Jim Stuart

Partner
Matter Real Estate Group

Jim Stuart is the founding partner of Matter Real Estate Group (MREG) a commercial real estate company with nearly three million square feet currently in development. Prior to MREG he launched several real estate enterprises including Centra Properties in 2001. Over the next seven years, Stuart developed projects that exceeded $2 billion, including notable mixed-use, office and industrial developments. After an extended period of rapid growth, he accurately predicted the 2007 correction in the marketplace, instructing his team to move to cash, and liquidating the company’s vast holdings.

In 2010, he co-founded Pirch, a leader in experiential retail hailed as one of the most innovative formats in business, as evidenced by an ensuing string of distinguished industry accolades. Specifically, Stuart was selected by Goldman Sachs as one of “America’s 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” for three years running (2013, ’14 and ’15). In addition, E & Y awarded him “Entrepreneur of the Year” for Southern California in 2015.

A self-described “serial entrepreneur,” Stuart has been behind several other companies in a variety of sectors including banking, construction, technology and consumer products.

Outside the realm of business, he supports numerous charities, including Project Sunshine and Links for Life (both of which he founded/co-founded). When not busy with startups, he has pushed the levels of endurance completing numerous Ironman triathlons including the World Championship in Hawaii.