Meet Jimmy Farrell | Publisher I Local Real Estate Savant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmy Farrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jimmy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It’s a continuation of what I’ve done my entire career. Engaging with local retail and restaurant business owners. Supporting them with my hard-earned dollars. Starbucks and Barnes & Noble don’t need my–or your–money. Local entrepreneurs need every bit of it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I spent 31 years in the DC area “curating” retail space. We didn’t call it that when I started, but the word described what I did quite well. I was a specialist real estate agent, hired by shopping center owners or apartment developers. They wanted the best restaurants and cafes and yoga studios and spas in their space. I’d find them, negotiate the deal, and celebrate with them when they opened.

I enjoyed interactions with the reps for brands like Starbucks or Barnes & Noble well enough. But it was the local Mom-and-Pops I truly loved. I knew they’d put their heart, soul and money at risk. I wanted them to succeed. They were also a hell of a lot more colorful than the well-capitalized brands who have tons of resources.

There’s nothing easy about the business of being a real estate agent. Whether you’re a commercial agent like I was for all those years, or working in residential–like I am with my wife, Kim, now–we go at risk with our time, effort and dollars for every client. And if we’re like a really good baseball hitter, we finish 3 out of every 10 leases or home sales with those clients.

It’s what I’ve chosen because I love the flexibility, and helping clients who value my experience and counsel. They are clients, and I owe them stellar representation. I’ve been successful for a long time because that’s exactly what I’ve done.

The Farrell Group–our real estate brand–and a relatively new brand called CHS Happenings (The free 5-minute newsletter that keeps you in the know about Charleston events, restaurants and retail–straight to your inbox every Friday at 7:00 AM) has established us in the beautiful Lowcountry of Charleston, SC. I plan on growing both brands for a long time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start our days at one of Charleston’s terrific local coffee shops–places like Brown Fox in Mount Pleasant, Sightsee Shop or Harbinger downtown, Huriyali on James Island, Orange Spot or Odd Duck Market in Park Circle.

Charleston’s had a culinary rep that punches far above its weight for years. I’m all about refined casual, no-fuss dining. I’d take my friend to Berkeleys, The Archer or the triumvirate of Unbelievable Barbecue downtown: Lewis Barbecue, Rodney Scott’s and Home Team BBQ.

I’d grab my 4-year old yellow lab boy, Finn, and we’d go to the beach at Sullivans Island or Isle of Palms. We’d walk the beach and toss the ball to Finn in between his jumps into the ocean.

We’d definitely pick a great live music spot, too. Forte Jazz Lounge, The Commodore, Charleston Music Farm or Charleston Music Hall are great choices downtown. Or The Pour House on James Island.

Since they’re a runner like I am, they’d join me in one of the many group runs around town. Maybe we’d join my Fleet Feet pals in Mount Pleasant or Charleston Beer Runners at Hampton Park or Charleston Running Club over the Ravenel Bridge or Park Circle Pacers up in North Charleston.

Whether they’re a soccer fanatic or not, I’d persuade them to join me at Over The Horizon Brewing. Where I never miss a match watching the Mighty Reds of Liverpool Football Club.

Yeah…we’d have a hell of a week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If it seems trite, I don’t care: my wife, Kim. Ever since I met this astoundingly self-assured 19-year old woman on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland MANY years ago, she’s supported me 100%. When she met me, I was living on credit cards trying to make my mark as a young commercial real estate agent. She was there when I continued to struggle for 7 more years. She celebrated with me when I had my first big year in business. She helped me finally understand alcohol isn’t my friend, and celebrates each anniversary of December 8, 2015, the day I stopped drinking. 38 years later, I still thank the goddesses of fate who suggested to Kim she needed a weekend away from her deadbeat boyfriend and the Jersey Shore.

Website: https://www.thefarrellgroupchs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chs.happenings/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyfarrell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFarrellGroupCharleston

Image Credits
Christine Hamrick for the photo of me and Kim. All the rest were me.