Meet the Team

To begin, I truly enjoy my work. I would far rather be touring a home or reviewing floor plans with a developer than sitting in an office any day of the week. As such, I am incredibly hands-on and personally available on-site for my clients when they need me. I began my career in 2007 and honed my skills in marketing and negotiations while selling homes and investment properties as the senior broker of Chicago’s #1 real estate team by sales volume. Since that time, I have successfully closed hundreds of transactions for both sellers and buyers alike. 

I founded Thurston Residential and Meridian Real Estate in an attempt to bring a more focused, client-first approach that is less concerned with sales volume and more in-tune with my clients' individual needs. Our focus is quality, not quantity. 

To my clients, I offer extensive experience. I have spent thousands of hours touring, inspecting and marketing homes throughout Chicago’s north side. My clients are clients for life and the insights, advice and expertise I provide is available far beyond the closing of their property. 

 

As a resident, I love Chicago in its entirety. The city’s diverse and completely unique neighborhoods are a constant source of energy and inspiration for me. I moved to Buena Park in the early 2000’s and have been fortunate enough to call Southport Corridor, Lincoln Park and Wildwood home while raising my two exceptionally energetic and adorable children with my wife, Laura.

James’s approach to real estate is grounded in a deep understanding of markets shaped by his time at the Chicago Board of Trade, working in the grain room during an era when price discovery, liquidity, and risk played out in real time on the trading floor. Operating in a pure, fast-moving market environment sharpened his ability to assess value, momentum, and timing under pressure. That foundation now informs his work across Chicago’s North Side, where land and development opportunities function as far less liquid commodities, requiring patience, discipline, and nuance. By applying market fundamentals learned in highly efficient financial markets to the complexities of real estate, where information is fragmented, and outcomes are shaped by zoning, relationships, and execution, James maintains a clear, analytical view of value creation even in a fast-paced and competitive environment.

 

James is the founder and managing broker of Meridian Real Estate, a boutique Chicago brokerage specializing in new-construction opportunities on the city’s North Side. James has built a reputation for uncovering off-market land and development sites, connecting developers with high-potential opportunities, and guiding projects from acquisition to final sale. From luxury single-family homes in Lincoln Park, Bucktown, and Roscoe Village to modern condos in Lakeview and Logan Square, Sheehan Real Estate offers buyers and builders insider access to some of Chicago’s most sought-after properties often before they hit the market. Backed by deep neighborhood expertise and trusted relationships with leading local developers, James and his team provide strategic guidance throughout the full development cycle. Since 2013, James has been involved in more than $350 million in transactions, spanning land acquisitions, ground-up construction, multi-unit listings, and commercial deals. He launched Sheehan Real Estate in 2022 with a vision to deliver hands-on service, sharp market insight, and tailored marketing strategies that set projects apart.

Jami Gertos serves as the Marketing Director at Meridian Real Estate, where she leads the creative vision and strategic marketing efforts behind the brokerage’s growing presence in Chicago’s luxury market. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago, Jami brings a refined eye for design and a deep understanding of brand storytelling to every project.

 

She is responsible for developing and executing all printed and digital marketing materials for Meridian, ensuring a cohesive and elevated brand experience across every touchpoint. Jami’s approach is rooted in maximizing exposure - crafting thoughtful, visually compelling campaigns that position both the brokerage and its clients at the forefront of the market.

 

Known for blending creativity with strategy, she plays a key role in shaping Meridian’s identity as a modern, design-forward boutique brokerage.

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Thomas knew he wanted to work in real estate from a young age. Growing up in a family rooted in construction and property development, countless time spent on building sites sparked a passion for architecture, design, and development. This childhood experience led Thomas to study Construction Management before transitioning into a B.S. in Real Estate from DePaul University.

Thomas has made it a priority to understand the ever-changing landscape of Chicago’s neighborhoods and communities. Additionally, Thomas knows that the purchase of a home is likely to be a buyer’s largest personal investment, and is committed to their satisfaction, leading to long-term clients, relationships, and friendships.