Our Team
Yanki Greenspan
President
As President of Westland Real Estate Group, Yanki oversees the company’s diverse real estate portfolio including retail, multi-family residential, manufactured homes, and industrial properties. Under his leadership, the company has more than tripled its Multi-Family holdings, expanded into the Las Vegas residential market, and brought the company’s total MF holdings to over 10,000 doors. Through personal oversight of a strong management team, Yanki has successfully identified and invested in underperforming properties and maximized their value. The grandson of founder Allen Alevy, Yanki followed the family tradition of working at Westland from the bottom up. With a desire to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, he interned through his college years and joined the company as a leasing agent. With years of mentorship from Mr. Alevy, he advanced to company president and continues Westland’s success and growth. Yanki volunteers his time and shares his extensive real estate expertise as Chairman of the Board for the City of Long Beach’s Uptown PBID. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Sy Syms School of Business. A husband and parent to five children, Yanki enjoys spending his Sundays at the beach with his family.
Most likely to say: “Family means the people you can lean on.”
Shimon Greenspan
Chief Financial Officer
Shimon Greenspan, Chief Financial Officer for Westland Real Estate Group, has been with the company since 2014 and oversees liquidity management, investments, and market securities. He supervises the accounting and legal department and spearheads the company’s financial strategies. Monitoring financial matters, Shimon oversees accounting and financial reporting, as well as planning and analysis for the organization’s business entities and property portfolio. He holds an MBA specializing in finance from UCLA Anderson. Shimon enjoys taking his family on camping trips.
Most Likely to Say: “Do a lot, say a little.”
Shani Nowlin
CTO
It’s my job to make sure that technology at Westland gets utilized to its best potential by introducing it into operational efficiencies. Whether that’s making data visible to executives so they can make the best decisions, building out user-friendly software for field employees or ensuring that team members have the best hardware to do their jobs. It’s my job to make sure technology is seamlessly integrated into their workflows.
Most likely to say: “Be positive. Complaining doesn’t get the job done.”
Steven Alevy
Chief Investment Officer
As the Chief Investment Officer, Steven is responsible for finding new properties to join the Westland Family. His position is served by his ability to create great working relationships with brokers and a keen eye for recognizing the real estate upside for potential acquisitions. As a senior team member, Steven takes responsibility for “protecting the old and securing the new” which means he imparts his wisdom and knowledge to the younger team members.
Most Likely to Say: “Do your best.”
Ruth Garcia
Residential Asset Manager
Ruth Garcia is the Residential Asset Manager. She oversees Westland’s large Las Vegas portfolio of Multi-Family Residences and is responsible for a wide array of matters including implementing corporate strategy, goals and profitability benchmarks for each property. Having worked at Westland for over 30 years, she is a pillar of the company and has managed the residential properties since 2000. Her vast knowledge and experience in real estate allows Ruth to effectively audit potential acquisitions to ensure a clean transition and effective strategy for maximizing the asset’s value.
Most likely to say: “Don't give your purse to your vendors.”
Veronica Navarro
California Asset Manager
Veronica is the California Regional Manager overseeing Westland’s portfolio of Multi-Family Residential in the Golden State. She originally joined the company over 12 years ago as a clerk and worked her way up to managing and operating 2000 units. Having worked her way to department head, Veronica is able to lead her team with insight into each position. With an eye on the bigger picture, she tackles challenges with determination. Veronica is ever-ready to implement new processes that encourage company efficiency and growth. Veronica loves family board game night with her children and taking part in school trips.
Most Likely to Say: “Put yourself in the customer's shoes.”
Rick Bloom
Director of Manufactured Home Sales and Acquisitions
As the Manufactured Housing Communities Asset Manager Rick Bloom oversees all of the Westland Mobile Home Parks throughout Southern California and Texas. Rick supervises the sales, leasing, financing, and acquisitions of manufactured homes as well as the management of the communities. He has worked at Westland for over thirty years initially starting as a leasing agent. His practical knowledge and experience allows him to anticipate the needs of the communities and increase the value of the properties. With first class interpersonal skills, Rick is able to communicate with his remote team and ensure great tenant relations. Outside of his career, Rick is an avid artist as well as a performing magician and member of the Magic Castle.
David Kracoff
Commercial Asset Manager
As Commercial Asset Manager David Kracoff oversees the 1.4 million square feet of retail and industrial space. In his role he manages leasing, maintenance, and rehab to the commercial spaces. David applies his almost 30 years experience to ensure the division runs optimally. He was integral in laying down a stable foundation that rides through economic cycles and allows the company to expand. He uses his expert knowledge to ensure leasing agreements work for the tenant and Westland. David attributes the company’s growth to the key team members ability to bounce ideas off of each other. David is a family man and enjoys rooting for the Boston sports teams, where he is originally from.
