James Phelps

James has more than 21 years of industry experience – including both field and office experience.  James leads the company’s construction and business development team, and provides senior oversight for the project team to ensure that cost, schedule and quality commitments are met. He also oversees preconstruction, project cost management and contract negotiations. A graduate of Marquette University’s ACRE (Commercial Real Estate 2005) program, James worked his way through various field, engineering and project management roles. James’ project experience includes residential and complex commercial structures, ranging from $100K to $350M.  Examples include Bader Philanthropies Headquarters, Northwestern Mutual Tower & Commons, MSOE Soccer & Parking Facility and the Milwaukee Bucks Arena. Q: What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate? A: Improving and activating dark and underutilized buildings. Q: What is the best piece of advice you have received? A: Never get emotionally attached to a building… always having a selling price. Q: What is your favorite quote? A: 1) Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. 2) Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered. Q: Where did you grow up? A: 2nd and Locust in Milwaukee Q: What was cool when you were growing up but isn’t cool now? A: Smoking (I’m dating myself) Q: What’s your favorite place to travel to? A: Paris Q: What do you hope to get out of your membership with CARW? A: Gain knowledge at informational events and expand relationships through networking