DOUG MILLER, MBA
Doug Miller is a distinguished Real Estate Agent at Spark Realty. Renowned for bringing an extraordinary depth of experience and a truly unique perspective to the world of industrial, commercial, and agricultural real estate. His journey is not one of a typical real estate agent; rather, it’s a culmination of over four decades of high-level finance, operations, engineering, and strategic development across diverse global industries. His background is rarely seen in the real estate sector, which equips him with unparalleled analytical prowess, negotiation skills, and a comprehensive understanding of complex transactions, making him an invaluable asset to his clients.
His career prior to focusing on real estate is marked by significant leadership roles with direct P&L responsibilities exceeding $100 million annually at corporate, business unit, and project levels. He possesses an intimate understanding of capital budgeting, capital allocation, financial reporting, and the development and implementation of sophisticated financial systems. His direct lead experience in capital raising, both at the corporate and project level, underscores his capability to structure and secure funding for large-scale endeavors. Furthermore, his expertise extends to leading major transactions, including targeting, execution, and integration, demonstrating a holistic grasp of the deal lifecycle.
Doug’s vast experience spans forty-four years in the development and operation of large energy and infrastructure projects with Unocal/Chevron, Occidental, and other major energy companies. This includes hands-on involvement in major project engineering and construction, technology development, and the profitable operation of large industrial facilities. His global footprint is particularly noteworthy, with demonstrated leadership in diverse cultural milieux across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. This international exposure provides him with a nuanced understanding of cross-cultural negotiations and global market dynamics, a rare asset in the real estate industry. He has actively engaged with government, regulatory bodies, and utilities as integral elements of his strategic approach, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. His success in managing large commercial operations, coupled with recognized leadership in strategic growth, major transactions, and disciplined cost control, further highlights his executive capabilities.
He also possesses a significant agricultural background and experience, operating large fertilizer manufacturing facilities, as well as, the marketing and distribution of agricultural products, offering a unique lens for clients interested in farm and ranch properties. This hands-on knowledge provides practical insights into agricultural operations, land use, and related real estate considerations.
Doug has developed a unique list of real estate transactions over the years as a real estate agent. Here are just a few: refined product tank farm, hydrogen production facility, oil field employee housing project, data center site development, airport fixed base operator project development, 600 acre dairy acquisition, zoning conversion from commercial to residential, zoning conversion from urban industrial to residential, and farm/ranch market studies.
Prior to his dedicated focus on real estate, Doug held several pivotal roles. As General Manager of Lithium at US Magnesium LLC in Rowley, Utah, he oversaw the development of two new 25,000 t/y Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) facilities. He served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Commercial Affairs at Greyrock Energy Inc. in Sacramento, California, where he originated and developed a 50,000 Bbl/d portfolio of Canadian GTL projects, launched a new catalytic low-carbon synthetic fuel technology platform, and developed CO2 to liquid fuel projects across North America, Western Europe, and the Middle East. As Executive Vice President, Corporate Development at WesPac Midstream LLC, he developed small and medium-scale LNG infrastructure and supply chains connecting markets across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and led commercial strategies for significant midstream and LNG asset acquisitions and the engineering and construction of aviation fuel facilities at airports in San Diego, California and Memphis, Tennessee. His experience also includes roles as Senior Vice President at Occidental Energy Ventures at Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Rentech Corporation, and Vice President, Corporate Development at Unocal Corporation. Additionally, he served as a Board Member/Director for Molycorp, Inc. and held significant international leadership positions, including Vice President of Unocal Thailand and President of Unocal Asia-Pacific Ventures, and President and Managing Director of Unocal Philippines, Inc., where he managed a $100 million annual revenue business.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Doug is an avid outdoorsman and an accomplished athlete. He is a USSA Certified Alpine Race Coach for the Snowbasin Ski Team, coaching the Junior Development Team, and is a FIS/USSA Certified Race Official. He also serves as a PSIA Certified Instructor at the Deer Valley Ski School, providing advanced, Spanish, and adaptive/disabled skier instruction. His adventurous spirit is further evidenced by his participation in off-road motorcycle racing, including being a Baja 1000 finisher, and his FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with ratings in multi-engine/land, instrument, and single engine/seaplane. His personal activities also include mountaineering, equestrian, and scuba diving.
He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.S. in Engineering/Earth Sciences, and holds an M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a focus on finance, strategy, and operations research. His educational background includes in-depth studies of mineral economics, economic geology, and global resource assessment, further broadening his analytical capabilities. He also undertook graduate studies in Mining and Petroleum Engineering at California State University, Bakersfield, and the University of Nevada, Reno.
Doug is deeply committed to giving back to his community through pro bono work with organizations such as Homeboy Industries, Challengers Boys and Girls Club, International Winter Special Olympics, Eastern Sierra Disabled Sports, and Wounded Warriors. He has managed family land and agricultural operations in California and Hawaii.
Doug’s real estate practice is built on a foundation of unparalleled expertise in finance, operations, and complex transaction management, honed over four decades in global industries. Coupled with his deep understanding of agricultural properties and his unique personal experiences, he offers a comprehensive and strategic approach to real estate that few can match. For clients seeking a broker who can navigate the most intricate deals with a strategic vision and a proven track record of success. Doug Miller is an exceptional choice and we are excited he is part of Spark Realty.





