When Ramon Breeden Jr. started his real estate company more than 60 years ago out of the trunk of his Pontiac convertible, he likely never dreamed he'd be feted as one of southeastern Virginia's most accomplished developers.
That's what happened Aug. 9 when Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer declared it to be Ramon W. Breeden Jr. Day. The mayor made the official proclamation at a Virginia Beach City Council meeting.
"Mr. Breeden and The Breeden Company have been longstanding supporters of the arts — specifically, Neptune Festival's Symphony By The Sea Series," the city proclamation said. "Together, he and the company have remained their presenting sponsor since the program's inception." This year marks the concert series' 11th season.
“I’m honored by this presentation," Breeden said in an email. "It’s been a privilege to work in Virginia Beach. When you see the good in people, you see what they can do for you, it makes you good. It’s a big honor for me to work with people like yourselves.”
Breeden founded Virginia Beach-based Breeden Co. in 1961, and in 1964 started a construction division to build single-family houses. The company now has a portfolio of more than 25,000 apartments and 2 million square feet of retail and office space that it has owned, managed or developed.
Breeden stepped down from his roles as president and CEO of Breeden Co. earlier this year, though he continues to serve as the company's chairman of the board. Timothy Faulkner, a longtime company veteran and Breeden's former chief operating officer, now serves as the company's CEO.