Jim was born on June 3, 1961 in the rural outskirts of Canton, Ohio.  His father Ed Moody, a former Korean Veteran Marine, was a mechanical engineer for the Timken Roller Bearing Company.  His mother, Joanne, was a home maker. Between his father’s sense of hard work and patriotism and his mother’s gentle guidance, Jim learned at an early age a sense of responsibility, moral conduct and duty to Country.

The College Years

Being the first in his family to go to college, Jim studied classes in the fields of business, communication and history. He spent a great deal of time studying the pressing issues facing his community and working to create viable solutions.  It was here that Jim developed his skills to accurately assess the merits and problems of new policies and their effect on the community.  Learning to think “outside the box”, Jim worked with scholars from Harvard, Northwestern, Princeton and The Ohio State University.

The “Grown-Up” Years

Jim’s first job out of college was working for an Ohio based company that specialized in dinnerware. Within his first 6 months at the company, Jim was promoted to regional manager overseeing a sales team of more than 60 agents and conducting advance educational seminars. Seeking a broader experience, Jim went to work for Parex Communications, the parent company for several business publications including the Toledo Business Journal. In just a short time, Jim led the corporation in production numbers to become the vice president of marketing. After his proven success at the age of 24, Jim moved to Toledo to become the general manager of Telex Communications, owner of the Cincinnati and Toledo Business Journals.

Looking for new challenges, Jim moved on to become the national marketing director for Myway Magazine, Inc. In the next 36 months, he would help start more than 20 successful businesses across the US. Throughout his career, Jim spent time in north and south Chicago, Manhattan, Long island, Boston, Fort Meyers, Washington D.C. and Columbus, Ohio. Having established no real roots, Jim researched many cities to determine the best place to raise a family and find economic opportunity. Jim chose to move to Toledo, Ohio, where he would eventually meet his future wife and create his first business.

Here in Toledo, Jim founded Flex Realty, partnered in HomeFinder Magazine, built R.G. Shriner Realty, expanded the Shriner Real Estate School, and formed a property management company that provides affordable housing to hard working families.

Jim and his wife, Cheryl, have 2 daughters, Chantel and Danielle. They attend church at Bethany Assembly of God and the Westgate Chapel. Jim has a variety of hobbies, but is most passionate about fishing, where he has competed in bass tournaments across the country. Jim understands the need for a strong community and serves as an avid volunteer at many local charities.