A Big Man and the Little Guy: Remembering Joe Taylor

This week, it was important for us to take a moment to honor the life of a dear friend of Palmetto Promise Institute.

Joe Taylor was simply one-of-a-kind: a big man with a big personality and big ideas. Chances are, if you met him, you’d walk away with a “Joe story.”

Much has been said about his amazing life. He had a keen eye for talent, mentored many, and was a relentless believer in South Carolina’s potential. He dedicated his significant business know-how, time and energy, and personal resources to growing the Palmetto State’s economy to benefit everyone. In a word: Joe was generous.

Palmetto Promise Institute first connected with Joe over our shared vision for fixing South Carolina’s outdated tax system to make it simple, fair, and low. This big man was a champion of “the little guy” who he said was “getting killed” by the unfairness of the current system.

Joe partnered with PPI to develop a major tax modeling project showing South Carolina’s path forward and eventually invited us to use space in his beautiful office where PPI lived and grew for two years.

Joe’s ability to see the big picture, lay out a vision, and mobilize a team to accomplish it was second to none. His passing leaves a hole in our state and our hearts, but his legacy will live on through the work of Palmetto Promise and the countless other lives and organizations he touched.

Our love and deepest condolences go out to his dear wife Amanda, his children, and all who called him a friend.

Go in peace, Joe. We’ll keep your fight for South Carolina’s little guy alive…until we meet again.