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Meet the Team
At John Burns Real Estate Consulting, our team members are highly motivated and passionate about every assignment. Our expertise includes strategic planning, market research, due diligence, valuation work, consumer research and ongoing market monitoring services.
John Burns
CEO
CEO
- 20+ years of national real estate consulting experience
- Leads a talented team of trusted advisors
- Started his career in 1985 as a CPA
- M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles
- B.A. in Economics from Stanford University
- An avid baseball fan, John has been to a home game for all 30 major league teams.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
- Read John's Blog
Tim Sullivan
Principal
Principal
- Expert in due diligence, valuation and connecting consumer to demand to product development
- Manages consulting assignments all over the country
- 29+ years of national real estate consulting experience
- Formerly a Principal in national research company and founder of another
- M.B.A. from San Diego State University with emphasis in Marketing and Finance
- B.A. in Economics from University of California, San Diego
- When not on the road, Tim balances time between family, travel, food and wine experiences.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
- Read Tim's Blog
Carl Reichardt
Managing Director of Research
Managing Director of Research
- 15 years as homebuilding and building products equity research analyst at Wells Fargo / Wachovia Securities and Banc of America / Montgomery Securities
- Three-time Institutional Investor All-American and three-time Wall Street Journal All-Star analyst
- Three years at a large private homebuilder and two years in the manufactured housing industry
- Manages our Research team, including product development, analysis oversight and client relationships
- M.B.A. from Stanford University; B.A. from Georgetown University
- Carl enjoys golf, hiking, travel, playing Scrabble and following English Premier League soccer.
- Based in the San Francisco, CA office
Wayne Yamano
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
- Leads the firm’s Research Team that analyzes housing markets nationwide
- Spearheads cutting-edge research published in periodic white papers
- Develops many of the firm’s proprietary research and analytical tools
- Former analyst at CB Richard Ellis
- B.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles
- M.B.A. from the University of Southern California
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
- Read Wayne's Blog
Steve Dutra
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
- Manages all data collection for 350-plus housing markets in the U.S.
- Skilled in GIS analysis, property evaluation and training
- More than 20 years of industry experience
- Formerly a Director for Hanley Wood Market Intelligence
- In his personal time, Steve and his Labrador retriever enjoy cookies together (no nuts please).
- Based in the Sacramento, CA office
Lesley Deutch
Vice President
Vice President
- Leads custom consulting assignments in both housing and commercial real estate
- More than 12 years of experience on Wall Street and in real estate and economic research
- Investment Banking Analyst at Lehman Brothers
- Former Vice President at Deutsche Bank Real Estate Research and RREEF research
- Senior Research Manager for one of the largest condo converters in the U.S.
- Principal and Founder of an independent research firm
- B.S. from the Wharton School
- B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania
- Based in the Boca Raton, FL office
- Read Lesley's Blog
Dean Wehrli
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
- Manages residential and commercial real estate in consulting assignments across the country
- More than 13 years of experience in real estate, economic and consumer research
- Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles
- B.A. in Political Science from Cal State Fullerton
- Dean plays basketball when not injured, writes novels and screenplays, and almost always wins at Trivial Pursuit. Almost.
- Based in the Sacramento, CA office
- Read Dean's Blog
Holly R. Bernstein
Senior Manager of Business Development
Senior Manager of Business Development
- Manages new business initiatives and leads client support
- Focused on excellence in client services
- Cultivates new business partnerships and alliances
- Spent 10 years managing real estate industry associations, including the Urban Land Institute of Orange County
- B.A. in Psychology from Biola University
- Holly has two dogs Gizmo and Barkley and lives in San Clemente where she enjoys having a great meal with her friends and family.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Gregory Tsujimoto
Manager
Manager
- Performs custom consulting market research
- Expert in field research, detailed analysis
- Homebuilder experience, including internet marketing, land acquisitions and sales for Centex and Lennar
- B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino
- Greg enjoys an active lifestyle of muay thai kickboxing, golf and camping.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Sean Fergus
Manager
Manager
- Provides detailed housing industry data analysis for homebuilder and developer clients
- Expert in economic modeling and financial analysis
- Experience in land-secured public financing districts and development analysis
- Former Senior Associate with Development Planning and Financing Group
- B.A. in Economics from the University of California, San Diego
- M.A. in Economics from California State University, Long Beach
- In his free time, Sean enjoys swimming, strength training, and improving his golf game.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Kristen Hessinger
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
- Manages, implements and integrates all marketing efforts for the company
- Previous experience in the engineering and media industries
- B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from the Pennsylvania State University
- She enjoys playing the piano and trumpet, attending Penn State football games, and celebrating Joe Paterno
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Erik Franks
Senior Research Analyst
Senior Research Analyst
- Provides national and local housing industry data analysis
- Previous experience in mortgage lending and home improvement operations
- B.S. in Business Administration and Communications from the University of California, Davis
- Erik enjoys traveling, photography and competes in Ironman triathlons.
