James has more than 21 years of industry experience – including both
field and office experience. James leads the company’s construction
and business development team, and provides senior oversight for the
project team to ensure that cost, schedule and quality commitments are
met. He also oversees preconstruction, project cost management and
contract negotiations.
A graduate of Marquette University’s ACRE (Commercial Real Estate
2005) program, James worked his way through various field, engineering
and project management roles. James’ project experience includes
residential and complex commercial structures, ranging from $100K to
$350M. Examples include Bader Philanthropies
Headquarters, Northwestern Mutual Tower & Commons, MSOE Soccer
& Parking Facility and the Milwaukee Bucks Arena.
James began his career as a painter apprentice for the Facilities and
Maintenance Department at Milwaukee Public Schools, and left as a
supervisor. He then transitioned into a project management role while
working at KBS Construction (now part of CD Smith). Seeing a market
need within the construction industry, amid The Great Recession, James
started JCP Construction in 2008 with his two brothers – Jalin and
Clifton Phelps.
James serves on the board of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Bid #8,
Bradley Tech Foundation Board, MMAC’s COSBE board, MMAC’s
The Business Council and The Rep Spotlight Advisory Board. James is a
graduate of UW-Milwaukee (BBA Finance ’08), and a LEED Accredited Professional.