Amos Cooper
Let’s Talk Durham Images
Amos Cooper is a local real estate developer with a heart for the arts. We wanted to know more:
You can live anywhere, why do you choose Durham?
Durham just has this unique vibe. I compare it to Richmond, VA. Or a small neighborhood within Philly. There’s plenty of progress here in Durham. But there’s also plenty of that Bull City gritty- ‘The Dirty D’ as we like to call it. And you just don’t get this kind of balance anywhere. Also, as person of color, being a Black male, I want to see other people of color on a regular basis. It was important to me to be in a city that has diversity, especially one which champions diversity in leadership. I grew up here too. When I was in college our mayor was Bill Bell, and it was affirming to see a Black man leading our City. Another important factor for me is being around Black owned local businesses. There may not be as many as there used to be, but this is still important to me.
You also mentioned it’s important to you to invest with care. Why is this a prerogative?
We have to be careful about the statement “growth is good”. Sure, growth is good, but not all growth is good. I think it’s vital to invest where you live. Right now there are so many people investing in Durham who do not really care about Durham. They look at it as a balance sheet where they can make money out of properties. But they are not living here and they are not contributing and giving back. Are they supporting local artists? Are they patronizing local businesses? No, they are not. So to me it’s like why are you in Durham?
Are you saying that the preservation of the local culture may even be more valuable than the bottom line, so to speak?
Yes, absolutely. I have four real estate properties in Durham. Each one is occupied by a new business owner. I don’t charge them the maximum amount for the space. I want to see these local businesses succeed. I am in it for the long run. I can adjust and make money over time. But I don’t have to break an entrepreneur’s back that is starting a business. The same goes for the artists. It’s unfortunate that more property owners aren’t willing to give art galleries a chance. And so I am trying to do that.
What the craziest bet you ever made?
My boldest bets are the ones I’ve wagered on myself. I had a cushy six figure job in venture capital, but I walked away from it to start my own business in 2017. And now I’m betting on our community. The community in Durham has provided me with opportunity, and now I want to pay it forward.
Do you believe that love is blind?
Haha. My boyfriend and I just finished a TV Show, Love is Blind? You should watch it!
I think love is blind because you don’t see it coming…
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