Chief Executive Officer
Communication, Continuous Improvement, & Culture
Growing up on a small ranch in Coleman, Texas, Payton experienced firsthand the fulfillment of a hard day’s work. In his role as CEO of JPI, Payton is committed to leading all team members to put people first. This focus guides decisions among his entire team at the organization. As a member of the JPI Executive Leadership Team, Payton provides strategic direction and guidance on initiatives, including leadership and culture.
With 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, Payton has spent his career specializing in real estate investment, finance, and executive leadership. Before he joined JPI, Payton served as the Chief Investment Officer at DHIC Communities, a D.R. Horton company, expanding the company’s expertise in joint venture capital structures and distressed offerings. Payton also founded Cephas Partners and co-invested with Blackstone to acquire a Bank of America Merrill Lynch portfolio with a total enterprise value of underlying assets of $4 billion.
Before moving back to Texas in 2009, Payton worked in New York and managed real estate private equity investments at Merrill Lynch, leading a $600 million South American entrance, and served as a board member in both office and residential development companies. Payton is a CFA® charterholder.
Payton serves his community in many ways, including his role as founder, past president, and Board Member of the Northeast Tarrant County A&M Club; Board Member, The National Christian Foundation of North Texas; Board Member, Lionheart Children’s Academy and constant cheerleader and strategic partner for several other ministry organizations. Payton and his family are active in 121 Community Church in Grapevine, Texas.
When not at the office, Payton is devoted to his family. He and his wife Andrea work to put their faith and commitment to God at the foundation of their home with their three children Merritt, Channing, and Stella, in Southlake, Texas. He’s a proud Summa Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University and remains inspired by his alma mater’s approach to life through optimism, determination, and loyalty. Gig’Em!
Payton is committed to leading all team members to put people first. This focus guides decisions among his entire team at the organization.
