Speakers for the 2024 High Desert Real Estate Symposium
Keynote Speaker
Dan Spiegel | Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Commercial Worldwide
Dan Spiegel leads the CBC network of over 2,000 commercial real estate professionals in markets large and small in North America and around the world. Spiegel oversees the business strategy with the intent to build the strongest network of commercial agents who are leaders in the industry and their communities. Dan previously served in leadership roles at two publicly traded real estate firms as EVP, Operations for Colliers International in the U.S. and in a similar role at Grubb & Ellis Company. Dan is passionate about helping people reach new levels of success as well as the intersection of technology and real estate.
Dan Spiegel leads the CBC network of over 2,000 commercial real estate professionals in markets large and small in North America and around the world. Spiegel oversees the business strategy with the intent to build the strongest network of commercial agents who are leaders in the industry and their communities. Dan previously served in leadership roles at two publicly traded real estate firms as EVP, Operations for Colliers International in the U.S. and in a similar role at Grubb & Ellis Company. Dan is passionate about helping people reach new levels of success as well as the intersection of technology and real estate.
Economic Review and Forecast
Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D. | Beacon Economics, LLC's Founding Partner
Christopher Thornberg is the Founding Partner of Beacon Economics LLC.
Dr. Christopher Thornberg has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite thing to be called is correct. He founded Beacon Economics in 2007 and the firm quickly made a name for itself as the only major forecast on the West Coast to correctly predict the collapse of the sub-prime real estate bubble and the global recession that followed. More correct calls followed, including predicting the rapid V shaped recovery from the pandemic and the subsequent surge in inflation. Under Dr. Thornberg’s leadership, Beacon Economics has become one of the most respected research organizations in California producing economic forecasts, impact analyses, policy studies, and regional economic analysis for private industry, public agencies, and nonprofits.
With a career rooted in academia, Dr. Thornberg holds a Ph.D. in Business Economics from the Anderson School at UCLA, where he later taught in the MBA program and served as a senior economist with the Anderson Forecast. As a thought-leader and dynamic public speaker, Dr. Thornberg speaks in front of tens of thousands of people every year, urging audiences to ask the right economic questions before accepting pervasive social and political narratives.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Christopher Thornberg.
Christopher Thornberg is the Founding Partner of Beacon Economics LLC.
Dr. Christopher Thornberg has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite thing to be called is correct. He founded Beacon Economics in 2007 and the firm quickly made a name for itself as the only major forecast on the West Coast to correctly predict the collapse of the sub-prime real estate bubble and the global recession that followed. More correct calls followed, including predicting the rapid V shaped recovery from the pandemic and the subsequent surge in inflation. Under Dr. Thornberg’s leadership, Beacon Economics has become one of the most respected research organizations in California producing economic forecasts, impact analyses, policy studies, and regional economic analysis for private industry, public agencies, and nonprofits.
With a career rooted in academia, Dr. Thornberg holds a Ph.D. in Business Economics from the Anderson School at UCLA, where he later taught in the MBA program and served as a senior economist with the Anderson Forecast. As a thought-leader and dynamic public speaker, Dr. Thornberg speaks in front of tens of thousands of people every year, urging audiences to ask the right economic questions before accepting pervasive social and political narratives.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Christopher Thornberg.
County Vision 2024
Lena Kent | BNSF
Executive Director Public Affairs – BNSF discussing the Barstow International Gateway, state of the art $1.5 Billion master planned integrated rail facility in Barstow to increase supply chain efficiency nationwide
Executive Director Public Affairs – BNSF discussing the Barstow International Gateway, state of the art $1.5 Billion master planned integrated rail facility in Barstow to increase supply chain efficiency nationwide
John Ohanian | General Manager of Silverwood Master Plan
John Ohanian is an investor and operator of real estate projects across the United States. John began his career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co. as a CPA. He became involved in real estate development projects with several of his clients and transitioned to becoming a full time real estate developer. In the course of his career, he has developed office buildings, industrial buildings, over 4,000 residential units, over 175 restaurants and over 15 master planned communities. These master planned communities have included over 50 golf courses and well over 60,000 residential units.
