On this episode of the TBG Real Estate podcast, we welcome Jim Simmons, CEO and Founding Partner at Asland Capital Partners. We discuss his journey from engineering to trader to founder of his own company. We also walk through the real estate climate in New York, talk diversity in real estate and tackle the issue of affordability in America. Jim is a true legend in New York real estate space so this is an episode you do not want to miss. 

EPISODE NOTES:

01:26 - What is Asland Capital Partners?

03:25 - Sharing a brownstone 

05:50 - Upper Manhattan 

09:10 - The NY equation 

12:10 - Couple of Jersey kids falling into real estate 

17:15 - Changing the neighborhood 

19:57 - From derivatives trader to real estate investor 

21:30 - 80 to 90% relationship-driven 

25:17 - Dealing with the lack of diversity 

29:52 - The affordability issue in America 

36:54 - What’s next for Asland?

39:35 - Creating something from scratch 

41:24 - The Hot Seat presented by KK Reset 

Jim is CEO & Founding Partner of Asland Capital Partners, serving as head of the investment committee with responsibility for the strategic direction and investment strategy of the firm. Over his 20 years of industry experience, Jim has focused on managing, originating, and structuring various types of real estate transactions including portfolio acquisitions, single asset acquisitions, and joint ventures through his deep relationships across the public and private sectors.

Prior to joining Ares Management in 2013 as a Partner, Jim was a Partner at AREA Property Partners and Apollo Real Estate Advisors. Prior to his employment at Apollo, he led the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone as President and CEO and had tenures at Salomon Smith Barney, Bankers Trust and General Electric.