He introduced several progressive ideas to its management, including the introduction of a children's area and sending boxes of books to neighboring towns (similar to today's bookmobiles).

He moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where he acquired large holdings of land.

[2] In North Carolina, Hayes engaged in scientific farming on a large scale.

Hayes was president of the Appalachian Forest Reserve[3] and the western North Carolina Fair.

[4] In Florida, he served as chairman of the board of directors of the Clearwater Savings and Loan Association and the First Mortgage Investment Company.