Founded in 1978, Highwoods Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered real estate investment trust that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and third parties. The company manages more than 350 official, industrial and retail properties and over 615 acres of development land in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Highwoods Properties real estate managers tour buildings, inspect conditions and meet tenants to keep them informed about property maintenance, renovation and expansion initiatives. Its technicians are licensed to perform electricity and plumbing work. The company employs architects, engineers and project managers to capitalize on strategic alliances with premier contractors, suppliers and trade professionals. Highwoods Properties also conducts a Corporate Host program, which helps in site selection and lease arrangement procedures.