Professional Profile: Jim Gillespie, 2014

Name: Jim Gillespie Title: Managing Director Company: Centerline Capital Group Location: 100 Church St., New York, N.Y. Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana Education: BA, Hanover College; MPA (Urban Planning), University of Louisville; MS (Real Estate Development), Columbia University First job outside of real estate: Various summer jobs ranging from working at an Arby's to overseeing the maintenance of 23 clay tennis courts at Sea Pines Racquet Club, Hilton Head, S.C. First job in real estate or allied field: Analyst, Related Companies, New York, N.Y. What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I am currently managing director of Centerline's affordable housing debt platform responsible for originating, structuring and closing affordable housing transactions nationwide. The affordable housing industry is maturing and growing, attracting a new and broader group of yield-driven investors. At Centerline, we have ambitious goals to expand our product offerings for both affordable and market rate housing, increase transactional volume and cultivate new relationships with development and investment partners. Regarding the future, I would like to continue to expand my leadership role as a lender/investor of affordable housing and become more involved in the acquisition, rehabilitation and/or development of multifamily and/or mixed use properties. How do you unwind from a busy day in real estate? Running, relaxing at home. Favorite book or author: "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz Favorite movie: "Best in Show" (comedy film written and directed by Christopher Guest) Last song you downloaded? "Happy" by Pharrell Williams One word to describe your work environment: Evolving Rules to live by in business: Be persistent. Work hard. Pay attention to the details but never lose sight of the bigger picture. Surround yourself with the brightest people possible. Never compromise your integrity. If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? Winston Churchill and we would go to the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands. What is your dream job? Residential developer-builder. I have built and sold multiple spec homes over the past few years and I love the entire process - design, construction, marketing and sales. It's fun but unfortunately you don't make any money on a small scale.