John Oliver
Managing Principal
John has more than 30 years experience in the real estate industry. His career actually began back in college days. He earned a degree in real estate from Georgia State University and, after graduation, began working for a real estate research firm. He sold houses for about a year before deciding he wanted to try the commercial side of the business. He became a leasing and property manager for a suburban office park in Atlanta, and it was there that he realized how much he enjoyed the unique challenges of commercial properties.
After working for a number of companies, including Grubb & Ellis and CBRE, John joined the senior leadership team at Wells Real Estate Funds, where he spent 13 years during a period of tremendous growth as the firm acquired nearly $13 billion in Class A office real estate. He initially joined Wells to lead its property management group, which also carried significant asset management responsibilities. Later, he formed and led the firm’s national business development practice, focused on expanding relationships with major corporate tenants, including investment-grade and Fortune 500 companies.
About 12 years ago, John founded Oliver & Company with John Jr., building on decades of experience and long-standing corporate relationships. Today, the firm focuses on real estate advisory services, brokerage activities, and capital-raising efforts for investors, tenants, and developers. John’s approach is grounded in practical experience, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of how to help clients solve complex real estate issues.
John has also been actively involved in leadership with BOMA/Georgia since 1988, including serving as president. His involvement has extended to the regional and international levels, including service as chair of BOMA’s National Advisory Council and as Chair of BOMA International. John is also a recognized BOMA Fellow, an honor reserved for individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership, service, and contributions to BOMA, the industry, and the broader community.
John Oliver Jr.
Managing Principal
John Jr has been in the real estate business since 2008.
Starting his journey in 2008, amidst the infamous real estate downturn, was a crash course in resilience and humor. Picture this: fresh-faced and eager to conquer the market, he found himself explaining the benefits of property ownership to squirrels (who were probably more interested in acorns than ARMs).
Jokes aside, those early days taught him invaluable lessons. While others saw challenges, he saw opportunities to hone negotiation skills. Navigating the Great Recession was a rollercoaster, but it shaped him into the adaptable, detail-oriented advisor his is today. It taught him that in real estate, as in life, a sense of humor and a knack for problem-solving go a long way.
With a strong focus on building long-term relationships and understanding client needs, he provides invaluable insights into individual submarkets and current trends.
With 18 years of experience, he excels in acquisition/disposition, market studies, and effective client communication. John is adept at negotiating leases and sales contracts, ensuring projects stay on schedule, and implementing strategic plans tailored to specific client requirements.
Technologically proficient with a keen attention to detail, he navigates challenges with adaptability and problem-solving skills, driving business development through innovation and client-focused solutions. He has also been an early adopter of AI - using it as a practical tool to work smarter, solve problems more effectively, and create better outcomes for clients.
John graduated with a BBA in Management from Georgia Southwestern and holds a broker’s license in Georgia and Florida.
Jim Bennett
Advisor
President and Owner of Signet Realty Advisors, Inc. a small Commercial Real Estate Brokerage firm.
Mr. Bennett is involved in leasing, sales, and marketing for The Simpson Organization. He started his career when he joined Boyd Simpson in 1977 at the BF Saul Company in Atlanta. After a 26-year career separation from Mr. Simpson he rejoined him at TSO in the Oct. 2005. During this time of separation, he held positions with Wilma Southeast a Dutch based real estate development company, he was a partner with The Oxford Group, Inc. an Atlanta based office and retail development company. He also operated his own business for several years. In addition to land, investment and build to suit transactions, Jim has leased over 50 office buildings and was awarded "Headquarters Move" move of the year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 1989.
He graduated with a BBA degree from Georgia State University in 1975 and earned his CCIM designation in 1987. Presently he is a member of the Board of Directors for the City of Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, and he attends Buckhead Church in Atlanta.