John Ohanian is an investor and operator of real estate projects across the United States. John began his career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co. as a CPA. He became involved in real estate development projects with several of his clients and transitioned to becoming a full time real estate developer. In the course of his career, he has developed office buildings, industrial buildings, over 4,000 residential units, over 175 restaurants and over 15 master planned communities. These master planned communities have included over 50 golf courses and well over 60,000 residential units.
Randall Lewis | Executive Vice President and a Principal of Lewis Operating Corp.
Randall Lewis is Executive Vice President and a Principal of Lewis Operating Corp., a member of the Lewis Group of Companies. Lewis Group is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations focused on developing planned communities, multifamily projects and shopping centers throughout California and Nevada. The Lewis Group of Companies is currently involved in developing more than a dozen master planned communities that will include over 60,000 homes at build out.
Randall Lewis is Executive Vice President and a Principal of Lewis Operating Corp., a member of the Lewis Group of Companies. Lewis Group is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations focused on developing planned communities, multifamily projects and shopping centers throughout California and Nevada. The Lewis Group of Companies is currently involved in developing more than a dozen master planned communities that will include over 60,000 homes at build out.
Dana Whitmer | Partner & Chief Development Officer of Covington Group, Inc.
Mr. Whitmer is responsible for all aspects of shepherding Covington’s projects through the development process. Prior to joining Covington, his career has been centered around the development of industrial business parks in Southern California. He has extensive experience navigating projects through complex entitlement efforts and has successfully managed the design and construction of over 8MM SF of industrial buildings. Mr. Whitmer obtained an MBA from The University of North Carolina and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Before beginning his career in real estate, Mr. Whitmer served for four years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Mr. Whitmer is responsible for all aspects of shepherding Covington’s projects through the development process. Prior to joining Covington, his career has been centered around the development of industrial business parks in Southern California. He has extensive experience navigating projects through complex entitlement efforts and has successfully managed the design and construction of over 8MM SF of industrial buildings. Mr. Whitmer obtained an MBA from The University of North Carolina and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Before beginning his career in real estate, Mr. Whitmer served for four years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Robert A. Lovingood | ICR Staffing - Retired 1st District Supervisor
In 1989, Robert founded Hi Desert Personnel in Victorville, CA. He focused on growing this company and establishing business relationships in Southern California. In 1996, the business was purchased by Comarco, Inc, a publicly traded company. Robert remained on their Board of Directors for 4 years. Later, Robert founded an engineering contract and recruitment service, Industrial Commodity Recruiters (ICR) and one of the first websites focused on interactive job postings, DegreedJobs.com. In 2004, ICR added temporary staffing services, based on the needs in the growing region. In 2012, Robert was elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to represent the First District. He served two terms and held the office of Chair of the Board of Supervisors for two years.
In 1989, Robert founded Hi Desert Personnel in Victorville, CA. He focused on growing this company and establishing business relationships in Southern California. In 1996, the business was purchased by Comarco, Inc, a publicly traded company. Robert remained on their Board of Directors for 4 years. Later, Robert founded an engineering contract and recruitment service, Industrial Commodity Recruiters (ICR) and one of the first websites focused on interactive job postings, DegreedJobs.com. In 2004, ICR added temporary staffing services, based on the needs in the growing region. In 2012, Robert was elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to represent the First District. He served two terms and held the office of Chair of the Board of Supervisors for two years.
Mayor Panel
Gabriel Reyes | Mayor of Adelanto
Gabriel Reyes was elected as Mayor of Adelanto in 2018, the youngest mayor in its history and the fourth youngest mayor in the entire nation. Gabriel is a visionary with big dreams for the town he was raised in and the drive and ambition to make these dreams a reality.
Gabriel Reyes was elected as Mayor of Adelanto in 2018, the youngest mayor in its history and the fourth youngest mayor in the entire nation. Gabriel is a visionary with big dreams for the town he was raised in and the drive and ambition to make these dreams a reality.
Scott Nassif | Mayor of Apple Valley
Scott Nassif, Council Member for the Town of Apple Valley, holds the record for the longest serving Council Member in the history of the community. Currently serving his fifth term, Scott believes his experience and commitment to Apple Valley is what has allowed him to be a robust activist for the community that he has called home for over 60 years. Residents recognize him as a public official of the highest character and ethics, one who works without expectation of public notice and serves without the need for acknowledgement and credit.
