James Capital Advisors (JCA), a leader in net lease and multifamily investments, has hired Phoenix real estate veterans Ken Johnson II and Jonathan Eckerd to spearhead the firm’s expansion to Arizona. Bringing extensive experience in net-leased investment sales, the agents will advise clients coast-to-coast from a new office in Phoenix.
“We are elated to welcome Ken and Jonathan to our team and know they will be a driving force in the success of our new Phoenix operation,” said Mike James, JCA founder and managing director.
“We’ve conducted a lot of business in Phoenix, so this is a natural first step in our rollout,” James said. “Over the next two years, we will be expanding to a number of major markets that bring us closer to our multifamily and net lease clients.”‘
In addition to their real estate resumes, the brokers’ decorated service records helped assure JCA leadership they would be a good fit. Johnson served three Navy tours onboard the USS Peleliu (2000-2006), helping to debark Marines to Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom after the Sept. 11 attacks and later supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal.
Eckerd served eight years in the U.S. Army and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while supporting Task Force Iron Claw during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007).
“Ken and Jonathan’s military background is a huge part of the reason we are excited about having them on the team,” James said. “I’ve had excellent experiences working with military veterans from both a client and partnership perspective. These two are mission-focused and will hit the ground running to meet client objectives.”
Johnson said JCA’s reputation for helping brokers to pursue new business and consistently closing transactions even during the pandemic spurred him to learn more about the company. After discussing compensation practices and leadership structure with the firm, he decided to make the move.
“I’ll be able to make better use of the skills I’ve learned while accelerating my career,” Johnson said. “I feel like I’ve taken the limiter off the sports car and can let it rip.”
Eckerd said JCA’s unrivaled collaboration, and its coordinated technology platform was a strong draw.
“The systems they have in place are cutting-edge and they are continuing to innovate. That gives me more freedom in how I choose to work,” Eckerd said. “Long term, I see a ton of opportunity for growth within the company.”
Phoenix team members will initially join the rest of JCA’s agents and staff in working remotely from home, taking advantage of the company’s robust technology platform, client management system and support structure for all communications, prospecting, marketing, transaction closings and other functions.
James Capital Advisors is a Los Angeles-based commercial real estate brokerage specializing in net lease and multifamily investments. The firm has closed more than $6 billion of investment sales transactions in the past decade.
