Investing in commercial real estate properties and managing with excellence.
We are a market leader in the acquisition, development, and management of commercial properties. Our portfolio includes commercial industrial buildings, as well as office space, in California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon states.
Properties
Explore a Glimpse of Our Diverse Portfolio
These showcased properties represent just a fraction of our diverse and dynamic portfolio. As a market leader in the acquisition, development, and management of commercial real estate, our commitment extends far beyond what you see here.
Office
Single/Multi-Tenant Light Industrial
Single/Multi-Tenant Flex Space
Leadership
JAMES FRANKLIN | CEO (Co-Owner)
James Franklin has worked for decades in the real estate and property restoration industry. He owns and manages over half a million square feet of commercial real estate.
His construction experience includes high-rise office, large-scale commercial, multi-family structures, condominiums, commercial/industrial tilt-ups, and high-end residential projects. He has worked with both private and public sector clients on their restoration, Cap-x, tenant improvement, and new construction projects. In his past business efforts, Mr. Franklin led over 300 employees in 14 locations to provide specialized services for properties damaged due to fire, water, earthquake, and other catastrophes.
As a 40-year veteran in the real estate and restoration industry, Mr. Franklin is a source of leadership, knowledge, and experience. With a hands-on approach and a team of outstanding professionals, Mr. Franklin leads by example, instilling his colleagues with passion, integrity, dedication to quality, and the desire for customer satisfaction.
Prior to establishing Watercress Holdings LLC., an asset management company, Mr. Franklin was the CEO of Harbro Restoration Companies which merged with BluSky Restoration in early 2020.
Beyond Mr. Franklin’s influential role in the real estate and restoration industries, he is deeply involved in his community. He is currently serving or has served, on several “for-profit” Boards including El Dorado Banishers, CIBA Insurance Services, Morris Contractors, and Caprock Partners. Current and past nonprofit/para-church ministry boards on which he has served include The Free Wheelchair Mission, The Legacy Center of New York, The National Christian Foundation of California, Mariners Church, and Trochia Ministries.
INÉS FRANKLIN | COO (Co-Owner)
Inés Franklin is an entrepreneur with experience in starting and managing businesses toward growth and stability. She started her construction management career working as a paralegal at Brown & Brown, a construction litigation law firm. She joined Harbro Restoration Companies in 1990 as the business manager and then transitioned to managing new ventures for the corporation as well as directing all marketing efforts. For the past twenty years, Inés and her husband, James Franklin have worked together in their commercial real estate business, now collectively managed under Watercress Holdings LLC.
Inés is also the founder and President of Trochia Ministries, a Christian discipleship ministry providing resources designed to equip and encourage believers to servant-lead in their spheres of influence. She serves as a teaching pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine, California, where she preaches and writes/teaches discipleship courses. Inés is the author of Uncharted: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. She completed a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. She serves on non-profit boards such as Priority Living, Forum of Christian Business Leaders, and THINQ. Jim and Inés have a blended family of five children and nine grandchildren (affectionally called the “Franklin Smoothie”), and live in Irvine, California.
BILL WOOD | REAL ESTATE ASSET MANAGER
As our Asset Manager, Bill brings over 35 years of diverse experience to the Watercress team. With a strong background in environmental, real estate, construction, and property management, Bill is well-equipped to drive immediate and long-term value for the property assets under his care. His deep understanding of asset optimization, tenant relations, and operational efficiency ensures our properties perform at their highest potential.
Bill’s career began as an Estimator/Project Manager, where he demonstrated his ability to manage complex projects and develop strategic insights. Bill’s leadership qualities quickly shone through, earning him increasingly senior roles. His most recent position as Vice President of Marketing allowed him to shape the company’s communications and marketing strategies—invaluable skills in managing our client relationships and properties.
Bill’s approach to Property Asset Management is rooted in his leadership experience and technical expertise. He is poised to apply strategic insight to improve property performance, focusing on long-term sustainability, risk management, and maximizing value for stakeholders. By leveraging his comprehensive background, Bill ensures that each asset not only meets but exceeds performance expectations.
LESLIE GREITL | ACCOUNT MANAGER
Leslie started her journey in Property Accounting in Spring of 2015. Originally brought in temporarily as year end support for one of Jim’s investment partners, she quickly learned the ins and outs of the accounting process and never looked back. She is now responsible for the management of a complex multi property accounting system and supports the Asset Manager with tenant relationships. He role incudes month-end reconciliation, CAM charges, all billing, and accounts payable. Before entering the accounting field, Leslie attended Cal Poly Humboldt, and worked on ocean research vessels. She is also an eight year veteran of Girl Scout Summer Camp and Outdoor Program, including lifeguarding, sailing instruction, and rock climbing.
Leslie resides in Long Beach with her husband Matt and two cats, Chip and Link. They enjoy visiting Aquariums and Zoos, and attending concerts and music festivals.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Mailing Address
2618 San Miguel Drive #280
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Send additional inquiries to: hello@watercresshllc.com or submit below.