James Yockel

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Chief Executive Officer, Greater Rochester Association of Realtors

Years in current role: 13

What opportunities do you see for growth or development in the Rochester area?

There is tremendous investment in economic development, job creation, and upgrading infrastructure which has our region poised for long-term growth and economic success. However, our region is in dire need of additional housing across all market segments. We have had decades of under-investment in single-family housing. Now, we also have a shortage of options for active seniors who are looking for low-maintenance living in a more social setting. First-time homebuyers are seeing intense competition for the few homes available, which is limiting their ability to become owners. Without fixing our housing market, our region’s growth will stall. If we can find ways to create housing across all market segments, sizes, styles, and locations, we have an incredible future ahead of us.

What’s one project your team is especially proud of?

We have created a partnership with the Rochester Home Builders and Mortgage Bankers called ReImagine ROC Housing that is spreading the message about our critical housing shortage. This effort has led to numerous conversations with community leaders, nonprofit partners, elected officials and business leaders. I am convinced that as a coalition, we can solve our critical housing shortage in the near future.

What’s a lesson you learned the hard way in your career?

None of us can accomplish what we want on our own. We need help, and we need to be humble enough to ask for help. Partnerships and collaborations are a far better way to do things than staying in silos. Our community is full of very smart, very committed leaders who are happy to work together to solve big problems. The more we work together, the faster we can find the solutions.

How do you see local government or policy changes impacting your sector?

If we are to add the necessary additional housing, we are going to have to embrace some non-traditional solutions. Our region has not embraced condominiums as much as others, but they are a great solution for first-time homeowners, young professionals and empty nesters … the very groups who are finding it most difficult to attain housing that meets their needs. Additionally, factory-built housing of all types and reuse of commercial/retail spaces for housing work in many other cities and could work well in Rochester. We will need support of local government to pursue these solutions.

What’s your favorite building or architectural feature in Rochester?

I love the Corn Hill area, with its mix of historic and more modern homes.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power List for Construction & Real Estate for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree.