Jim Gamble has been a director at Bohler Engineering for almost four years, but his participation in Charlotte’s development scene dates back to the early 1990s, where he worked in land development at the Little architecture firm. After 15 years at Little, Jim transitioned to the deal-making side of commercial real estate as a broker and developer at Collett & Associates.

A career highlight was the First Union Customer Information Center (now a Wells Fargo operation) in the University City area of Charlotte. The complex houses thousands of bank employees in what became a small city, replete with restaurants, shops, child care, fitness center and other services. The project was an “incredible achievement by an incredible team –– client/architects/engineers/contractors –– in record time,” he says.

Whether a task involves working with colleagues and clients on the intricacies of civil engineering or landscape architecture, Jim says his strength is “focusing and building consensus towards the big picture.” The most satisfying part of his job is “helping clients, colleagues and staff achieve their vision and objectives.”

The Monroe native and graduate of N.C. State University quotes legendary Wolfpack basketball coach Jim Valvano for career advice: “Don’t ever give up.” For inspiration, he turns to Ronald Reagan, who “came from nothing, achieved everything he set out to do, and was the most transformational president in the last 50 years.”

Jim cites the learning opportunities and the phenomenal members of ULI for his involvement with the organization. He serves as an at-large member on the board of advisors.

He and his wife, Kim, are the parents of daughters of Allie and Mary. Their go-to date night restaurant is Stagioni and Jim’s favorite pastimes are golf, music, fitness, and hanging out with friends and family –– especially at Litchfield Beach. He also volunteers with the YMCA-sponsored Y-Readers literacy program, which assists children in first through third grades who are struggling with reading.