It’s Our Mission to Develop High‑Quality, Energy‑Efficient, and Equitable Housing.

JO Companies, LLC is a Black-owned, mission driven real estate development company that specializes in developing affordable and workforce multifamily housing. Other real estate development areas includes: market rate, mixed-use and commercial. The company was founded in 2009 by Johnny Opara, President and CEO. JO Companies currently has over $200M in their real estate development pipeline.

JO Companies, LLC has been nominated as a finalist for the Company/Developer of The Year Award category (2023 Minnesota Real Estate Journal Awards).

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President & CEO, JO Companies

Johnny Opara

Johnny Opara is new to the real estate development world. After spending over 17 years in corporate America within sales and leadership roles, he left to become an entrepreneur and pursue his passion for real estate.

Johnny was born in Nigeria, but he has established strong roots here in the Twin Cities – where he was raised and went to college. He moved to America at the age of 1 and grew up in St. Paul with his family. He also attended college in Minneapolis, where he received a degree in Business Administration and Management from Augsburg University.

Johnny’s passion and motivation for real estate and housing development was inspired by his father’s experience. Johnny saw first-hand how the lack of equitable and quality housing affects its residents and their families…

 
 

“Why I Care About Equitable and Quality Housing”

“A few years ago, we helped my father move to a new residence. He was very unhappy with his previous housing complex and the challenges he experienced there. As soon as we moved him into the new multi-family complex, his spirit had changed overnight! He finally lived in a place that he could be proud of and invite his family over to. His new home was safe, clean, and managed by staff who were professional and cared about their tenants and the property. His new living environment made such a difference to his overall mood and perspective. It was amazing.

Through my father’s experience, I had learned that property owners, operators, and managers play a critical role in creating a safe, high-quality, and equitable environment for residents.

About a month and a half later, my father had passed away. From there, I knew my purpose. Through developing high-quality affordable housing, my mission is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe and equitable place, no matter one’s income or status. No one should have to experience the challenges my father faced. We’re all human beings and I believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and have the opportunity to live somewhere they can be proud of!” 

Helping People As A Licensed Real Estate Agent

Johnny is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of Minnesota. He works hard to help clients list and sell their homes for full market value, and he helps others to become first-time homeowners and begin creating generational wealth.

 

Serving as a Board Member

Johnny currently serves on multiple boards including: the Board of Directors for Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP); the Board of Directors for the Saint Paul Area Chamber; and, the Advisory Board for the Rice and Larpenteur Alliance.