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The local business community gathered at the Washington Civic Center on Jan. 30 for the Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet, where multiple honors were presented to recognize outstanding achievements. Among the evening’s recipients, real estate investor Kyle Barnes was named Entrepreneur of the Year for his contributions to housing and commercial development in Beaufort County.

Barnes, who has built a reputation for transforming underutilized properties into much-needed housing, was caught off guard by the recognition.

“I was floored,” said Barnes. “I was definitely surprised because we have so many people in our community who are going above and beyond, doing value-add projects, and making a difference. To be chosen amongst everyone else was very surprising and humbling.”

The award, presented by Seldon Taylor on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, highlights Barnes’ efforts in real estate development, particularly his focus on addressing the region’s housing needs. A graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in engineering, Barnes has become a leading force in transforming underutilized properties into functional housing and commercial spaces.

Barnes owns and operates Barnes Investments, LLC, Carolina Syndication and 1109 Carolina, LLC, all of which focus on residential and commercial real estate projects. His most notable achievement to date is the transformation of the former Sunset Inn in Beaufort County. In 2023, recognizing a growing shortage of affordable housing, Barnes purchased the old motel and spearheaded its conversion into a 27-unit apartment complex.

“The Sunset Inn project is a prime example of Kyle’s dedication to meeting local needs through innovative solutions,” remarked Taylor at the award presentation. “Kyle’s ability to identify underutilized spaces and repurpose them for the community’s benefit underscores his leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to Beaufort County’s future.”

Despite the project’s ultimate success, Barnes admitted that it was his most challenging endeavor to date.

“There was no playbook,” noted Barnes. “There wasn’t anyone I could really talk to anywhere close to our area that had executed a project like this. It took considerably longer and significantly more money than expected, but seeing what we accomplished and knowing it has provided much-needed housing makes it all worth it.”

Barnes’ business model extends beyond residential real estate. He has also invested in commercial properties, recognizing the importance of creating opportunities for businesses to thrive.

“There’s a real lack of commercial properties in our area,” said Barnes. “So when I pick up a commercial space, my goal is to either provide a startup business opportunity or create a space that brings another business to our community.”

His approach to business is strategic but always rooted in community impact. He evaluates potential investments with a simple but crucial question: “What’s the worst that can happen?” By ensuring he has contingency plans in place, he remains confident in pursuing projects that others might overlook.

As an entrepreneur who built his career from the ground up, Barnes offers a key piece of advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

“Always be networking,” emphasized Barnes. “Be a fly on the wall, listen to those ahead of you and seek mentorship. But don’t just look for what you can take—figure out how you can provide value to others. When you do that, opportunities will come.”

Barnes’ journey has been one of risk, resilience and reward. As he looks toward the future, he remains committed to unearthing new opportunities, even as competition in the market grows.

“I’m trying to make sure no stone is left unturned,” said Barnes. “Washington is becoming an increasingly desirable area, and with that comes challenges, but I’m always looking for the next opportunity to make a difference.”

For now, the recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year serves as both a validation of his efforts and a motivator for the work yet to come.