James Knell

Property Executive in Santa Barbara, California

James Knell

Property Executive in Santa Barbara, California

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With more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, James "Jim" Knell serves as chairman of the SIMA group of companies. After investing in properties in Southern California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States, he founded the Santa Barbara, California-based SIMA Corporation in 1984 to administer oversight and renovation of these acquisitions. Since then, James Knell has led SIMA in the acquisition of retail, commercial, and multi-family real estate properties across the United States and directed the subsequent expansion of the SIMA family of companies to include the asset and property management enterprise SIMA Management Corporation, as well as the hotel operator SIMA Hospitality and the Swell Athletic Clubs chain.

Among the responsibilities he handles in relation to SIMA’s investor partnerships, Mr. Knell oversees due diligence and underwriting for property development and acquisitions, performs market research, executes all aspects of dispositions, and designs business strategies for enhancing the value of assets. Along with managing a vast array of residential and commercial properties held by SIMA, James Knell oversees the company’s provision of third-party management for roughly 50 external projects valued at over $600 million.

Outside of his professional duties, Mr. Knell enjoys all kinds of surfing, including windsurfing and kite surfing, and he often takes surfing trips to destinations such as Mexico and French Polynesia. He donates to various ocean preservation organizations.