The Crexi Commercial Real Estate Podcast: Conversations in All Things CRE

From Wakeboarding to Warehouses: Nick Jones’ CRE Investing Journey

Apr 16, 2025

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Alakai Capital, shares his fascinating transition from professional wakeboarding to commercial real estate mogul. He discusses how sports shaped his business mindset and the importance of strong broker relationships in investment strategies. Jones highlights the evolving Florida market, addressing the impact of inflation and interest rates, all while pinpointing opportunities in industrial and medical sectors. Listeners gain insights into successful investment tactics and the significance of adaptability in a competitive landscape.

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ANECDOTE

Wakeboarding Shapes Business Mindset

Nick Jones credits his wakeboarding career with teaching him the discipline of hard work and commitment early in life.
This experience helped him persist through the challenges of building a commercial real estate business.

ANECDOTE

First Deal Sparked Growth

Nick's first major deal involved raising outside capital for redeveloping a former Wells Fargo building.
This syndication success created a snowball effect, establishing his track record and enabling subsequent acquisitions.

ADVICE

Trust Drives Capital Raising

Building trust is essential to raising capital; it relies more on long-term character than just expertise.
Consistent honesty, transparency, and integrity build the reputation that attracts investors.

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This episode focuses on the value of hard work, successful investment strategies, and Florida CRE market trends with Nick Jones, Founder of Alakai Capital.

The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with top CRE professionals. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate.

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, sits down with Nick Jones as he shares his journey from professional wakeboarding to an impressive career in commercial real estate.

With over 20 years of experience, Nick elaborates on how the disciplines of sports have influenced his business mindset. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the growth and management of Alaki Capital, diverse investment strategies, the impact of macroeconomic factors like inflation and interest rates, and the importance of relationships with brokers and tenants.

Nick also touches on the challenges and opportunities within different asset classes such as industrial, retail, and medical office spaces, and provides insights into the evolving market dynamics in Florida and beyond.

Introduction to The Crexi Podcast
Meet Nick Jones: From Wakeboarding to Real Estate
Nick's Early Career and Influences
First Deals and Raising Capital
Building Alakai Capital
Scaling the Business: Processes and Challenges
The Importance of Broker Relationships
Leveraging Broker Relationships
Investment Strategies and Risk Management
Florida's Real Estate Market Dynamics
Asset Classes and Market Trends
Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

About Nick Jones:

Nick Jones has been involved in commercial real estate management, investment, development and brokerage for over 20 years. Each industry role has added perspective, introducing various angles and strategies to evaluate each opportunity Alakai Capital pursues. Currently he is CEO while managing acquisitions, development and capital markets. During his career he has underwritten and purchased over 70 commercial investments and/or developments, representing over $250MM of value. He currently oversees 800k+ square feet of industrial, retail, office, and medical office.

Nick graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida while concurrently participating on the World Tour as a Professional Wakeboarder, making podium at Worlds in 2011. He is an active member of ULI, ICSC and NAIOP.

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