Jeffrey Essakow, President of Protea & CAF

Jeffrey has served as Chairman of the Board and President of Protea Properties since its inception in 1997.  Since its founding, Jeffrey and his partner Yehudi Gaffen have been responsible for developing over $600M of commercial projects, with 1.3M SF under management.

As President of Protea, Jeffrey oversees all development activities and is responsible for expanding the company’s portfolio. His track record as a successful entrepreneur paired with his proven financial and management skills position Protea as a company that can maximize the potential of real estate development.

Protea’s portfolio includes retail, office, industrial, multi-family and mixed-use properties. After a successful re-positioning, Protea recently sold Flower Hill Promenade mall for a record-setting sales price. Most recently, Protea has completed the $120M Veterans Administration Clinic in Kearny Mesa, providing care for up to 600 patients a day. Jeffrey, along with Yehudi Gaffen and Jeff Jacobs, were recently selected for the $3.7B redevelopment of Seaport Village.

Jeffrey is also a partner with the Jacobs Family in the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa. The resort has been named the #1 Best Resort in California, #4 Best in the United States, and #37 in the world.

Prior to his involvement with Protea and Rancho Valencia, Jeffrey created and operated a successful athletic apparel company and sold it to Reebok in 1992. While with Reebok, he was appointed Vice President and led its U.S. sports apparel division. 

Jeffrey is the co-founder and has served for the last 25 years as Chairman of the Board and President of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a charity providing grants to athletes with physical challenges so they can lead active lifestyles. Since its inception in 1997, the foundation has raised an excess of $145M and issued more than 42,000 grants worldwide.

Jeffrey earned his accounting degree from Natal University in South Africa before relocating to the U.S. in 1986. Jeffrey is married with three children and four grandchildren. He is a keen athlete and has completed the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii three times.