After graduation from Villanova University in 1971, Jim served as an officer in the U. S. Navy until 1974 in Washington, DC. In 1975, Jim received a PA Real Estate Salesperson’s License, and in 1978, a PA Broker’s License. A brief stint in residential sales was followed by entre into the commercial retail spectrum. Experience in the retail site selection and development process was garnered in the direct employ of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Frank’s Nursery and Crafts, Wendy’s International, and Jiffy Lube International. Among his duties were site selection, purchase contract or lease negotiation, planning, zoning and construction management.

RealMarq was founded in 1988 to provide development services to a myriad of clients, some of which include: Rite Aid Corporation, McDonald’s, Amoco, BP, Advance Auto, Auto Zone, Family Dollar Stores, Hollywood Video, Popeye’s, Walgreen’s and Checker’s.

Oberon Construction was founded in 1990 to provide the general contracting and construction management services to the commercial retail market. Oberon has constructed over 30 Rite Aid Drug stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Ohio. Ten of these stores are in Philadelphia, where partnerships with Minority Business Enterprise subcontractors and cooperation with local community groups were necessary. Oberon also acted as a liaison between owner developers and federal minority compliance.

Academically, Jim earned a BS in Marketing from Villanova University and an MBA in Real Estate from Temple University, which led to a seventeen-year career as an Assistant Professor of Real Estate at the Community College of Philadelphia. Over his thirty-year career, Jim has exhibited the ability to adapt to client requirements, and has garnered the highest level of trust and loyalty. His problem-solving ability and goal-oriented sense of urgency will continue to ensure the success of these organizations.

Jim is a member of The International Council of Shopping Centers, a member of the board of the Daniel D Dilella Center for Real Estate at Villanova University’s School of Business, the Airline Owners and Pilots Association, and the Piper Malibu Owners and Pilot Association.

Jim has served as Chair of the Northeast Catholic High School Advisory Board and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010. He is also a member of the Union League of Philadelphia and the Columbus Club.