In a career spanning more than 25 years, James Rucker has established himself as a successful sales professional. Working with many high-profile companies and individuals, James has taken on positions of increasing scope and responsibility. He has proven himself as a top sales producer in very competitive, ever-changing industry environments.
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1989 from Boston University, James began his career in the entertainment industry, working with the Billboard Music Awards. As an Assistant to the Producer, James was involved in all aspects of production work and was instrumental in the show being the most successful award show for Fox at that time. He was involved in marketing and promotional work, brought in major advertisers, scheduled performances and worked closely with artists and the media.
James then continued his career working with various Internet start-up companies and was at the heart of many successful initiatives. He was integral in many launches for various industries, was involved in film library acquisitions and was also at the heart of many successful fundraising efforts.
From 1993-1996, James worked at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette (later acquired by Credit Suisse), a leading investment bank. In this position, he raised money for many in-house hedge funds, managed back-office trades, was involved in all aspects of sales and marketing and established key client and industry relationships. Following his tenure with this firm, he worked as an independent financier and provided off-market investment opportunities in private equity and venture capital, working with sophisticated local and foreign investors.
James has served as a real estate agent at Sotheby’s International Realty since 2000, and has been involved in high-end real estate sales from Malibu to Hollywood. Working with properties of the highest profile, James has earned a reputation as top producer and he has been involved in many major transactions.
His major transactions have included a $15 million sale and he has broken many square-foot sales records. He set a record for $1,600 per-square-foot (first-floor unit) in Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, and then broke that record the next year with A $2,600 per-square-foot penthouse unit.
James has been heavily involved in triple-net, single-tenant industrial investment properties, as well as construction finance. He also has a variety of mixed-use commercial retail, apartment and office developments ongoing throughout the USA. Please feel free to contact him about potential investment opportunities.
Throughout his career, James has consistently met all sales goals and expectations, has established an enviable reputation within the real estate industry and is also proven in establishing and cultivating successful, long-term client and industry relationships.