A Storied Career: Meet F.C. Tucker CEO Jim Litten

Writer / Jon Shoulders . Photography Provided by Brian Brosmer & F.C. Tucker

or nearly five decades Jim Litten has worked in the real estate industry, having started as a sales associate for F.C. Tucker Company and eventually securing his current position as the company’s CEO.

Through those decades, Jim’s passion for the industry has never abated.

“Being in a people business like real estate, if you really do enjoy being with others and establishing relationships, I think you’re always going to stay interested and thrive,” Jim says.

Originally from eastern Ohio near the West Virginia border, Jim attended Ohio University in Athens on a football scholarship and studied physical education. After graduating, he became a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1968 and served in Vietnam throughout most of 1969. Upon finishing active military duty, Jim took a sales job in Louisville with HuntWesson Foods, eventually transferring to Indianapolis, where he’s been ever since.

“Hunt-Wesson was going to move me again in 1972 but I decided I liked Indianapolis, so I decided to stay and get in the real estate business,” Jim says. “That’s when I joined F.C. Tucker, and I’m sure glad I did. It’s been a great company to be a part of.”

Litten says even back in the early 1970s when he decided to settle in Indy - before the northside was as bustling and commercially developed as it is now - he saw potential in the area.

“I wanted to have roots and a place where my kids could grow up, and even though it wasn’t the Indianapolis it is today, the quality of life was good here,” he says. “And I knew I’d like to be independent and in control of my own destiny, so I thought real estate sounded intriguing.”

Jim called the agent who sold him his first Indy house and offered to take him to lunch. After picking that agent’s brain and then obtaining his real estate license, Jim got to work as a sales associate for F.C. Tucker, based out of the company’s Castleton office. “I didn’t know anyone here back then, but I just worked hard and did everything I was taught in training, and good fortune happened to me,” Jim says.

Jim was offered a management position with Tucker a few years after joining as a salesman, and in 1979 went on to manage the company’s Keystone at the Crossing office location.

By the early 1980s, Jim was doing strategic planning for the F.C. Tucker along with Fred Tucker and David Goodrich, which he says prompted the three men to buy the company in December of 1985.

the last guy standing,” Jim says with a laugh. “It has been such a joy. The associates, the management team - working with everyone has been delightful.”

Jim, a Carmel resident, feels proud of the residential and commercial growth throughout Hamilton County over the past few decades.

“We have a lot of the big-city, major-market amenities here without the problems they have,” he says. “And the cost of housing here is another good thing - Indianapolis is in the top third of affordability of the major metropolitan markets in the United States, and our taxes are reasonable compared to most markets.”

BEING IN A PEOPLE BUSINESS LIKE REAL ESTATE, IF YOU REALLY DO ENJOY BEING WITH OTHERS AND ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS, I THINK YOU’RE ALWAYS GOING TO STAY INTERESTED AND THRIVE

organic approach

Our Organic Approac h reduces the amount of chemicals going into the environment

Independently owned and operated since 1989

• Fertilization & Weed Control • Perimeter Pest Control A Responsible, Professional approach to a healthy lawn Visit our website for additional information

317.638.1862 tlctotallawncare.net Sign up now and get 10% off first Applic ation fig

dining at various north side restaurants like Anthony’s Chophouse.

“There’s so much to do for families up here,” he says. “My wife and I try to frequent all the restaurants as much as we can. We have an office on Veterans Way by Sun King, so a lot of times at the end of the day we’ll pop by the office and then go have a drink and maybe a pizza.”

According to Jim, F.C. Tucker Company, which currently includes nearly 50 offices in Indiana, did approximately $4 billion in real estate sales in 2019 - a far cry from the approximately $250 million per year back when he, Tucker and Goodrich bought the company in the ‘80s. He says it’s all due to the quality of the F.C. Tucker staff throughout the state.

“There are so many people who we all know that dread getting up in the morning and going to work,” Jim says. “I can honestly say that 99.9% of the days, I can’t wait to get to work and be with all the people at Tucker. Everyone here is dedicated to their clients and treating people the right way. I’ve often said that people who have character don’t have to worry about their success, and I think that’s the culture at Tucker.”

Exuberant. Vibrant. Unique.

Osborne Trails was conceived for our 55 and better community with these qualities in mind.

A luxury enclave built in celebration of and nostalgia for Indiana lake life, Osborne Trails offers a fresh perspective for the 55 and better generation and caters to those seeking to combine a social and active lifestyle with one-ofa-kind home designs for relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family. Embracing the natural beauty of our central Indiana landscape, Osborne Trails features 180 acres, six lakes and three miles of winding trails that can be appreciated and enjoyed throughout the winter, spring, summer and picturesque Indiana autumn.

With six lakes peppered throughout the community, residents of Osborne Trails enjoy breathtaking water views, fishing, and scenic walking paths. Osborne also features many inspired amenities such as hiking and biking trails and a relaxing resort-style outdoor pool. The sleek Retreat amenity center boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, a stunning gathering room with two-story fireplace, crafting and art activities space, many cozy nooks for socializing and a lounge for entertaining, watching the big game, playing cards or shooting pool. Multiple outdoor gathering spots create a fun and intimate oasis for visiting with friends and family and feature built-in kitchens and grills for dining al fresco. Osborne Trails offers uniquely crafted home designs by our local in-house design team, created specifically with Osborne residents in mind. Discriminating buyers craving open, social layouts with space to entertain and host visiting family and guests will appreciate the attention to detail and innovative designs, including our “Next Gen” suites. All homes include outdoor living spaces to relax and admire the tranquil beauty of the Indiana landscape.

Lennar’s “Next Gen” suites are unrivaled in Indiana and represent one-of-a-kind, flexible living space. With a separate entrance, private bedroom and bath, and kitchenette option, “Next Gen” suites are the perfect solution to accommodate generations of family members or visiting guests.

All homes are fully equipped with the latest features in luxury, technology and efficiency. Featuring Lennar’s “EI” Everything’s Included ® concept, homes include quartz counters, upgraded hard surface flooring, designer stainless steel kitchen appliances (including the refrigerator!) and much more. Wi-Fi Certified ™ technology, lawn maintenance and snow removal are also included.

Residents will enjoy the peace and privacy of Osborne Trails as many of the homesites feature stunning water views, overlooking lush tree-lines and walking and jogging paths.

in honor of lakes found throughout the Hoosier state.

Osborne Trails sports enthusiasts will appreciate the community’s proximity to Grand Park Sports Village, a premiere recreation facility and nationwide destination for youth sports. Take in an afternoon baseball game, watch the grandkids’ sporting events, or relax in the upper deck bar area to soak it all in. Looking for a close, convenient way to give back to the local community? The City of Westfield, in conjunction with Grand Park, offers Osborne residents a multitude of opportunities to volunteer and get actively involved in events.

Avid golfers can easily take the opportunity to improve their handicap at renowned golf clubs nearby such as Pebblebrook, Fox Prairie and Woodwind, among others.

Become a Trailblazer

Osborne Trails offers an exciting opportunity for the first 15 buyers to be honored and recognized as members of the “Trailblazers Founders Club.” The Founders Club is an exclusive membership whose mission is to pioneer the future of Osborne Trails and maintain the spirit and vision of this extraordinary Westfield Community.