As Vice President of Cresa Los Angeles, Jim Schoolfield’s corporate clients extend across North America and internationally. Cresa is an international corporate real estate advisory firm that exclusively represents tenants with approximately 1,000 employees in 55 offices in North America.
With six years under his belt, Schoolfield’s Cresa career has all ready caught the attention of big-time clients, thanks to his thorough understanding of the entire real estate process and intricacies of effective leveraging. Century City News caught up with Schoolfield to learn more about his experience.
Tell me a little about what you do in Century City.
I specialize in representing law firms, financial institutions, entertainment, media and technology firms with their real estate needs. I enjoy connecting people and firms in order to facilitate more business for them, and I take great pride in making successful introductions. Due to the significant number of clients and relationships I have in Century City, there is a lot of opportunity.
We are the largest tenant representation firm in Los Angeles, as well as in all of North America. Cresa never represents landlords or takes listings, which allows us to operate free of any landlord conflicts of interest. Our entire service offering is geared toward corporate users, rather than landlords, including transaction and project management, strategic planning, lease audit, and capital markets advisory work.
What motivated you to get into the role?
I have played sports all of my life, so I enjoy the competition, as well as the team concept. It’s an honor every time a firm puts their trust in me to lead them through the right real estate process. There are many facets to every real estate transaction and significant dollars in play. I enjoy protecting my clients’ interests. I am afforded countless opportunities to get to know people on a personal and professional level and to get a peek into what makes them successful. Being in a relationship business, I feel lucky and fulfilled.
Where did it all begin for you career-wise?
On a job site when I was 6 years old. My grandfather was a general contractor and my father worked for him. I interned with my father during college and then ended up working with him for a few years in real estate development up and down the east coast. However, when you build a building, you need to fill it with tenants. That is when I began to appreciate brokerage and had the opportunity to move to Southern California. My background has served me well, since I made the transition to working with corporate users several years ago.
What do you love about Century City? Where is your favorite place to eat/exercise/take a break from the office in the area?
Century City is an extremely dynamic work environment with tremendous history. The number of quality and high caliber firms that operate here is quite impressive. There is an energy here that is captivating. I am always drawn to the courtyard next to the Towers, when I have a couple of minutes to spare. I enjoy the activity, the greenery, and often visit the Annenberg Space for Photography.
If you could add one thing to the area what would it be and why?
The amenity base is rich in Century City, especially when Westfield completes all of their improvements. Summer is a great time to visit when Annenberg Foundation and KCRW team up to put on concerts inspired by the Annenberg Space for Photography’s latest exhibit. The art throughout creates a sense of community and, personally, I would love to find ways to simply have more it throughout the year.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am an avid golfer and, fortunately, I am able to play for work and pleasure when there’s time. My wife and I live in Manhattan Beach, so we try to take advantage of being so close to the beach when we can. We also enjoy hiking the many different trails in and around Malibu.
What is one cool thing that you want to do this year?
I was elected Chairman of the first annual St. Jude Invest in Hope event here in L.A. on September 15. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and families never receive a bill. Getting behind such a powerful organization has been extremely rewarding, and I look forward to providing opportunities for others to get involved as well.
Where was your last vacation?
My wife and I recently went to Barbados. I always appreciate getting to the Caribbean for the island experience.
Where do you wish was your last vacation?
It’s a toss-up – I love to ski and the beach, so either Aspen or anywhere in Hawaii.
