Meet Our Team

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Get to know us.

When you work with The Haven Group you get more than individual passions; you get that rare dynamic of complementary skills coming together to raise the bar in client service. Working together, we provide a safe, calm, yet highly innovative port in the storm of real estate activity.

From inside knowledge to outside vendors, we offer the kind of advice that makes the difference between good and AMAZING.

John Solaegui, MBA

DRE 01398160

Founder

“Hold fast to dreams. For if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

What Brought Me to Real Estate

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a CPA credential, I held various positions in consulting and financial analysis in Silicon Valley. Making the leap to San Francisco, I worked in project management and service integration for a leading financial services firm. While earning an MBA at UC Berkeley, I purchased a ramshackle “fixer upper” and transformed it into a stunning Pacific Heights Victorian. Realizing then that real estate was my calling because it utilized all my talents in analysis, project management, collaboration and problem-solving, I began my career in residential real estate and have never looked back!

#ItStartsWithADream
#TheComposer

What brought you to San Francisco?

I first came here during college to attend a basketball game at USF, I fell in love with the City and I vowed that I would live here.

Where is your favorite place to experience the outdoors in San Francisco?

The loop from my house through the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge, back through Crissy Field past the Palace of Fine Arts and up to Pacific Heights.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Energetic, Resourceful, Tenacious

Outside of real estate, what are your hobbies?

Reading, Journaling, Writing, Dining Out, Watching Movies, Attending Live Concerts & Theatre, Working Out, Meditation

What is your favorite charity?

Compass Family Services because helping to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in families is one of our biggest challenges.

If you had to pick a Theme Song, what would it be?

Seasons of Love, by Jonathan Larson

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

A 10-minute nap

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Manhattan

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?

Completing a gut renovation of my home during COVID.


George Whitney

DRE 00625357

Sales Team Leader

“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something and it seemed obvious to them after a while.”

I thrive in the excitement of creating something new. This often manifests in developing novel solutions to clients’ problems. To me, the process of problem-solving is as rewarding as the end result. I am always eager to work late into the night chasing a new idea. I am passionate about absorbing as much of the information around me as possible. Every day represents an incredible opportunity to learn, develop and try something new.

#Creativity=Connecting
#ChasingNewIdeas

What brought you to San Francisco?

Born and raised!

What is your favorite restaurant or diner?

El Toreador on West Portal Ave

Where is your favorite place to take a walk or experience the Outdoors?

Golden Gate Park

Where is your favorite place to experience the Arts?

The Fillmore

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Creative, funny and restless

Outside of Real Estate, what do you like to do?

I play soccer and basketball, I am a passionate chef and I am obsessed with fast cars. I also love pets.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

My favorite way to unwind is actually intense competitive sports. All anxieties and stress from the day disappear when I engage in physical competition. I find the focus mentally relaxing.

What would you consider to be a perfect day?

Driving Hwy 1 as fast as I want with the top down and zero traffic. My wife is in the passenger seat and we have friends waiting for us when we arrive.

Do you have a favorite charity and why?

American Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s is a deeply tragic condition that affects so many more people than those diagnosed with the disease. Amazing scientific breakthroughs have been developed lately to both treat and prevent the condition.


Lance Bullerwell

DRE 02043410

Sales Associate

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Talking real estate is always fun when I’m in the mix. I strive to give the insider perception and take pride in always being transparent. Every engagement is not just about making another deal but finding what is best for each client. I advocate for my clients and keep them well informed throughout every step of the home buying or selling process. I am here to build a community and long lasting relationships. Let’s get a beverage and chat!

#Transparencyiskey
#striveforexcellence

What brought you to San Francisco?

Opportunity! I am from Humboldt county, which is a smaller community. A great place to grow up, but I always knew I wanted more for my professional career.

What is your favorite restaurant or diner?

This is always changing for me but for right now it would have to be either Trattoria Contadina (Italian) on Union and Mason or Hinodeya (ramen) on Buchanan and Sutter. I fully recommend them!

Where is your favorite place to take a walk or experience the Outdoors?

I love Trinity! It is located near Redding CA. There are lots of things ranging from boating on the lake to backpacking in the alps.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Energetic, silly, and genuine.

Outside of Real Estate, what do you like to do?

Working out, exploring new areas/traveling, meeting new people, and playing any sport. I love to get competitive from time to time!

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

I usually workout after work and then get cozy and watch an NBA game or perhaps play a video game.

What would you consider to be a perfect day?

A perfect day would be surrounded with friends, family, and a lot of food. The weather would be sunny and 80 degrees. Everyone would be close to a body of water to enjoy and swim in.


