For Ted Natt Jr., journalism is a lifelong passion.

And now after nearly 30 years working in the newspaper industry, Natt is joining The Pilot staff full time.

"I have ink running through my veins," he says. "The Pilot has a long history of outstanding community journalism, and I look forward to upholding that standard."

Natt joined The Pilot seven months ago as a part-time business writer. His blend of clear writing and nose for news solidified the section as a must-read, Editor Steve Bouser said.

"He did a great job on a part-time basis when we launched our business section last summer," Bouser said. "Ted brings a lot to this job. He has a deep familiarity with Moore County and especially with its business community We are thrilled to have him full time."

Natt, who began his newspaper career as a teenager in Washington, will cover business, Southern Pines and health care as his primary beats.

A fourth-generation journalist, Natt received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri in 1985 and an MBA from the University of Louisville in 1992.

In the fall of 1980, Natt, then a high school student, started his career in newspapers by covering high school sports for The Daily News in Longview, Wash.

Natt's great-grandfather founded The Daily News in 1923, and his family owned the paper until 1999.

During his career, Natt worked for Associated Press branches in Boston and Louisville, as well as several other newspapers.

Natt got involved in business writing, working for the Triangle Business Journal for 13 months beginning in the fall of 1997.

"What I love most about journalism is that everyone has a story to tell, and no two stories are the same," he says.

Natt moved to Moore County in December 2002. He launched the Sandhills Business Times in June 2003 and operated the monthly regional business publication until 2008, when the economy forced him to cease operations.

He went into banking for a year, before realizing that journalism was his true passion.

"Banking wasn't a good fit for me," he said. "So I jumped at the opportunity to get back into journalism when The Pilot launched its business section last July."

Natt joined the staff full time Jan. 31 as part of several changes.

In addition to Natt's move, longtime photographer Glenn M. Sides has shifted to a part-time role, and staff member Hannah Sharpe has assumed more photography duties in addition to covering education.

Natt is the father of four: daughter Madison, 24, and Katy, 21, as well as sons Griffin, 6, and Gavin, 4.

When he isn't working, Natt describes himself as an avid golfer, who loves to spend time with his boys.

"I love this community," he says. "It is a great place to raise a family. I couldn't be happier."

Contact Tom Embrey at tembrey@thepilot.com.