Jeremy Durham maintains a career in Brentwood, Tennessee, as a real estate investor, legal advisor, and managing partner of J and J Ventures LLC. He oversees a real estate portfolio that spans 18 properties, including a Florida RV park. Identifying undervalued assets, Jeremy Durham works to arrange financing and bring properties back to a condition where they can be profitably managed. He capably manages all aspects of the development process, from titles to revenue generation states.
Jeremy Durham is a University of Tennessee graduate who held a role as government editor of The Daily Beacon as an undergraduate. He holds a JD earned at the University of Memphis and was active with the Federalist Society and the Christian Legal Society while in law school. He has served as general counsel with a variety of construction and development enterprises, drafted contracts, and managed litigation related to multi-state transactions. His business pursuits extend to an early investment in a healthcare venture that achieved a successful exit through Ian PO and the New York Stock Exchange listing.
Mr. Durham takes part in various community activities and is active with the Brentwood Baptist Church. He values qualities such as self-awareness and continuous improvement and is constantly working to develop a success mindset.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Mornings start with an ice bath—a nonnegotiable for mental clarity, discipline, and physiological reset. After that, I go straight into my legal work, managing litigation, real estate ventures, or strategizing business moves. My afternoons are spent refining my craft, whether it’s negotiating deals, analyzing market trends, or optimizing investment structures. Physical training is a staple—I train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai, both of which sharpen my ability to adapt under pressure. Evenings are about family and coaching baseball, wherein I help develop young athletes while refining my own leadership and patience. Every minute is optimized for growth, whether it’s personal, professional, or strategic.
How do you bring ideas to life?
By pairing relentless research with calculated risk-taking. The best ideas rarely stay theoretical—I act fast but deliberately, validating concepts through deep analysis, real-world execution, and adaptation. Surrounding myself with sharp, strategic thinkers accelerates this process. I believe execution is everything—ideas are abundant, but disciplined action is rare.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The evolution of decentralized real estate investment excites me. Blockchain technology is changing how people invest, allowing fractional ownership of properties while eliminating traditional barriers to entry. This shift will democratize real estate investing, making high-performing properties accessible to more people while also streamlining transactions and reducing costs.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Cold plunges. They aren’t just a physical reset; they develop resilience, mental toughness, and focus. Every morning, I force myself into discomfort, which rewires my response to stress. That discipline carries over into legal battles, negotiations, and training—it sharpens my ability to operate under pressure.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start investing earlier—whether in business, real estate, or personal development, time is the greatest asset. Small, consistent moves compound over time. Also, control the narrative in every aspect of life—whether in business, law, or leadership, perception is often more powerful than reality.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Tenacity outweighs talent. I’ve seen this in law, business, sports, and politics. The most persistent person almost always wins in the long run. Talent alone doesn’t guarantee success—grit, adaptability, and unshakable determination do.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being well-rounded, but focus less on being a jack-of-all-trades and more on mastering your craft. Whether you’re in law, business, sports, or any other field, there is no substitute for obsession and discipline. The greats don’t dabble—they go deep, refining every aspect of their skillset. I approach law, real estate, and training the same way: with a relentless pursuit of elite performance.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I train. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, swimming, or an ice bath—all of them force clarity and presence. When you’re rolling on the mats or striking, there’s no room for distraction. It’s all about staying sharp, making adjustments, and problem-solving under pressure. That shift in mindset translates directly into business and legal strategy.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Diversification with precision. I started in law but expanded into real estate, business ventures, and investments in high-growth sectors. The key is not to spread yourself too thin—it’s about stacking complementary skillsets and leveraging them strategically. Understanding how to control assets, manage risk, and execute at a high level is what drives sustained success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Underestimating the power of perception in politics. Early on, I thought results spoke for themselves, but I learned the hard way that controlling the narrative is just as important as the work itself and the results achieved. I’ve adapted by refining my messaging to those who need to hear it, anticipating opposition, and always playing the long game. The lesson? You can be right, but if you lose control of the narrative, you still lose.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I’m a believer that normal can benefit from a real estate investment platform that allows smaller investors to own fractional shares of high-performing rental properties without the burden of direct management. Think Airbnb meets blockchain, where investors can earn passive income without having to deal with property maintenance.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello—I use it to track legal cases, real estate deals, and business projects. Having a visual workflow makes it easier to prioritize, delegate, and execute efficiently. It keeps my operations lean and optimized.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Art of War by Sun Tzu—it’s strategy distilled into pure wisdom. It applies to law, business, sports, and negotiations. Every battle—whether in court, business, or competition—is won before it begins if you prepare the right way.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Last Dance—Michael Jordan’s mindset separates the great from the good. His ability to demand the highest standards from himself and his team is a masterclass in leadership, execution, and mental toughness.
Key learnings
- Mastery requires obsession—whether in law, real estate, business, or sports.
- Physical training sharpens mental clarity—Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and cold plunges build resilience.
- Diversification and spotting early trends lead to long-term financial success.
- Perception is as powerful as reality—control the narrative.
- The best way to win is through relentless preparation and strategic action.