John Eakin

John W. Eakin is co-founder and Chairman of Eakin Partners, and is also Chief Manager of several Eakin managed real estate funds, which own over $700 million of properties. Over the last 40 years, John has accumulated extensive hands-on experience in development, leasing and management, as well as a strong track record of managing the company's vision and leading employees to that goal. John began his real estate career after graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1977. American General first employed John, where he oversaw retail, office and industrial developments. From 1980 to 1987, he was president and an owner of Carroll Properties. From 1980 to 1986, John successfully developed over 1 million SF of office space. In 1987, he formed his own firm, Eakin & Smith, Nashville's predominant office developer and leasing/management company at that time. In April 1996, John merged Eakin & Smith with Highwoods Properties (HIW). John was a Board Member, Senior Vice President and served on Highwoods Investment Committee for 3 years. In the fall of 1999 John formed Eakin Partners, which manages, leases, and develops commercial property. Eakin Partners oversees several Real Estate Funds, which own properties such as Burton Hills 1 & 2 and 6, Roundabout Plaza, SunTrust Plaza, 1201 Demonbreun, Peabody Plaza, and other Eakin-developed buildings. John has developed over 4.5 million square feet of Class A office space in Nashville.