- Based in the Sacramento, CA office
Shaun McCutcheon
Senior Consultant
Senior Consultant
- 10+ years experience in Real Estate Market Research, Analysis and Consulting
- Residential, multifamily, and commercial market expertise with a concentration in the Southwest US and resort markets in Mexico
- Experience as an instructor of real estate finance at New School of Architecture
- B.A. from University of California, San Diego, in Economics, Urban Studies and Planning
- Enjoys backpacking, sustainable/adventure travel and traveling abroad
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Kathleen Ripley
Consultant
Consultant
- Experienced residential and commercial market analyst assisting in custom consulting assignments
- Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Southern California
- B.S. in Policy, Management and Planning with an emphasis in real estate development from the University of Southern California
- Kathleen loves to travel and has participated in tourism development case studies in Costa Rica and Brazil
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Raina Hemraj
Information Associate
Information Associate
- Produces data and financial analysis reports for clients
- Former research analyst for an appraisal company
- B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California, Riverside
- More personally, she enjoys music, working out and spending time with her family.
- Based in the Sacramento, CA office
Kathy Ayuyao
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
- Assists with the daily operations of the Irvine office and provides support in customer service, office administration and special projects.
- B.A. in Public Administration from the University of Southern California
- Kathy enjoys reading and cooking.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Bojana Sandic
Intern
Intern
- Supports business development, marketing and communication efforts and special projects
- Conducts research and writing for company newsletters
- Recent graduate of UCI with B.A.'s in Literary Journalism and Psychology and Social Behavior
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Don Walker
President
President
- Expert in home building financials & valuation, land development and commercial construction
- Leads portfolio and valuations assignments
- Leads REO/Rental Market Analysis
- 12 years of homebuilder and 8 years of consulting experience
- Former President of 2,000 homes/year builder
- B.S. in Finance/Real Estate from San Diego State University
- Former member of San Diego State’s Real Estate Advisory Board
- Don enjoys surfing, fly fishing and competes in Ironman marathon races.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Mollie Carmichael
Principal
Principal
- Expert in strategic planning, acquisition, due diligence, competitive and consumer research, sales and marketing strategies, home design, community development, and tactical media planning
- Manages consulting assignments all over the country
- 22+ years of homebuilder/developer experience
- Former VP of Sales and Marketing for Lennar, VP of Strategic Marketing for Centex Homes, Regional VP of Strategic Marketing for Pulte Homes / Del Webb, and VP of Residential Product Planning for The Irvine Company
- Mollie is an avid runner and enjoys art.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
- Read Mollie's Blog
Lisa Marquis
Jackson
Senior Vice
President
Jackson
Senior Vice
President
- Leads the firm’s strategic research and business development initiatives
- Research emphasis on government and mortgage issues
- Spent 18 years as an award-winning journalist focused primarily on housing
- B.S. in Mass Communications from Illinois State University
- In her spare time, you’ll find Lisa tending to her budding Urban Farm. (Fresh eggs, anyone?)
