meet our crew
Commercial
Land
Residential
Staff | Leadership
Graig Griffin, SIOR
Managing Partner
Principal Broker - Utah
Spark Broker Graig Griffin is one of North America's most experienced real estate professionals. With over 35 years working on his craft and nearly $4 billion in closed personal transactions across all product types, he offers unsurpassed knowledge and perspective... FULL BIO
Ryan Whittaker
Partner
Commercial Real Estate
Ryan brings over 2 decades of business and customer service experience to the team on top of his multiple years as a real estate agent. He is a lifetime resident of Salt Lake County, and knows the area intimately. Ryan is a fanatic about great service and constantly works on his craft and manages the firms consulting practice for developers and re-developers.
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Aaron Ernest
Operating Partner
(Non-Licensed)
Aaron is the Operating Partner of Spark Realty, LLC. With over 20 years' experience as a commercial banker and business manager, he is responsible for all company functions, financial operations, client relations, and agent interface. Aaron also consults for Spark clients on financing. He has deep Utah roots and is active in the real estate industry on behalf of Spark and its related companies.
Steve Ward
Managing Partner
Valuation Services
Steve is one of the most respected appraisers in the Intermountain West, with over $17 billion in valuation work. Steve has provided services for most major lending institutions, brokers, and auctioneers within the real estate space. He is also a residential developer, licensed pilot, and a blues guitarist.
Trevor Beaumont
Managing Partner
Builder Services
Trevor brings over a decade of experience in the home building industry, working in mulitple positions from projecf manager to consulting to sales. He is a licensed General Contractor and is currently completing his Master's Degree in Real Estate Development at the University of Utah.
Megan Berrett
Senior Associate
Megan has been involved in real estate since 2013. She is also a full partner at Berrett, CPA's with expertise in corporate tax work and well as small business consulting. Megan has unique insight into transactions and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to the Spark team.
Troy Tucker
Mergers & Acquisitions
Business Consulting
After a highly successful career in construction, Troy migrated into the world of business real estate. With multiple designations and accreditations, his firm (Blue Sky Business Resources) is one of the most respected M&A and consulting firms in the Western U.S. Troy advises the entire Spark team on these aspects and we partner with Blue Sky when there are non-real estate business assets involved in a sale or purcahse.
Matt Hartman
Partner
Real Estate Tech Team
Office | Medical
Matt is a dedicated commercial real estate expert specializing in healthcare and office properties. Matt has a vast portfolio of clients, ranging from one-doctor practices to hospital groups. He is known not only for his integrity and professionalism, but for his ability to create unique solutions for his clients. His belief in the power of giving value, regardless of immediate monetary gain, reflects his commitment to service and excellence in everything he does.
Ali Black - Johnsen
Managing Partner
Residential
Ali has been licensed since 1995 and grew up in a real estate family. She is the Spark Managing Partner of residential services. She is former professional athlete (triathlon and Ironman), and competed all over the world. Ali brings that perspective of excellence, hard work, and attention to detail to her clients and the Spark team
Andy Evans
Managing Partner
Office/Investments
Andy is the Managing Partner of Spark's office sales and leasing team. With over 20 years in commercial real estate, he brings a steady hand to his clients and is known for his attention to detail. Andy also works as a developer, investment syndicator, and consultant.
Doug Miller
Managing Partner
Energy RE Services
Wasatch Back Land
Doug leads the Spark Energy Real Estate Services Group and also focuses on land and commercial in the Heber Valley and adjacent areas. WIth deep expertise in these product types, Doug offers unsurpassed insight and ability for his clients. He is an avid outdoorsman, expereinced pilot, and actively engaged in the community an youth winter sports.
Lisa Turner
Senior Associate
Weber & Davis Counties
Wasatch Back
Land Services Group
Lisa Turner has an impressive background of valuable insight, perspective, and real estate market knowledge spanning over two decades. She began her real estate career in Sedona Arizona forging her expertise owning a successful construction company, and ultimately becoming a licensed agent in 2004. She knows her fiduciary responsibility and is dedicated to help facilitate the smoothest, most enjoyable real estate experience possible, providing a high level of service on each transaction from contract to closing.
Kirsten Leavitt
Managing Partner
Land Services Team
Kirsten heads up the Land Services Team at Spark, covering all of Utah. She has deep expertise in all types of land for development and is known for securing properties that have been otherwise unattainable. Kirsten is a voracious prospector and delivers when other agents cannot. She works regularly with many national and regional builders and has a superb understanding of the entitlement and development process, adding value to every transaction.
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Matt Sneyd
Partner
Multifamily Team
Matt leads the Spark Multifamily Team, and is a Certified Member of the Land Collective and Builder Services Groups. WIth a broad, deep base across all product types, Matt brings experience from development, enttitlement, construction, and sales. He is known for his attention to detail and doing transactions that few others could complete.
Ryan Struthwolf
Senior Associate
Multifamily Team
Ryan is a real estate professional with eight years of experience as a self-taught underwriter and analyst. He has underwritten and analyzed over 4,000 units, developing deep expertise in acquisitions, deal structure, feasibility, and market analysis. His work spans site selection, feasibility studies, and sourcing off-market land through direct outreach to property owners. Ryan has been involved in the development of approximately 100 townhomes and is part of the team behind several multifamily projects totaling 400 apartment units. He has also flipped single-family homes and facilitated land sales that have resulted in the development of several hundred units by other builders.
Before transitioning full-time into real estate, Ryan spent 10 years building and operating a successful food truck business. He also owned and sold two coffee shops and a sandwich shop. With a strong foundation in business and real estate education, Ryan brings strategic thinking, market insight, and a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to every project.
Michael Hernandez, MRED
Partner
Michael is a graduate of the University of Utah Masters in Real Estate Development program, a licensed general contractor and a highly experienced real estate agent with over 8 years experience in commercial and land.
Also speaks: Spanish
Sternling Howell
Ryan brings over 2 decades of business and customer service experience to the team on top of his multiple years as a real estate agent. He is a lifetime resident of Salt Lake County, and knows the area intimately. Ryan is a fanatic about great service and constantly works on his craft and manages the firms consulting practice for developers and re-developers.
Cort Pouch
Partner
Aaron is the Operating Partner of Spark Realty, LLC. With over 20 years' experience as a commercial banker and business manager, he is responsible for all company functions, financial operations, client relations, and agent interface. Aaron also consults for Spark clients on financing. He has deep Utah roots and is active in the real estate industry on behalf of Spark and its related companies.