Profile: Jim Cooper

Jim Cooper was recently installed as the 2009 President of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando—and his presidency comes at a difficult time for the industry. But few people in the homebuilding industry are better-connected— or more highly regarded—than the soft-spoken Cooper, who has developed more than 15,000 lots in Central Florida during a 25-year career that began with several major national builders and extended through a stint as regional senior vice president for the Ginn Company. He retired from Ginn and formed his own consulting company, Cooper Development LLC, several years ago. Although his business savvy is indisputable, Cooper has recently emerged as a sort of father figure and a steadying influence to young builders and developers who are experiencing difficult market conditions for the first time.

Q. What are your goals as the new HBA President?
A. We always have our normal issues of increasing impact fees and sometimes unreasonable lengths of time to obtain approvals. This year, I believe it’s more about supporting our members as individuals and very valuable members of the community. We need to help our members and others navigate through these tough times and maintain their dignity.

Q. What are the biggest challenges the HBA faces in 2009?
A. In my opinion, it’s survival of the good people who are in serious financial trouble due to economic circumstances that are not within their control. In addition, we need to make sure that good, reasonable and fair comprehensive plans are adopted by the various municipalities.

Q. What advice would you give to people going through hard economic times—should they buy a home??
A. Yes, if someone can afford a home and can qualify now, it’s a great time to buy due to the adjustment in values. We have to be pretty close to the bottom, if we’re not already there.

Q. Based on your 25 years experience as a builder and developer, what advice do you have for HBA members on how to deal with tough times? Is recovery on its way?
A. I think you need to have a good support network to share ideas, problems and solutions. Don’t try to weather this storm all alone. Go and talk with the bankers early and be honest about what you’re able to do. Although I believe we’re at or near the bottom, I think it will take another couple of years to return to a “normal” market.
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Q. What do you love most about Orlando?
A. I grew up in Florida, south of here and have been in Central Florida since 1957. I love the people, the beauty of the land, the climate and the opportunities that everyone has in this area.

Q. What do like to do in your spare time?
A. Spend time at my home in Abacos, play golf and watch Florida Gator Football.

Q. If you hadn’t gone into building and development, what would you like to have done?
A. I’d like to have been an attorney or a veterinarian.