In 1999 Jim started New Business Development (NBD) after 21 years of sales, marketing, and management experience. NBD was founded while Jim served as president of Metabolic Technologies Inc. (MTI). MTI was a start up company in the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park in Evanston, IL. MTI developed and marketed proprietary dietary supplements to assist in the treatment of addictions. After leaving MTI, NBD's first engagement had Jim serving as Interim President of Hometouch Marketing, a division of Hometouch, which is a unique Chicago based real estate firm. Since then NBD has given Jim the opportunity to work within a variety of industries including: marine hardware, web development, natural foods, and investment banking.

Prior to starting NBD Jim was the principal of the James P. Farrell, Co. (JPFCO). JPFCO represented manufacturing and distribution firms in the building material industry. These firms ranged in size from $2,000,000 to $50,000,000 in annual sales. Jim played an integral role in growing these businesses by working directly with the owners of these primarily family-owned businesses.

Jim began his career with Armstrong World Industries and is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.