Scott Nassif, Council Member for the Town of Apple Valley, holds the record for the longest serving Council Member in the history of the community. Currently serving his fifth term, Scott believes his experience and commitment to Apple Valley is what has allowed him to be a robust activist for the community that he has called home for over 60 years. Residents recognize him as a public official of the highest character and ethics, one who works without expectation of public notice and serves without the need for acknowledgement and credit.
Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney | Mayor of Barstow
Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney was elected as Mayor of Barstow in November 2020. He holds the distinction of being the first African-American to hold the City’s top elected position. He previously served on the board of the Barstow Fire Protection District from 2005-2010. He also served as Sheriff's Council member to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Rod Hoops and John McMahon and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Inmate Welfare Committee Member. He was also an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Reserve Officer and a City of Seal Beach Police Officer.
Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney was elected as Mayor of Barstow in November 2020. He holds the distinction of being the first African-American to hold the City’s top elected position. He previously served on the board of the Barstow Fire Protection District from 2005-2010. He also served as Sheriff's Council member to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Rod Hoops and John McMahon and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Inmate Welfare Committee Member. He was also an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Reserve Officer and a City of Seal Beach Police Officer.
Rebekah Swanson | Mayor Pro Tem of Hesperia
Swanson first ran for and won a seat on the Hesperia Recreation and Park District in 2006. She was reelected and then ran for an open City Council seat in 2016. In 1985, she was hired as a teacher by the Hesperia Unified School District. Swanson earned an associate's degree from Grossmont Community College, a bachelor's degree from Point Loma College and a master's from Point Loma Nazarene University.
Swanson first ran for and won a seat on the Hesperia Recreation and Park District in 2006. She was reelected and then ran for an open City Council seat in 2016. In 1985, she was hired as a teacher by the Hesperia Unified School District. Swanson earned an associate's degree from Grossmont Community College, a bachelor's degree from Point Loma College and a master's from Point Loma Nazarene University.
Elizabeth 'Liz' Becerra | Mayor of Victorville
Elizabeth, ‘Liz’, Becerra is a lifelong resident of the City of Victorville with more than 34 years of experience in municipal government. Her areas of expertise are public works, traffic control, and infrastructure management and maintenance. Liz began her career with Southwest Portland Cement, now Cemex, at the age of 18. In 1985, she joined the City of Victorville as a public works laborer and progressed to the rank of supervisor prior to her retirement in 2020. Liz’s love of Victorville and passion for community motivated her to run for Victorville City Council, and she is honored to serve the citizens of Victorville following her election in November 2020.
Elizabeth, ‘Liz’, Becerra is a lifelong resident of the City of Victorville with more than 34 years of experience in municipal government. Her areas of expertise are public works, traffic control, and infrastructure management and maintenance. Liz began her career with Southwest Portland Cement, now Cemex, at the age of 18. In 1985, she joined the City of Victorville as a public works laborer and progressed to the rank of supervisor prior to her retirement in 2020. Liz’s love of Victorville and passion for community motivated her to run for Victorville City Council, and she is honored to serve the citizens of Victorville following her election in November 2020.
Terry Thompson | Director of Real Estate Services Department
Terry Thompson is the Director of Real Estate Services Department for the County of San Bernardino where he is responsible for all commercial real estate initiatives and activities for the County.
Terry Thompson is the Director of Real Estate Services Department for the County of San Bernardino where he is responsible for all commercial real estate initiatives and activities for the County.
Moderator
Jason Lamoreaux | Broker and President, Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Real Estate Solutions
Jason’s passion for business and entrepreneurial spirit started at age fourteen having formed an entertainment company with childhood friends in Barstow, California. By age nineteen, as a college student, Jason purchased his first investment property igniting his enthusiasm for real estate.
Since 1991, Jason and his wife, Chris Lamoreaux, has been involved with several start-ups including building a car rental company into fifteen locations throughout California and Nevada with annual operating revenues of $40M, a portable storage company in British Columbia, Canada with 750 plus containers based in a 62,000 square foot warehouse, and the expansion of his real estate investment and development firm.
