Exploring Life & Business with Valerie James of Jerico Development

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie James

Hi Valerie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Chicago and started my commercial real estate career in college, managing and marketing for shopping centers. I have nearly 20 years of cross-functional experience and a unique background that combines office, retail, and studio leasing, marketing, and property management in urban, suburban, and coastal communities.

My career has centered around marketing, leasing, property management, and business development activities. I was hired by Jerico to spearhead the marketing and business development efforts for the West Harbor project; however my role has developed over the last few years and I find myself wearing many hats and learning something new every day, especially given the waterfront aspect of the project and working with the Port/City of Los Angeles. It’s very interesting and very rewarding to be working on a project like this one. I recall out of college I always had a vision to work for a destination like Navy Pier, and now I’m proud to say that I am developing a similar kind of project for Southern California. It’s truly an honor and a very exciting project to play a major part in the visioning, planning, construction, and management.

Title at Jerico Development: VP, Business Development

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a smooth and interesting road. Roads are always a little bumpy along the way with some detours to navigate through, but no major roadblocks.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jerico Development is the real estate developer, behind the West Harbor waterfront project at the Port of Los Angeles the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles

Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?

Jerico Development (Jerico), is a family-owned real estate development and property management company. West Harbor is the company’s flagship project, that has been in the works for more than a decade, when port officials selected Jerico to redevelop the 42-acre site of the former Ports O’ Call Village (a tourist destination in the Port of Los Angeles from the 60s through the early 00s). The project will include a combination of retail, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, and is designed to be a world-class destination that attracts diverse audiences year-round. It will be anchored by the largest oceanside wheel in Southern California, an amusement park and an amphitheater.

The dining collection at West Harbor reflects Southern California brands, including restaurants such as Yamashiro, Mike Hess Brewing, Poppy + Rose, King and Queen Cantina, Mario’s Neighborhood Butcher Shop & Delicatessen, a hometown favorite, San Pedro Fish Market. Waterside activities will complement experiences such as Hopscotch, an interactive art gallery, and King of Padel, the largest collection of outdoor pickleball and Padel courts on the Southern California coast.

Jerico Development will manage and operate the property, bringing a high level of personalized service, family values, and operational excellence to the project. Jerico’s experience in property management, currently demonstrated through managing parts of the project already open, and a portfolio of properties throughout the Los Angeles area, will continue to ensure the highest standards of operation and customer satisfaction.

What sets you apart from others? What are you most proud brand-wise?

There’s nothing like the concept of West Harbor in all of California. The location itself is noteworthy – it’s in a working port, with a view of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the hills of Palos Verdes and the Pacific Ocean. You have to experience it to understand why it’s unique. Picture this: You’re having dinner with friends on the over-the-water deck of King and Queen Cantina and you see an enormous Norwegian cruise ship or a container ship the size of a mall making its way through the channel hundreds of feet away from you. It’s industrial theater at its best in the largest port in the U.S. You can make a day of it – play a game of pickleball in the morning, have lunch at Poppy + Rose, then board one of the catamarans at Harbor Breeze Cruises to view migrating whales and pods of dolphins, or see a show at the waterfront music venue.

What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?

This part of Los Angeles – the South Bay region – will have a must-visit destination with a great mix of entertainment, dining and experiences. It will definitely be worth the drive down the 110 freeway or above the Port on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, and especially the sail through the main channel (we have SoCal’s longest public dock for boaters to boat up and hang out).

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources that help you do your best in life (at work or otherwise)?

I’ve learned from the many great leaders and mentors I’ve worked with and work with each and every day. Often times we are learning together as we go which is the most fun, doing it together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westharborla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westharborla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westharborla/