meet our crew
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 over $3 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.
Aaron Ernest
Operating Partner
(Non-Licensed)
.jpg)
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.
Commercial
Residential
Spark Staff
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.
Annastasia Kaessner
Partner
Office | Medical
Annastasia
​
Megan Berrett
Senior Associate
Megan has been involved in real estate since 2013. She is also a full partner at Berrett, CPS'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
Senior Associate
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
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.
Daniel Salazar
Senior Associate
Real Estate Tech Team
Investments - Residential
Daniel is a seasoned entrepreneur and experienced real estate investor with over a decade of expertise in property management. He prides himself on his fluency in four languages and enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. With a primary focus on residential sales, Daniel is enthusiastic about delivering the finest experience to his valued clients. Expect a professional and exhilarating journey with him by your side.
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
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.
Daniel Salazar
Senior Associate
Investments - Residential
Daniel is a seasoned entrepreneur and experienced real estate investor with over a decade of expertise in property management. He prides himself on his fluency in four languages and enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. With a primary focus on residential sales, Daniel is enthusiastic about delivering the finest experience to his valued clients. Expect a professional and exhilarating journey with him by your side.
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.