Robert James Inc.

Experienced. Local. Professional.

The Story Behind Robert James

Robert and James Skillen both started their real estate careers with Shultz Realty Co., Inc. which was one of the most respected brokerage firms in Elkhart County. Shultz Realty started out as a full-service residential brokerage firm and branched out into commercial sales and leasing. Robert, their lead commercial broker, spent 10 years training and working side by side with his son James until his retirement in the 1990's.

In 1998 James moved his license to Cressy & Everett Commercial Company to work exclusively on commercial transactions.  Cressy & Everett was the market leader in commercial real estate in St. Joseph County, Indiana and asked James to introduce the companies services to the Elkhart County market.  The greater Elkhart area was quick to respond resulting in hundreds of successful transactions in every segment of commercial real estate.  James became an expert in industrial and office and was part of a myriad of transactions which included, recreation, apartments, retail, industrial, office, land and investment deals.  After a successful 20 year run it was time for James to take the next logical step in his career and open his own brokerage firm. A firm that not only laid the groundwork for the future but also honors the past.

Robert James Inc. opened its doors in May 2017.  The name represents a son honoring the legacy of his father who trained him and worked side by side with him. Robert James Inc. continues to provide Elkhart with the best commercial real estate service possible with the integrity, trust, and professionalism our family is known for.  

 

Get your project started

We at Robert James Inc. know that finding the right real estate broker to represent your interests is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations where you walk us through your needs, the scope of your project, and set goals that bring your real estate project together.

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Indiana License Broker

 
 

President, Principle broker

James Skillen

James C. Skillen has been a full time commercial real estate broker specializing in industrial real estate in the Michiana area since 1998. An expert in industrial and office sales and leasing, James also has extensive experience with real estate investment properties and providing consultation services. He is very involved in the Elkhart community and has developed relationships with major employers, investors, and community leaders.  

 

Education

IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

MANCHESTER COLLEGE

Experience

  • President, Robert James Inc. Commercial Real Estate

  • 1998-2017 Vice President, Cressy & Everett Commercial

  • 1983- 1998 Vice President, Shultz Realty Co., Inc.

Professional Affiliations

  • National Association of Realtors (NAR), Member

  • Indiana Association of Realtors (IAR), Member

  • Indiana Commercial Board of Realtors (ICBR), Member

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Indiana

Awards

  • Recipient of the 2023 Power Broker Top Industrial Leasing Broker Award

  • Recipient of the 2023 CoStar Impact Award

  • Recipient of the 2022 Power Broker Top Leasing Firm Award

  • Recipient of the 2022 Power Broker Top Leasing Broker Award

  • Recipient of the 2021 Power Broker Top Leasing Firm Award

  • Recipient of the 2021 Power Broker Top Leasing Broker Award

  • Recipient of the 2021 Power Broker Top Sales Broker Award

  • Recipient of the 2020 Power Broker Top Industrial Leasing Broker Award

  • Recipient of the 2019 Power Broker Company and Leasing Transaction Awards

  • Recipient of the 2018 Power Broker Company Award-Industrial Leasing-Elkhart Market

  • Recipient of the 2018 Power Broker Salesperson-Industrial Leasing-Elkhart Market

  • 2004 Grubb & Ellis Circle of Excellence Award

  • 2003 Grubb & Ellis National Achievement Award

    • Top 100 Producer

  • Recipient of the City of Elkhart's highest award from Mayor David Miller for Real Estate Consulting