Each year, Midwest Real Estate News runs its Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame edition, highlighting the careers of the top CRE pros in the industry. This year, we are also running these profiles online. Today, we look at the thriving career of Jake Sturman, managing director with the Indianapolis office of JLL.
A busy career: Since starting his career in commercial real estate more than 15 years ago, JLL’s Jake Sturman has closed more than $500 million worth of real estate assignments. Why so much business? His peers point to his ability to gather and analyze market data that he then uses to educate his clients about market trends. They also cite his willingness to work long hours for his clients and his passion for closing the best deals on their behalf.
As his nominators say, Sturman’s superior market knowledge and advocacy for his clients helps companies reduce their occupancy costs and improve their location, access, space efficiency and real estate flexibility.
A community leader: Even with such a busy professional life, Sturman finds time to play a key role in his community. He is a nine-year member, past president and board member of the Penrod Society, an organization that supports the cultural and educational activities of Indianapolis-area artists, students and arts organizations.
Sturman is also active with the Indiana Leadership Forum and member and past board chairman of the Park Tudor Alumni Association. He serves, too, on the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout Round Table and as a deacon of Second Presbyterian Church.
The importance of timing: Sturman says that much of his success comes down to timing.
“You have to know or have a gut feeling on when the market dynamics are to your clients’ advantage or disadvantage,” he said. “All the market stats and data can only help brokers make a strong recommendation.”
The power of teamwork: “I have worked hard to have good people around me that I know I can trust, and they know I will work hard for them and vice-versa,” Sturman said. “Since the beginning of the JLL office in Indianapolis, we have always been a managed-brokerage environment where teaming is the norm, which has led to more success.”
It’s not all about work: When he’s not closing deals for his clients, Sturman spends time with his family, his son, Max; daughter, Macy; and wife, Becky. Sturman is an avid water skier and wake surfer. When the weather turns cold, Sturman enjoys snow-skiing and hiking.
“I also like to play golf,” he said. “But luckily, I don’t have to try and make the pro tour!”
