Leaving a Legacy: How John Crossman Uses Real Estate to Change Lives

Episode 810 | 03.05.25 

On this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried welcomes back one of his favorite guests, John Crossman, for an insightful conversation about building a career that leaves a legacy.

John shares updates on his real estate business, Crossman Career Builders, and the HBCU-focused scholarships he’s funding to support underrepresented students. He also discusses his deep connections to Bethune-Cookman University, his leadership in finding the school’s next president, and how the University of Florida’s #1-ranked real estate program is partnering with HBCUs to build a more diverse future for the industry.

This episode highlights the importance of mentorship, impact investing, and using business success to uplift future generations.

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About Our Guest:

John Crossman

President, Crossman Career Builders 

John Crossman’s father was a Methodist minister and civil rights leader. John inherited two great characteristics from his father: service and bridge-building. John has always looked to serve his employers, his fellow employees, and his community. During 25 years as a leader in the commercial real estate industry, he has established 6 college scholarships, worked extensively to create real estate programs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and continued to be a bridge builder in the areas of race, socio-economics, religion, and politics.

John continues to serve and build bridges using the valuable lessons he’s learned from his successes, failures, counselors, coaches, and mentors. He now seeks to pass those lessons on to executives, achievers, and college students. He established Crossman Career Builders as the vehicle to continue providing help and guidance to the community.

"Even with my early success in business, there were many business and life skills that I lacked. There were areas where I needed help. When I needed a doctor, I went to the doctor. When I needed professional counseling, I went to the counselor. And when I needed coaching, I got the best coaching I could find. And now I want to give others the wisdom that I received." 

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Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009.

Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender.

He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care.

Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US.

Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness.

He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies.

Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award.

Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com