About Cardinal
About Cardinal Real Estate Advisors
A commercial real estate advisory firm built on local knowledge, practical strategy, and long-term relationships.
The Firm
Focused Advisory for Commercial Real Estate
Cardinal Real Estate Advisors is a commercial real estate advisory firm serving property owners, investors, developers, buyers, and tenants across Athens, Oconee County, and Northeast Georgia.
Unlike larger brokerages that spread attention across hundreds of agents and transactions, Cardinal operates as a boutique advisory firm, delivering the kind of strategic depth and personal attention that serious commercial real estate decisions demand.
Our work spans commercial sales, leasing, industrial and flex space, land and development, investment sales, and buyer/tenant representation. Each engagement is led with senior-level involvement and a disciplined approach to market analysis, positioning, and execution.
Leadership
Meet the Team
Robert Jahn
Principal & Broker
Robert's commercial real estate career began in the St. Simons Island and Brunswick market, where he developed a foundation in commercial sales, leasing, and client advisory. That early experience in a relationship-driven coastal market shaped his approach, grounded in local knowledge, honest counsel, and a commitment to understanding each client's position.
He later expanded into the Athens, Oconee County, and Northeast Georgia markets, bringing the same advisory discipline to a region experiencing significant commercial growth and development activity. Today, Cardinal's practice reflects the depth of both markets, with core focus on Northeast Georgia and continued perspective in coastal Georgia.
Robert's approach combines analytical rigor with practical strategy. Whether advising a property owner on disposition, helping a business identify the right location, or guiding an investor through underwriting and acquisition, he delivers focused, senior-level attention on every engagement.
Jay Harrison
Advisor
Jay focuses on commercial leasing, commercial sales, and recreational land at Cardinal Real Estate Advisors. A Watkinsville native and licensed contractor, he brings clients a practical perspective that extends beyond the transaction, helping them evaluate not only the property itself but also its functionality, improvement potential, and long-term fit.
Jay is also active in the day-to-day operations of JL Harrison Development, his family's residential and commercial construction and renovation company. That experience gives him a unique edge in advising clients on site potential, building condition, renovation possibilities, and build-to-suit considerations.
His combination of real estate, construction, and market knowledge is particularly valuable for clients pursuing commercial spaces, land opportunities, or properties that require vision and strategic planning. Before returning home to the Athens area in 2019, Jay spent six years in Atlanta working in marketing and digital strategy for brands ranging from regional to global in size. He lives in Athens with his wife, son, and daughter.
Why Cardinal
A Different Kind of Advisory Firm
Local Market Understanding
We don't cover a state. We know our markets. Deep familiarity with Athens, Oconee County, and the broader Northeast Georgia region allows us to advise with precision and confidence.
Tailored Advisory Approach
Every engagement receives senior-level attention and a strategy built around the specific property, market position, and client objective, not a templated process.
Commercial Focus, Long-Term Perspective
We are a commercial-first firm. Our advice is grounded in fundamentals, not trends, and oriented toward durable outcomes for our clients.
What We Do
Areas of Focus
Industrial & Flex
Learn more →Land & Development
Learn more →Investment Sales
Learn more →Commercial Sales
Commercial Leasing
Buyer / Tenant Representation
Our Markets
Where Cardinal Works
Cardinal's primary practice serves the Athens, Oconee County, and Northeast Georgia commercial real estate markets. We also maintain meaningful perspective and longstanding ties to the St. Simons Island and Brunswick market on Georgia's coast.
Athens, GA
University-anchored metro with a dynamic commercial market and growing investor interest.
Oconee County
One of Georgia's fastest-growing counties, driving significant commercial development.
Northeast Georgia
A diverse regional market spanning multiple counties with expanding opportunity.
St. Simons / Brunswick
Coastal Georgia market where Robert's career began, with continued advisory perspective.
Community
Professional & Community Engagement
President, Rotary Club of Oconee County (2025 to 2026)
Past Board Member, Oconee County Chamber of Commerce
Multiple-year recipient of Sales Recognition Awards from the Athens Area Association of REALTORS®
Let's Talk About Your Next Opportunity
Whether you're exploring a commercial sale, lease, acquisition, development opportunity, or investment, Cardinal is here to advise.
Get in Touch