Jimmy J. Tran is a business owner, board advisor, civic leader, and full-time dad. He founded Oak Lawn Group LLC in 2010, an investment firm that makes both direct and indirect investments focused on real estate and other income-producing assets. Jimmy was also the owner of Code Ninjas, a franchise that teaches kids computer coding through game creation. In addition, Jimmy is active in the startup space and serves on the Advisory Board of several real estate technology companies (PropTech firms).

Prior to becoming a small business owner and entrepreneur, Jimmy led corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions at CBRE. Jimmy also worked as a management consultant for Bain & Company in Dallas, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He holds four degrees from SMU and two degrees from Harvard.

Jimmy is passionate about education, urban planning, and civic engagement. He was named to the inaugural board of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for the City of Dallas and serves on several other local boards. 

What do you appreciate about being a collaborator at Newcastle?
I’m part of Newcastle’s Culture & Community Affinity Group, and the thing I most appreciate about being a collaborator is that I am always learning and expanding my own point of view about a wide variety of topics. I love to connect with people—it grounds me and provides a foundation for me to explore making a bigger impact.

What's your most specific pet peeve that no one else seems to understand?

Dirty windshields

What's the weirdest YouTube rabbit hole you've fallen down recently?

How to fix and clean my dishwasher and washing machine

What's your go-to karaoke song?

“Don't Stop Believing” by Journey