Over 40 years of private equity excellence through market cycles,
economic shifts, and emerging opportunities.
Years of Experience
Successful Exits
Distressed Assets Acquired
Major Development Projects
International Markets
Deal-by-Deal Approach
From opportunistic beginnings to proven excellence.
JLM Financial Investments began with decades of hands-on real estate experience. The firm’s principals built or acquired 11 major projects across Texas and Tennessee—including the landmark Plaza Turtle Creek condominiums in Dallas (managed by the Mansion on Turtle Creek), the 150,000 SF 2525 McKinnon Class A office building, six multifamily communities totaling 1,300+ units, and the 424-slip Lafayette Landing Marina in Kemah. This deep development and acquisition expertise created the foundation for everything that followed.
When the financial crisis hit, JLM was uniquely positioned to act. Through the firm’s Distressed Credit & Opportunistic Investing Division, JLM acquired over $220 million in distressed commercial real estate and corporate aircraft assets from institutions including FDIC, Sun Life Financial, and Busey. Nine completed transactions across six states—including a $71.5M aircraft loan portfolio and the 935,255 SF Freescale Semiconductor campus in Austin—proved the firm could create value in any market.
A conversation between founder Larry Meyer and a friend who was a Planet Fitness franchisee opened an entirely new chapter. Starting with 4 locations in West Texas, JLM built the largest franchisee portfolio in the PF system—175 gyms through organic growth and 10 acquisitions in under 4 years. The portfolio was sold to American Securities in December 2019 for over $1 billion, validating the firm’s approach.
Partnering with Eagle Merchant Partners, we transformed Recreational Group from a regional recreational surfacing provider into a vertically integrated industry leader through strategic acquisitions spanning manufacturing, distribution, and installation. Successful exit to Sentinel Capital Partners after 3.5 years.
JLM Living is addressing America’s housing shortage through innovative build-to-rent communities and acquisitions of existing multifamily projects. As one of the fastest-growing asset classes in real estate, BTR represents a scalable platform for long-term value creation. The firm continues deploying capital across operating businesses, specialty finance, and alternative investments.
JLM’s family office structure provides a distinct advantage: every investment decision carries both professional and personal accountability. The firm invests its own capital alongside its investors, ensuring aligned interests and long-term commitment to every deal.
Principles that have guided three decades of successful outcomes.
We don’t follow sector trends or predetermined themes. This flexibility has led us from Texas real estate to fitness franchises to recreational surfacing consolidation to international entertainment—following opportunity wherever it leads.
JLM has never created investment funds. The deal-by-deal approach means faster capital returns, no artificial deployment pressure, and every investment evaluated on individual merits.
Every opportunity undergoes comprehensive vetting of brand uniqueness, growth potential, and market positioning. JLM only brings investments to its investor group after fully buying into the potential for growth.
The firm balances immediate returns with long-term value creation—seeking investments it can own into perpetuity. JLM wants partners who invest across multiple platforms as long-term collaborators, not one-off transactions.
Strategic oversight meets operational excellence.
JLM provides board-level leadership and strategic guidance while allowing proven management teams to run operations. With Planet Fitness and Recreational Group, the firm let the founders run the companies with board oversight—providing the strategic framework for growth while respecting operational expertise.
Risk management is not a one-size-fits-all formula but a deal-specific process. Each investment must be evaluated on its own merits, considering current market conditions, the competitive landscape, and the team’s ability to execute effectively and adapt to challenges.
Proven relationships across investments and capital markets. Our diverse portfolio demonstrates our ability to identify, develop, and successfully exit investments across multiple industries and market conditions. From franchise operations to industry consolidation to international expansion, we’ve consistently delivered exceptional returns for our investor partners.
Whether you’re an institutional investor, family office, or growth company ready to scale, JLM brings the
experience, network, and capital to achieve exceptional outcomes. Our door is always open for the right
partnerships.