Over the years, Jason’s experience with leasing or purchasing over twenty-five locations for his various companies was consistently challenged with a lack of service or responsiveness in the commercial real estate industry. Seeing an opportunity, Jason founded Coldwell Banker Commercial in 2008 committed to delivering the level of service and support he desired as a client. Within its first year, Coldwell Banker Commercial became the High Desert’s largest commercial brokerage and property management firm and has remained the number one firm since.
In 2010, Jason and his wife founded Home Source, a residential real estate firm, which has been affiliated with Coldwell Banker since 2015. Today, Coldwell Banker Home Source is the High Desert’s largest residential real estate firm with seven locations serving Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Jess Ranch, Phelan, Silver Lakes and Victorville, California.
Looking to further build client services, Touchstone Escrow, Inc. was formed in 2018 with the same philosophy of providing an exceptional experience to real estate agents, buyer and sellers.
Jason lives in Apple Valley, California with his wife of thirty-one years, and strongly believes in paying it forward with community involvement. Jason participates as a past president and current member of the Rotary Club of Apple Valley, Victor Valley College Foundation board member, San Bernardino County Tax Appeal board member, Providence St. Mary Medical Center Board of Director , and served as a planning commissioner for the Town of Apple Valley from 2010 through 2019. With the community in mind, Jason and his wife started an annual Coldwell Banker Home Makeover giveaway and Coldwell Banker Pet Adoption drive.
Jason is a frequent public speaker at events throughout the High Desert providing insight to real estate trends and forecasting for the region, as well as publishing the High Desert MarketWatch.
Jason Lamoreaux | Broker and President, Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Real Estate Solutions
Jason’s passion for business and entrepreneurial spirit started at age fourteen having formed an entertainment company with childhood friends in Barstow, California. By age nineteen, as a college student, Jason purchased his first investment property igniting his enthusiasm for real estate.
Since 1991, Jason and his wife, Chris Lamoreaux, has been involved with several start-ups including building a car rental company into fifteen locations throughout California and Nevada with annual operating revenues of $40M, a portable storage company in British Columbia, Canada with 750 plus containers based in a 62,000 square foot warehouse, and the expansion of his real estate investment and development firm.
Over the years, Jason’s experience with leasing or purchasing over twenty-five locations for his various companies was consistently challenged with a lack of service or responsiveness in the commercial real estate industry. Seeing an opportunity, Jason founded Coldwell Banker Commercial in 2008 committed to delivering the level of service and support he desired as a client. Within its first year, Coldwell Banker Commercial became the High Desert’s largest commercial brokerage and property management firm and has remained the number one firm since.
In 2010, Jason and his wife founded Home Source, a residential real estate firm, which has been affiliated with Coldwell Banker since 2015. Today, Coldwell Banker Home Source is the High Desert’s largest residential real estate firm with seven locations serving Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Jess Ranch, Phelan, Silver Lakes and Victorville, California.
Looking to further build client services, Touchstone Escrow, Inc. was formed in 2018 with the same philosophy of providing an exceptional experience to real estate agents, buyer and sellers.
Jason lives in Apple Valley, California with his wife of thirty-one years, and strongly believes in paying it forward with community involvement. Jason participates as a past president and current member of the Rotary Club of Apple Valley, Victor Valley College Foundation board member, San Bernardino County Tax Appeal board member, Providence St. Mary Medical Center Board of Director , and served as a planning commissioner for the Town of Apple Valley from 2010 through 2019. With the community in mind, Jason and his wife started an annual Coldwell Banker Home Makeover giveaway and Coldwell Banker Pet Adoption drive.
Jason is a frequent public speaker at events throughout the High Desert providing insight to real estate trends and forecasting for the region, as well as publishing the High Desert MarketWatch.
State of the High Desert Real Estate Market
Jerrad Schendel | Vice President of Commercial Investments, Coldwell Banker Commercial
Jerrad Schendel started his real estate career after graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2012 with a BSBA in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Jerrad has been around real estate his whole life, his family has over 30 years of real estate brokerage and property management experience throughout Southern California, Utah and Wyoming. Jerrad first began consulting for private equity groups to purchase distressed properties for re-introduction into the market. Prior to his real estate career Jerrad was an Executive Director of a non-profit where he was invited by the Department of Interior to discuss policy for the best use of government land.
