There's nothing unusual about a 12- year-old who doesn't have enough money to buy a coveted video game. But how many of those kids are clever enough to create their own game, instead? Of those few, how many then find that prospective customers are eager to buy their creation, literally turning the boy-creator into a successful businessman overnight? For Ephren Taylor, that was just the beginning of his meteoric rise. Today, that 12-year-old has grown into the 23-year-old CEO of a publicly traded company.

Taylor, CEO of Amoro Corporation (http://www.AmoroCorp.com) was recently also elected CEO of City Capital Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: CCCN.OB - News), a business development corporation in Mendota, Minn. The appointment makes Taylor one of the youngest CEOs of a publicly traded company. Moreover, he has the distinction of being the youngest African-American CEO of a public company.

While most real estate investment companies are out trying to build the biggest and best, so that they can cash in on opportunity, Taylor takes a more innovative approach. He works closely with economic development groups, both nationally and internationally, to provide affordable housing. The vision behind his work and accomplishments lies in being socially responsible and helping the average person afford a home of their own. His efforts also help transform urban areas by providing much-needed jobs, while leaving a major portion of the profits behind for economic development and community self- sufficiency.

"We are proving it's possible to run a profitable corporation focused on empowering local communities through socially-conscious development," says Taylor. "Unlike the average real estate investor, I don't set out to build what I want to build. I want to work with local civic leaders to help them achieve what's best for the community."

His companies manage residential and commercial developments, including the Kansas City Historic Jazz District, a 214-unit condominium complex, a 310- home subdivision near Memphis, and more than 100 homes in Cleveland. Even international governments have begun contacting Taylor for similar affordable housing developments in their countries.

"We have a strong team structure with expertise in key areas including construction, development, and marketing," explains Taylor. "We are incredibly fast with turnaround on projects, a key element in our success with both our city partners and our client-investors."

After Taylor's initial business success at the age of 12, he launched a successful job-search portal for teens and college students that he grew to $3.2 million. It was recognized as the fourth-ranked teen business nationwide (YoungBiz Magazine). Later, he turned his attention to real estate, developing unique investment approaches for local churches, with a special focus on positive urban development. Much of his work over the years has involved his father's church and other churches.

"We aren't put here just to get as much as we can," says Taylor. "I believe we all have a purpose, and an expectation to give back, to help those less fortunate."

His successes have been frequently acknowledged along the way. He was named Kansas Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 by the Kansas Department of Commerce for his investment concepts, which he utilizes in AmoroCorp and City Capital. He still works with churches, as well as private investors and other nonprofits. Most recently, mega-entertainer Snoop Dogg asked AmoroCorp to manage the endowment funds for the Snoop Youth Football League Foundation.

Being 23 and the CEO of a public company turns heads. "I may be young to have such a position," says Taylor, "but I bring a lot of experience and knowledge of what it takes to accomplish our business goals. I'm focused and excited about the possibilities being public provides. There are a lot of cities needing what we do."

Syndicated News
Jacqueline Bodnar
JB@SyndicatedNews.us
(702) 338-3105