“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
– Albert Einstein
Success often arrives on an unexpected path, fueled by unwavering dedication to a mission. For Adam Jackson, that mission was unraveling the complexities of investment management, a pursuit that led him down a road he never envisioned, yet one that has proven immensely rewarding. “I never planned to go into commercial real estate, let alone investment management,” Jackson admits. “But it’s truly become my passion.”
Jackson’s story begins in Houston, Texas, where he was raised in a family rich in love and hard work. He recalls a joy-filled childhood, punctuated by the stark realities of occasional utility shut-offs. “A lot of perspective comes from that,” he reflects. “Makes you appreciate the good days.”
Unsure of his exact career path, Jackson knew he wanted to be in business. He chose accounting as a strong foundation, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Texas A&M before launching his career at Ernst & Young. While gaining valuable experience there, he found himself drawn not just to the financials but to the office building he commuted to each day. The scale, design, and impact of the space fascinated him, sparking a deeper curiosity about real estate.
Determined to explore this interest, he met with every real estate firm he could, ultimately landing a position at HFF (now part of JLL), where he discovered his passion for arranging capital for projects and people. “It was an exciting platform,” Jackson explains. “The idea of shaping communities and enhancing daily lives through real estate was incredibly compelling.”
As Jackson’s career progressed, he gravitated to Stream Realty Partners, a rapidly growing firm that had just 120 employees at the time and has since expanded to more than 1,500. His brother, Chris, now President & CEO, was already part of the team, giving Jackson firsthand insight into the firm’s dynamic culture. Initially engaged in arranging financing for projects in Houston and San Antonio, he quickly became captivated by the energy and vision that set Stream apart.
“It was the moment I knew—investment management, specifically at Stream, was where I wanted to be,” he recalls. “The people, the culture; it was a chance to apply everything I’d learned within a platform that stood apart.”
Where Passion Meets Opportunity
Joining Stream at the height of the financial crisis in 2008 was a bold move. However, while others perceived uncertainty, Jackson saw opportunity. His relentless research into corporate successes and failures—examining high-profile cases like Enron, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom, and later Madoff—solidified his belief, which remains steadfast as he continues his research today: integrity is the foundation of a sound investment strategy.
As the platform grew, Stream’s founders, Mike McVean and Lee Belland, recognized the need for dedicated investment leadership. “They realized someone needed to run it beyond them and asked me to take on that role. So, at the end of 2015, I moved to Dallas to lead the effort,” Jackson shares.
At that time, the fund had just one investor and $175 million in equity. That quickly grew to $275 million, and today, Stream’s investment platform encompasses five funds with $2 billion in equity. To date, Stream has delivered a 36% gross IRR and a 2.10x gross equity multiple, with projects spanning office, industrial, multifamily, land, retail, and data centers.
Jackson credits Stream’s success to its hands-on approach, leveraging in-house expertise and deep local market knowledge. By sourcing deals within their own communities and maintaining a strong on-the-ground presence, the firm gains a competitive edge. “We live where we invest,” Jackson emphasizes. “That personal connection drives us to focus on long-term value, not short-term gains.”
As Jackson and his team work on their sixth fund, targeting $850 million, they are deliberate in their approach to investor selection. “We keep it smaller than most because we care deeply about who invests with us—individuals and benefactors alike,” Jackson explains.
Stream’s investors include prestigious institutions across the country, whose endowments support education and research, and pension funds providing retirement security for state and local employees.
“That’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of the business,” says Jackson. “More than making deals and generating returns—we’re creating meaningful outcomes that influence education, retirement, and causes that matter. It allows us to take pride in the work we do, knowing it’s making a real difference.”
Driven by Integrity, Defined by Impact
Reflecting on his career and Stream’s accomplishments, Jackson acknowledges the personal significance of his success. “To me and my family, success isn’t just about your achievements. It’s about using your God-given talents to their fullest potential daily and creating positive change—for yourself and those around you.”
As the CRE industry faces ongoing headwinds, Jackson sees Stream’s private ownership as a defining strength. Without the bureaucracy of a public company, the firm can move decisively, adapting to market shifts with agility and always acting in its clients’ best interests. “Being privately held makes all the difference,” he asserts. “It allows us to stay nimble, protect our clients, and seize opportunities faster than our competitors.”
Looking ahead, Jackson still sees immense opportunity, just like he did in 2008. “As a firm that puts people first, our goals always center around them,” he states. Whether navigating the COVID crisis without layoffs or developing the latest industrial space, the objective is clear: “How does this benefit those we serve?”
This approach is what drives Stream’s focus on sustainability as both an ethical imperative and sound business strategy.
“Sustainable assets are what work long term,” Jackson explains, citing The QUAD in Dallas and RiverSouth in Austin–both Stream Developments–as examples. “We’ve incorporated features such as energy-efficient glass, smart building technology, and water reclamation systems in these and other projects. We build and invest in the most efficient properties available because not only is it the right approach—it’s what today’s largest tenants demand.”
Jackson highlights The QUAD project, where an entire acre was dedicated to green space. “That land alone is worth $15 to $20 million, yet instead of maximizing density, we created parks,” he explains. “Sustainable development isn’t just about buildings—it’s about how that space creates purpose.”
With perseverance and deep commitment, Jackson—and, by extension, Stream—demonstrates that success isn’t just about the present but about the lasting impact on the family, workplace, and the broader community. Stream is making waves, transforming lives one investment at a time.
To learn more about Stream’s Investment Management platform, click here.
