venues, waterfront recreation, and a restaurant.
Business Philosophy
Industrial Excellence
"Providing high-quality, move-in-ready buildings that help businesses expand quickly and efficiently is essential for economic growth in semi-rural communities."
Community Impact
"Industrial development should benefit the entire community. Every new facility means new jobs, new opportunities, and new prosperity for local residents."
Strategic Vision
"Recognizing the potential of non-urban areas for industrial development creates opportunities that benefit both businesses and communities across the Southeast."
Sustainable Growth
"Creating spaces like Aspire park demonstrates our commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental stewardship and community well-being."
Industrial Real Estate Solutions
The Hollingsworth Companies continues to provide strategic industrial real estate solutions that help businesses grow and communities thrive across the Southeastern United States.