Early Life
Jeff Sutton was born into a Syrian Jewish family in Gravesend, Brooklyn. His father was an importer of retail goods. Sutton graduated with a B.A./B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981.
Rise to Success
Wanting to enter the New York real estate market, Sutton employed a unique strategy. He would identify a potential tenant, determine their desired store location, and then buy out the lease from the existing tenant at that site. In the early 1990s, this approach proved successful with Payless Shoes. He later applied the same method with CVS Pharmacy in lower Manhattan.
Key Business Strategies
Sutton's success stems from his focus on acquiring prime retail locations and securing long-term leases with high-quality national retail chains, or "triple-A" tenants. His portfolio features landmark properties and record-breaking deals. Notable properties include flagship stores for Armani, Prada, American Eagle Outfitters, and others. Sutton is known for his strong relationships with these retail tenants, which has led to numerous successful deals and awards. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) Chairman's Award and The New York Times Deal of the Year Award.
Philanthropy
Sutton is known for his philanthropic efforts and supports various charitable organizations. He is actively involved in community youth organizations and serves on the Wharton's Board of Overseers.