“Living In The City” is The San Diego Sun’s feature Q&A with downtown San Diego residents. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who live here. This is number 45 in an ongoing series.
Name: James Hickey
Residence: Gaslamp City Square
Personal deets: Born in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Have been in San Diego for 43 years and lived downtown for 13-and-a-half years.
Work deets: I’ve been president of JMH Marketing Group since 2008. I started with real estate marketing and have worked in pretty much every vertical over the past 15 years. I now specialize in lead generation, sales funnels and building membership websites. In June 2021, I started SD Networking Events and host 16 events per year in the Gaslamp/Downtown area.
Working from home: Yes, and I also work in hotel lobbies, restaurants and coffee shops. Sometimes co-working locations. Can’t mention my favorite lobby because I want it all to myself, but it has a tall, green marble table that seats 10, with tall chairs. A printer and a bathroom are just steps away.
Why move downtown: I lived in Point Loma for 16 years before moving to the Gaslamp Quarter. I changed careers from gas station owner to digital marketing strategist. I love the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp and it’s great for my business. Plus, there are so many great restaurants, bars, sports and live music in a one-mile radius.
Worst aspect of downtown: The homeless population has gotten worse since Mayor Todd Gloria took office. It has gotten slightly better in the past two months.
Best part about your building: I live on the top floor with a view of the convention center. We have a pool, gym and parking.
Worst aspect of your building: No real balcony.
Watching and streaming: Animal Kingdom and Yellowstone.
Audio book: Can’t Hurt Me by David Groggins and The E-Myth by Michael Gerber.
Transportation breakdown: Mostly walk. I sold my SUV in 2017. Don’t own a vehicle.
Scooters: I wish the Wheels or Uber Bikes stayed around.
☀️Get information about SD Networking Events by JHM Marketing Group☀️
My coffee shop: Spill the Beans on Market Street.
Let’s do lunch: My favorites are Bubs, Union Tap Kitchen and Cerveza Jack’s Gaslamp.
Dinner faves: Madame Bonnie’s, Morton’s Steakhouse and Bubs.
Best bar(s): Barleymash, Bubs, Social Tap, The Deck at Moonshine Flats.
Parking advice: Uber or take the trolley.
Padres: I go to 15-20 games a year. I had season tickets for 23 years. One of my best friends is the former Padres Dancing Groundskeeper Eric Edwards, who retired in 2022 (and now runs A List Production and NinjaXchange Collectible Expo at The Shoppes at Carlsbad).
Favorite faded memories: Street Scene and Mardi Gras parades.
Scariest moment: Saw someone who got stabbed and was bleeding at the corner of Fifth Avenue and J Street.
Areas to avoid: Not a fan of East Village at night or when I have to walk though homeless encampments.
Mayor Todd Gloria: Please don’t run again. I miss Kevin Faulconer.
Wish list: More police presence.
Parting advice: Go to Happy Hours. I know them all!
