The founders say they plan to focus on San Diego County initially, seeing as it is a place where they can leverage their relationships and market knowledge. With more than 35 years of real estate experience between them, the leaders of CruzanMonroe have deep roots in San Diego. Cruzan's career has included stints as president and CEO of Burnham Real Estate Services, as well as chief operating officer of JMI Realty. Monroe, meanwhile, worked for 15 years at Burnham Real Estate Services, where he was responsible for more than $2 billion in sales and lease transactions over this period. For the past six consecutive years, he was named as top producer at the firm.

CruzanMonroe already has two projects underway in partnership with JMI Realty: a 240,000-sf office park, known as Campus at Carmel Valley, which is slated to rise in the Del Mar Corporate Center; and Campus on Park, a 390,000-sf office park to be built across from the new downtown ballpark. In addition, the firm has one acquisition in escrow near the ballpark and has already completed the purchase of the 266,340-sf Prescott Industrial Park located at 1865, 1875 and 890 Ord Way in Oceanside.