Prior to forming Clark Street Development, Jim Kurtzweil was a twelve-year veteran of the General Electric Company, consistently rated by Forbes as one of the world’s most admirable companies.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1993, he began his full-time career as a foreman in GE’s Freight Locomotive manufacturing plant in Erie, Pennsylvania. After completing GE’s Management training program in 1995, Mr. Kurtzweil transitioned into a Corporate Marketing role in 1996. He leveraged his contacts to gain his first sales position in 1997 with GE Capital Equipment Leasing. After honing his deal making skills with two successful years in sales, he was chosen to lead an origination team in 1999 and his responsibilities grew. It was in this role his interest in real estate began; he originated and referred several real estate transactions to his counterparts at GE Real Estate and became fascinated with this asset class.

Mr. Kurtzweil joined GE Real Estate in an origination role in 2003 after Graduating with Honors from the University Of Chicago Graduate School Of Business. In this capacity, he originated and closed over $65MM in real estate loans and leases. Mr. Kurtzweil has learned the business of real estate through the relationships he created with users, investors, developers, brokers, and municipalities.

Mr. Kurtzweil resides in Chicago, IL with his wife Elizabeth, and sons James and Luke.