The Best Ever CRE Show JF 4099: Building Systems, Teams and Enterprise Value in CRE ft. Nick Jones
Nov 24, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Alakai Capital, shares insights from his journey in commercial real estate. He discusses the transition from land brokerage to development, highlighting why retail was the perfect starting point for his deals. Nick emphasizes the importance of tenant relationships and how they shaped his growth strategy. He also delves into building organizational infrastructure and team culture, sharing innovative approaches to scaling operations and leveraging technology for success.
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Rebranding Around Culture
- Nick renamed his company to Alakai to reflect culture after three years of having employees.
- He chose a Hawaiian word meaning village leader to align brand with company values.
First Deal: Learning By Doing
- Nick moved from land brokerage into buying his first property, a vacant Taco Bell, while learning development nights.
- He financed that small retail deal heavily and used it as a practical apprenticeship in development.
Why Retail Is A Scalable Entry Path
- Retail allows smaller entry deals with national-credit tenants in 1,000–2,000 sqft spaces.
- That tenant-first model reduces speculation and enables stronger financing and safety.
