I
n a strategic move to expand its presence in the Carolinas, Jack Lingo Asset Management (JLAM) has opened a second office in Charlotte. This expansion is a natural progression for the boutique real estate and investment firm, which has already made significant investments in the region.

    Parker Smith, JLAM's director of investments and market leader, will head up the new office and spearhead efforts to build a team focused on industrial properties in North and South Carolina. The Rehoboth Beach office will provide critical infrastructure support for Smith as he sources opportunities in the thriving market.

    "We've been intentional about finding the right opportunity to plant our flag in the Carolinas," said Doug Motley, JLAM's managing principal. "We've had success across multiple projects, and we're drawn to the business-friendly environment and favorable timelines." Motley emphasized that JLAM prioritizes creating projects where people want to live, citing the firm's commitment to building high-quality communities.

    JLAM is a subsidiary of Jack Lingo Realtor Inc., a well-known name in Rehoboth Beach property investment and management. The firm has a strong track record of investing in single-family residences, with over $217 million invested in 2,100 homes since 2012. However, JLAM's focus on the Carolinas predates its current umbrella, with Motley and Nick Hammonds having invested in the region for over a decade.

    The firm's portfolio includes notable properties such as a 97,000-square-foot office space in Summerville, South Carolina, which is fully occupied, and a 400,000-square-foot office campus in Blythewood, South Carolina. Although the latter was initially intended to become a logistics center, it ultimately sold to a local charter school, yielding a successful exit for JLAM investors.

    Motley sees parallels between southern Delaware and the Carolinas, with both regions emphasizing outdoor activities and beach culture. He notes that Charlotte's diverse suburbs offer unique opportunities for investment, much like those found in Delaware. JLAM has no plans to abandon its home base in Delaware, where it is currently developing Winward Grove, a 203-unit rental townhome complex in Milford.

    The firm is also set to begin construction on a new project: a 300-unit apartment complex near Dover's Delaware Technical Community College campus. Motley expressed excitement about bringing high-quality apartments to the area, which has seen limited new construction. In Sussex County, JLAM will launch Lightkeepers Village, a subdivision featuring 102 cottage-style homes with a focus on walkability and community design.