- Based in the Irving, TX office
- Read Lisa's Blog
Peter Dennehy
Senior Vice
President
Senior Vice
President
- Expert in strategic planning, competitive research, sales and marketing strategies
- 22 years of research experience with real estate development
- Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego's School of Law
- B.A. in Government/Public Policy from Pomona College
- Peter Dennehy lives in a 1920’s historic home in the City of San Diego and is actively involved in groups working to improve San Diego’s historic neighborhoods.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Ken Perlman
Vice President
Vice President
- Manages residential and commercial real estate consulting assignments across the country
- More than 15 years experience in real estate and economic research
- Former Residential Land Broker
- MBA from University of San Diego
- B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning from UC San Diego
- Ken lives in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy. He is an avid sports fan and a Chargers season ticket holder.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Jody Kahn
Vice President
Vice President
- Monitors housing markets nationwide
- Responsible for monthly survey of over 225 home building executives rating conditions at 2,000+ communities nationwide
- Provides clients with real-time traffic, sales and pricing updates
- Conducts our quarterly land survey
- 18 years experience in investment banking and more than 85 completed builder M&As
- Former Vice President for an investment bank, Loan Analyst for a pension fund, and Director of Information Services for a real estate publishing company
- B.S. degree in Economics from the University of Houston
- Based in the New England office
- Read Jody's blog
Adam McAbee
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
- Manages residential and commercial real estate consulting assignments across the country and Latin America with a specific expertise in resort/2nd home communities
- Over 17 years of experience in feasibility, supply and demand analysis and product development experience
- B.A. in Real Estate Studies from San Diego State University
- Adam lives in Carlsbad, where he enjoys spending time with the family, having back-yard barbeques and going to the movies.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
- Read Adam's Blog
Chris Porter
Manager
Manager
- Manages special projects and conducts custom consulting studies
- Expert in market analysis, economics and investment consulting
- Former analyst at Rogerscasey, an investment consulting firm
- Managed the content of a leading housing industry website
- B.A. in Economics from Princeton University
- M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University
- A Midwest transplant, Chris is learning to surf.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
- Read Chris' Blog
J.T. Schwartz
Manager
Manager
- 9+ years of real estate experience with a focus in custom consulting assignments
- B.S. from Pennsylvania State University
- Law degree from The Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University
- JT lives in Solana Beach and enjoys going to see live music and movies.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Kellie Sanchez
Database Coordinator/Manager
Database Coordinator/Manager
- Manages and maintains the firm’s extensive data warehouse
- Expert database programmer consultant
- Oracle and Microsoft certified
- Kellie enjoys spending time creating artwork in various mediums, particularly ceramic and glass.
- Based in the Sacramento, CA office
Adam Artunian
Senior Research Analyst
Senior Research Analyst
- Provides detailed housing industry data analysis for institutional investor and financial clients
- Expert in market research and financial analysis
- Former Financial and Research Analyst at GVA Kidder Mathews and Steadfast Companies
- B.S. in Finance from Santa Clara University
- Outside the office, Adam enjoys reading, and playing tennis
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Rick Palacios Jr.
Senior Research Analyst
Senior Research Analyst
- Provides regional and metro-level analysis of housing industry data for retainer clients
- Expert in macroeconomic and financial markets research
- Former Economic Research Analyst at the Milken Institute and Senior Analyst at McGladrey Capital Markets
- B.A. from the University of California, Irvine
- M.S. in Real Estate Economics and Finance from the London School of Economics
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Michelle Sklaver
Senior Research Analyst
Senior Research Analyst
- Provides actionable housing industry insight and analysis for institutional investor and financial clients
- Expert in market research and economic forecasting
- B.A. from the University of Southern California
- In her free time, Michelle enjoys cycling at the gym and being outside in the sunny Southern Calif. weather
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Cynthia Laguna
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
- Manages accounting and company financials
- Former Director of Professional Development for the Latino Business Student Association
- B.A. in Sociology and International Studies from the University of California, Irvine
- In her personal time, Cynthia enjoys dancing and spending time with her family.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office
Lisa Wells
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
- Manages the daily operations at San Diego, CA office
- Has been Tim Sullivan's assistant for 24 years, starting with KPMG Peat Marwick in 1988
- Lisa enjoys traveling, boating and four-wheeling.
- Based in the San Diego, CA office
Claire Riley
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
- Assists with customer service, office administration and special projects.
- Homebuilder experience in advertising, marketing, and sales for Lennar
- B.A. in Theater from the University of Southern California
- Claire enjoys vacations, trying new restaurants and sleeping in.
- Based in the Irvine, CA office