Casey Cowell

DRE 01248928

Sales Associate

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

My career began in the fitness industry after attending college at Cal Poly and I was lucky enough to build a thriving and loyal clientele here in San Francisco for over 20 years. When the opportunity presented itself for me to pursue my dream job in real estate I enthusiastically took it. I am so happy to be in this space, on this great team and I can’t wait to meet you. My clients would tell you I am professional, reliable, knowledgeable and fun. I am detail oriented and goal-focused. While buying and selling a home in San Francisco is serious business, I promise you we will have a blast doing it.

I live in the Marina with my wife, my daughter, and two small dogs. We love exploring the globe but never get tired of this great city and all it has to offer. I am a lover of wine, golf, and the SF Giants.

#letsgogiants
#livingthedreaminsf

What brought you to San Francisco?

I was originally working in the fitness industry and my wife is a hair colorist, so we moved to San Francisco for greater opportunities in our fields.

What is your favorite restaurant or diner?

Without question, House of Prime Rib.

Where is your favorite place to take a walk or experience the Outdoors?

We are lucky to live in the Marina District so we love walking to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.  I also love mountain biking and the Bay Area has great trails nearby.

Where is your favorite place to experience the Arts?

We have so many great venues, but I love a concert at the Greek Theater.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Easy going, positive, competitive

Outside of Real Estate, what do you like to do?

We love to travel, spend time with our family, any water sports, mountain biking, fitness, and golf.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

My wife and I like to be in the kitchen preparing a meal over a glass of wine and discussing our day with our daughter.

What is Your Favorite Vacation or relaxation spot?

Anywhere with a beach or a pool, but we spend a lot of time in Mexico.

What would you consider to be a perfect day?

Spending time with our families on a beach in Mexico.

Do you have a favorite charity and why?

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society which sets out to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.


Hernando Quintero

DRE 02131765

Sales Associate

“What you seek, is also seeking you”

I was born in Cartagena, Colombia and moved to the United States right before 9/11 to finish high school. During college, I lived, and played college soccer in Atlanta, GA. I moved to the Bay area in 2013 to explore opportunities. After a short time working for tech companies, I was hired to manage a portfolio of properties for a family office across California, Montana, and Hawaii. This job inspired me to start investing in my own short term rentals, and eventually getting my real estate license in California. I enjoy a good hike with my wife and dog, listening to music, and working out.

#workhardbekind
#belegendary

What brought you to San Francisco?

Looking for opportunities.

What is your favorite restaurant or diner?

Pizza. Best in San Francisco “il Cassaro” in North Beach.

Where is your favorite place to take a walk or experience the Outdoors?

Presidio Park.

What is your favorite place to experience the Arts or Entertainment?

Golden Gate Park events

What words would your friends use to describe you?

Strong hands, big heart

Outside of Real Estate, what do you like to do?

Cycling, Running.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Listening to a chill playlist while cooking dinner

What is your favorite vacation or relaxation spot?

Hawaii

What would you consider to be a perfect day?

A day when I get to practice some gratitude, exercise, be productive at work, and make a positive impact on the people around me.

Do you have a favorite charity and why?

I volunteer at RefuseSF a non profit that organizes clean ups around the city.


Chris Sanchez

DRE 02118495

Operations Manager

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

Having the opportunity to help clients is a privilege. As a homeowner myself, I know how big a decision it is to buy or sell a home. I feel fortunate to be part of a team like the Haven Group that cares deeply about each client and provides them with the needed support and expertise. For me, happiness comes from doing your best while treating people with respect. When I am not in the office, you can probably find me outdoors enjoying a walk around our beautiful city of San Francisco.

What brought you to San Francisco?

I started to work for some small startups in SOMA so I moved up from the Peninsula.

What is your favorite restaurant or diner?

After a wonderful walk with my dog from North Beach to the Presidio, it is always enjoyable to have a leisurely brunch at Cote Quest. The service and food make it a great experience every time. Around my neighborhood, Mario’s is a great place to admire Washington Square Park, Coit Tower and the energy of North Beach.

Where is your favorite place to take a walk or experience the Outdoors?

Walking my dog to Aquatic Park and continuing through the Marina to the Presidio.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Sincere, Cheerful, Sensitive

Outside of Real Estate, what do you like to do?

I like to walk my dog around town, get some exercise, browse around and eat around my neighborhood.

What is your favorite vacation or relaxation spot?

I like being near the beach or by the water. There is something very soothing about hearing the sound of the waves.

What would you consider to be a perfect day?

Any day where you can wander around a neighborhood or district and grab a sandwich, baguette or snack with friends.

Do you have a favorite charity and why?

Make A Wish is a great charity working with children that have critical illnesses. Making their day better or wish come true is a noble cause.


Contact Us

Contact Us

We’re looking forward to working with you!