Jerrad Schendel started his real estate career after graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2012 with a BSBA in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Jerrad has been around real estate his whole life, his family has over 30 years of real estate brokerage and property management experience throughout Southern California, Utah and Wyoming. Jerrad first began consulting for private equity groups to purchase distressed properties for re-introduction into the market. Prior to his real estate career Jerrad was an Executive Director of a non-profit where he was invited by the Department of Interior to discuss policy for the best use of government land.
Bob Basen | Executive Vice President, Coldwell Banker Commercial
As a Coldwell Banker Commercial Vice President, Bob Basen specializes in Industrial and Multi Family sales and site selection. Basen obtained his real estate license in 1975, became a licensed General Building Contractor in 1976 and is a Licensed General Engineering Contractor. Basen has 35 years experience of selling and developing Multi Family Housing. Basen was recently ranked number one Multi Family agent in the High Desert.
As a Coldwell Banker Commercial Vice President, Bob Basen specializes in Industrial and Multi Family sales and site selection. Basen obtained his real estate license in 1975, became a licensed General Building Contractor in 1976 and is a Licensed General Engineering Contractor. Basen has 35 years experience of selling and developing Multi Family Housing. Basen was recently ranked number one Multi Family agent in the High Desert.
State & Regional Housing Market Historical Review and Forecast
Chris Lamoreaux | Broker and Owner, Coldwell Banker Home Source
Broker/Owner Chris Lamoreaux started Coldwell Banker Home Source nearly a decade ago with her husband, Jason Lamoreaux. Today, Coldwell Banker Home Source has grown to 7 locations throughout the High Desert with over 180 agents and employees. With over $579 million in sales, Coldwell Banker Home Source is the number one High Desert residential real estate company in both sales and transactional volume. They attribute the success to an energetic culture with an extremely capable, experienced and customer service-oriented team.
Her strategic decision-making and Business Administration Marketing degree combined with her 31+ years of experience in executive management is what has allowed Chris to be successful in her role of overseeing the operations of various start-ups owned by her and her husband, including the most recent start-up, Touchstone Escrow, Inc. in 2018.
Chris lives with her husband of 32 years in Apple Valley, CA and is an active contributor to the community. She participates as a Board of Director of the Police Activities League Apple Valley, High Desert Association Realtor Board of Director and a member of the Business Council for the High Desert Greater Chamber, along with various other community organizations. She and her businesses have been distinguished by multiple awards such as the 2016 Today’s Women Foundation - Women of Excellence, the 2019 Assemblyman Obernolte’s Business of the Month, the 2013 U.S. Congressman Cook’s Women of Distinction, the 2012 Hispanic Chamber Small Business of the Year, the 2019 Victor Valley Chamber Large Business of the Year and more.
Broker/Owner Chris Lamoreaux started Coldwell Banker Home Source nearly a decade ago with her husband, Jason Lamoreaux. Today, Coldwell Banker Home Source has grown to 7 locations throughout the High Desert with over 180 agents and employees. With over $579 million in sales, Coldwell Banker Home Source is the number one High Desert residential real estate company in both sales and transactional volume. They attribute the success to an energetic culture with an extremely capable, experienced and customer service-oriented team.
Her strategic decision-making and Business Administration Marketing degree combined with her 31+ years of experience in executive management is what has allowed Chris to be successful in her role of overseeing the operations of various start-ups owned by her and her husband, including the most recent start-up, Touchstone Escrow, Inc. in 2018.
Chris lives with her husband of 32 years in Apple Valley, CA and is an active contributor to the community. She participates as a Board of Director of the Police Activities League Apple Valley, High Desert Association Realtor Board of Director and a member of the Business Council for the High Desert Greater Chamber, along with various other community organizations. She and her businesses have been distinguished by multiple awards such as the 2016 Today’s Women Foundation - Women of Excellence, the 2019 Assemblyman Obernolte’s Business of the Month, the 2013 U.S. Congressman Cook’s Women of Distinction, the 2012 Hispanic Chamber Small Business of the Year, the 2019 Victor Valley Chamber Large Business of the Year and more.