Most likely to Say: “Problems are opportunities.”
Bashir Eustache
Legal Counsel
As Legal Counsel Bashir Eustache advises Westland on compliance, risk management, and employment law. He also handles litigation matters on behalf of the company. Bashir graduated from Duke School of Law in 2003 and has been a part of the Westland team since 2014. To effectively advise all departments on legal matters, he keeps abreast of new laws and regulations. Bashir serves as a legal resource and supports the business by ensuring the company mitigates risk. On a personal level, Bashir enjoys cooking, outdoorsmanship and exercise with his wife.
Most Likely to Say: “There's always a practical solution.”
John Hofsaess
Legal Counsel
John Hofsaess provides legal counsel to all of Westland’s divisions. His duties include conducting litigation, educating divisions on company policies and legal compliance, and engaging in contract negotiations. John has 15 years experience as an acting attorney and has worked at Westland for over 10 years. In his time at the company, he has drafted and negotiated contracts, forms, and legal documents to help standardize agreements and simplify Westland’s processes. As part of the in-house legal team he oversees state and federal litigation matters in California, and coordinates litigation with outside counsel in Nevada. Through his policy work the company has been able to avoid risk and continually enhance operational efficiency. In his spare time, John likes to get his hands dirty with home renovation projects.
Most Likely to Say: “Document clearly and accurately.”
Manny BukIet
Commercial Leasing Manager
Manny Bukiet, Commercial Leasing Manager, oversees an extensive portfolio of retail and industrial units covering over 1.4 million square feet. Under his management, occupancy and lease renewals throughout the commercial portfolio has steadily increased with a reduction in tenant turnover. Manny has managed the development and leasing of new commercial properties. With over eleven years experience as the Commercial Leasing Manager, he is able to anticipate tenants needs, which allows their business to thrive in a personalized space. As a testament to the department, many retail tenants have decided to expand and lease more Westland properties. Manny is married with two children and enjoys doing little league baseball with his sons. In his spare time, he is a volunteer EMT.
Most likely to say: “We’ll find a way.”
Maritza Martinez
Purchasing & Operations Director
Maritza Martinez is the Purchasing & Operations Director. Her department oversees maintenance operations and provides all divisions with materials and supplies. As well as hiring staff and vendors who are knowledgeable and skilled in maintenance, she prides herself on putting together a first class team who value our customers, their safety, and can offer quality assurance. With over 14,000 units across all divisions, the department completes an average of 250 work orders a day. As the company portfolio has grown, Maritza has spearheaded efforts to modernize the department’s workflow, transitioning all staff to a digital workflow, and increasing efficiency. Thanks to Maritza’s department, Westland can provide renovated units that push the community to the next level and make the properties stand out. A mother to two children, Maritza and her husband spend their free time at the children’s sports games.
Most likely to say: “Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.”
Dena Lerner
Director of Marketing
As the Director of Marketing, Dena oversees marketing and brand management across all departments. Through analysis and optimization, Dena and her team create marketing materials and procedures with a focus on lead generation. Dena inspects and adapts marketing strategies to ensure her department maximizes engagement. With a focus on the customer experience, she oversees all interactions with prospects and residents to ensure they are satisfied. Dena will regularly hone marketing procedures to drive leads and raise brand awareness. With over ten years experience in the marketing field, Dena has a deep understanding of the market and how to maximize presence, improve brand recognition, and drive sales.
Most likely to say: “We all have to sparkle.”
Marilu Garcia
Treasurer
As Treasurer Marilu Garcia supervises the Human Resources and Accounts Payable departments and oversees the financial administration of the organization. Her team is responsible for cash flow and finance management. Marilu has 8 years experience as the Treasurer and has worked at Westland since 1991. Having worked her way through the ranks, Marilu is able to lead her team with experience in every facet of the department. Over the years Marilu has been instrumental in updating department practices such as payroll systems, going digital, implementing policy changes, and starting the company’s 401K. Marilu enjoys family gatherings, movies and reading.
Most Likely to say: “We work as a team.”
FRANCES JONES
Human Resources Manager
Frances joined the Westland team in 2018. Frances has over 15 years of diverse Human Resources experience and is a subject matter expert in the areas of HR Compliance and best practices, Human Resources Policy and Procedure Development, Risk Management, Employee Safety, and Workers Compensation Claims Management. Frances has a combined 7 years of experience in Human Resources in the Multi-Family Property Management industry. Frances focuses on understanding the operations of the business in order to work collaboratively with Management and Team Members. In her free time, Frances can be found in the garage building something out of lumber or refinishing an old piece of furniture.
Most likely to say: “Let me document this”