John Pettigrew, Jr., had a good idea as to what he wanted to do with the next stage of his career following some time off after serving as Edgefield County administrator.

He just needed some time to be sure.

Last week that break officially ended with the grand opening on Friday of Pettigrew Properties LLC, his new real estate company.

“I had been doing some real estate investing for 12 or 13 years and just thought that was what I wanted to do,” he said after trimming a red ribbon along with his family and local dignitaries. “I’ll be able to represent buyers or sellers and I’m looking forward to working with the other real estate folks who are already here. Most of them are actually here today.”

For his office location, Mr. Pettigrew has renovated a building on Penn Street once used by Dr. Cooper.

The building has a clean new look and features three offices, a conference room and a sitting area that boasts a huge wall-sized painting of the South Carolina state flag.

“This is a great community and I’ve already had several folks to inquire about listing properties with me,” he said. “Right now it’s just going to be me until things get going, but eventually I will be looking to hire a couple of agents. I’m looking forward to working with everyone.”