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
Jara Hatfield
Managing Partner
Builder Collective
Jara Hatfield is a seasoned real estate professional with extensive experience in new home construction sales, builder partnerships, and residential real estate. As Managing Partner of Builder Collective at Spark Realty, Jara works closely with builders, developers, investors, and homebuyers to create successful sales strategies and deliver exceptional customer experiences throughout the homebuilding process. FULL BIO
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Aaron Ernest
CFO - COO
(Non-Licensed)
Aaron is the CFO and COO 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. Aaron is a partner in the Ashlar Institute, a private consultancy and real estate think tand and Alembica, a real estate advisory serving the weath management industry. He has deep Utah roots and is active in the real estate industry on behalf of Spark and its related companies.
Matt Hartman
Managing Partner
HealthCare Services
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.
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.
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.
Michael Hernandez, MRED
Partner
Builder Collective
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 9 years experience in commercial and land.
Also speaks: Spanish
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. Lisa is a nationally ranked equestrion competitor and works, residential, commercial and land with expertise in farm and ranch. 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.
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.
Cort Pouch
Partner
Cort has over 20 years in commercial, investment, and land real estate. His background in leadership, tech, and analysis offer his clients a superb perspective and the abiliity to make solid decisions on the most challenging transactions.
Christie Daugherty has been making her Client's dreams a reality for over 20 years. Based in Herriman, Utah, Christie is the expert to help you with all of your commercial & home buying and selling needs. Specializing in commercial, industrial, & residential real estate, her multi-faceted expertise is of great benefit to her clients as they realize their real estate goals. FULL BIO
Christie Daugherty, CCIM
Partner
Larissa Cesar
Senior Associate
Builder Collective
Originally from Brazil, Larissa grew up in a real estate family before making Utah her home. Having lived in several communities across the state, she brings firsthand knowledge of Utah’s diverse neighborhoods and people. With years of experience in sales and as a trilingual Realtor® fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Larissa is committed to providing a personalized experience and helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.
Also speaks: Portugese, Spanish
Ava Christiansen
Senior Associate
Ava Christensen is a commercial agent with experience in industrial, hospitality, retail, and land transactions. Licensed since 2020, She has a strong foundation in market analysis, deal structure, and transaction execution.
With a background that blends commercial real estate, technology, and marketing, Ava takes a modern, data-driven approach —helping clients evaluate opportunities, look outside the box, and move forward with confidence.
Ava received her bachelor's degree in Computer Science from UVU in 2023, and is currently building a real estate CRM app. She loves spending time outdoors and traveling with her family.
Sterling Howell
Geotechnical Engineer
Senior Associate
With deep expertise in the geological, environmental and geotechnical fields, Sterlinghas provided critical insights that have shaped successful projects across multiplesectors. His rare combination of scientific rigor and real estate acumen enables him toguide clients from early-stage feasibility and due diligence through to development andcompletion, ensuring both technical soundness and market viability. FULL BIO