Even in retirement, Ron Leeper is focused on making Charlotte better. The former head of R.J. Leeper Construction talks about his next steps, including efforts in affordable housing. January 18, 2021 It’s been nearly two weeks since Bright Hope Capital LLC announced its acquisition of R.J. Leeper Construction. Under that deal, Ron Leeper, the construction company’s founder, stepped aside as president. He launched the company in 1993 with a “character loan” from former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl. Since then, R.J. Leeper has grown to become one of the region’s largest Black-owned businesses. I met with Leeper at the company that still bears his name to talk about next steps. Packing boxes surrounded his desk.