For a retired businessman, Bob Jepson wields plenty of influence.
Georgia Trend magazine recognized the Savannah resident as the state’s “Most Respected Business Leader” in its May issue. Jepson’s philanthropy, his leadership as chairman of the Georgia Ports Authority and his vision have “transformed Savannah,” reads the publication’s cover story.
Jepson, 70, is the latest business titan to earn the Georgia Trend honor. Others in recent years include Aflac CEO Dan Amos, Georgia Power CEO Mike Garrett, Georgia-Pacific’s Pete Correll, late real estate tycoon Kim King and Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of The Home Depot.
Jepson was flattered to join those ranks but said the magazine gives him “far too much credit for the efforts and results of” others.
“So many things I have done in Savannah and in life have been because of the successes of others,” Jepson said Wednesday in a telephone interview. “While I am honored to have somebody say ‘Take a bow,’ there are hundreds of others who deserve the recognition more than me.”
Jepson acknowledged his selection is a reflection of the respect Savannah is garnering around the state. He is the first Savannahian named “most respected business leader” by the magazine this century and only the second from outside Atlanta in the last decade.
“The last 20 years have been an interesting time in the city’s development,” Jepson said. “I’ve watched Savannah grow in terms of investments and sophistication, and people all over the state are aware of what’s going on and applaud it and are excited about it.”
The Georgia Trend piece, titled “Robert Jepson, Visionary” chronicles Jepson’s business career, with a particular focus on his time in Savannah, which began in 1989 following his sale of Jepson Corporation for about $230 million.
Writes Georgia Trend’s Jerry Grillo, “since settling down in Savannah, Jepson has had the effect of a rising tide, lifting the city’s capacity to give back, which wasn’t all that difficult, he says with affection, ‘because this city has always been in love with itself.’”
Jepson is actively engaged with several local organizations, including the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah Country Day School, Savannah State University, the Georgia Historical Society, the Lucas Theatre and the Telfair Museum.
Jepson has served on the Georgia Ports Authority board since 2008 and became an officer in 2011, first as vice chair and currently as chairman. The GPA’s executive director, Curtis Foltz, called Jepson an “inspiration.”
"As chairman of our board, Bob Jepson's leadership and strong business experience has proven to be an excellent asset for the Georgia Ports Authority," Foltz said. "Bob sets the bar high and has an uncanny understanding of what it takes to make a business successful."
Georgia Trend’s May issue also includes an article on another Savannah businessman, Greg Parker. The convenience store operator is the subject of the magazine’s regular “Power Player” feature.
MOST RESPECTED BUSINESS LEADERS
Georgia Trend magazine named Savannah’s Bob Jepson as its “most respected business leader” in its May 2013 issue. Past honorees include:
Year|Leader|Business
2012|Robert Brown Jr.|RL Brown & Associates architects
2011|Donna Hyland|Childen’s Healthcare of Atlanta
2010|Dan Amos|Aflac
2009|Mike Garrett|Georgia Power
2008|Tom Bell|Cousins Properties
2007|John Rice|GE Infrastructure
2006|Pete Correll|Georgia-Pacific
2005|Phil Jacobs|Bellsouth
2004|Kim King|Kim King Associates
2003|Arthur Blank|Atlanta Falcons
Source: Georgia Trend magazine