Highwoods Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust, which owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties. The firm also engages in the operation, acquisition, and development of rental office properties. It operates through the following geographical segments: Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond, and Tampa. The company was founded by Ronald P. Gibson in 1994 and is headquartered in Raleigh, NC.