Rocco Cortese, CEO/Co-Founder of Intersection, formulates, guides and maintains the company’s strategic plan, which determines its overall direction and profitability.

He has been an active California real estate broker since 1987. His 35 years of experience in the industry have enabled him to navigate through the ever-changing cycles of commercial real estate and establish strong relationships with private and institutional clients.

Rocco’s commitment to continuous improvement has led him to leadership roles in Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), serving in numerous board positions and culminating in his role as President of the San Diego Chapter in the 2021/2022 fiscal year. Today he continues his service sitting on the global leadership committee for EO.

An avid Bay Area sports fan, he’s waiting patiently for another 49er Super Bowl. Rocco is a self-described learning junkie reading books and listening to numerous podcasts about leadership and business strategies. He spends the rest of his time keeping up with his 3 children and donating time as a mentor to young entrepreneurs and college students.

He graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Business Administration.

As President and Co-Founder of Intersection, Mark Hoekstra leads the company in executing its long-term strategy. He formulates short-term plans and manages daily operations. With over 35 years in commercial real estate leadership, Mark has a deep understanding of every aspect of the industry. His strong communication and leadership skills help his team and clients set new standards of excellence within Intersection’s commercial real estate portfolio.

Mark is committed to continuous learning and growth. He is actively involved in several commercial real estate associations and philanthropic initiatives. Mark has served as Past President of both the USD Alumni Association and the Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club. He also serves as a member of USD’s Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate – Commercial Real Estate Committee and is a past director of the San Diego County Commercial Association of Realtors and Center City Advisory Committee (CCAC).

Mark recently earned a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership from the University of San Diego, where he earned undergraduate degree in Business Administration.

Nadir oversees all construction and development activity including both ground-up and adaptive reuse projects for Intersection. His construction management experience includes over 3 million square feet of new ground-up construction, over half a million square feet of tenant improvements, and full redevelopment of both office and hotel properties, primarily in California. His acquisition due-diligence and entitlement experience spans most property types including industrial, commercial, office, multifamily, and hospitality. Nadir’s development experience includes obtaining entitlements at all levels, up to and including full environmental impact reports and parcel map creation.

Jay brings more than 45 years of experience to Intersection’s brokerage division, specializing in commercial brokerage tenant representation and investment sales. His extensive market knowledge enables him to identify sound sales and leasing opportunities that are both value-enhancing and strategic investments. Jay is certified with the prestigious SIOR Designation representing the highest level of knowledge and ethics in the industry. Outside of work, he is an active member of the local Rotary Club and enjoys vacationing abroad.

With over 32 years of experience in the real estate industry, Willie is a seasoned real estate professional with expertise in both residential and commercial sectors. He transitioned to commercial real estate in 1986 and has since been involved in the acquisition, management, operation, and leasing of various properties, including residential, industrial, retail, and Class A office spaces across the U.S.

Currently, Willie serves as the Director at Intersection Utah, overseeing the daily operations of the office. His extensive background in real estate management and leasing enables him to drive success for the team.

Outside of work, Willie is passionate about travel and serves on the board of directors for a non-profit orphanage in Africa, where he helps make a positive impact. He enjoys encouraging others to explore the world and broaden their horizons.

San Diego State University Alumni, Eric Caballero has a combined 15 years in sales and marketing within the specialty wine and spirits industry. Previously, Eric managed on-premise distribution teams for major San Diego restauranteurs to build and scale their businesses. Utilizing his sales experience, Eric transitioned sectors and ventured into commercial real estate. With 5 years in multi-family leasing and experience in managing light industrial and retail, Eric is a versatile asset to Intersection’s brokerage team. Outside of work, Eric is a devoted dad to three children and enjoys coaching their youth baseball and basketball teams.

During his 30-plus-year career, Kyle has completed more than $500 million in real estate sales. He continues to list an extensive portfolio of San Diego commercial properties at Intersection. Kyle engages in all aspects of commercial brokerage at the firm, representing landlords and tenants alike. A prolific sailor, he has participated in yacht races to Mexico, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Great Lakes, and more.

As the longest-standing team member at Intersection, Alma Espejel has been a cornerstone of the company for over 12 years. With a strong foundation in property accounting, Alma’s expertise spans CAM reconciliations, property tax and insurance management, audit preparation, and budgeting support.

Throughout her tenure, Alma has played an integral role in managing day-to-day financial operations across the portfolio. Her deep institutional knowledge of Intersection’s processes, software, and managed properties makes her an invaluable resource in onboarding new projects and team members.

Now serving as Operations Manager for Intersection Facility Services, Alma oversees key operational functions, ensuring seamless coordination between teams. Her responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with field teams and managing scheduling logistics
• Overseeing job costing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
• Facilitating employee onboarding and training
• Streamlining procedures across departments to enhance efficiency

Alma’s dedication, leadership, and operational expertise continue to drive Intersection’s commitment to excellence in property and facility management.

MJ Fagan transitioned from a successful career in digital marketing to commercial real estate brokerage in 2022. Right away, she hit the ground running, closing over ten transactions in her first few months. Specializing in North County commercial real estate, MJ focuses on the markets of Encinitas, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido. She has quickly built strong relationships with key players in these areas, including landlords, tenants, and owners, thanks to her outgoing nature and direct approach to business. To generate leads, MJ goes door-to-door and connects with prospects face-to-face.

Joining Intersection, MJ is part of a powerhouse team of industrial commercial real estate experts in North County, San Diego. With a unique background in digital marketing and legal studies, MJ brings a valuable perspective to tenant representation in North County industrial deals. She earned her Master’s in the Study of Law from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2019, which complements her real estate knowledge and enhances her ability to navigate complex legal issues.

In addition, MJ’s drive and determination stem from her time as an NCAA DI National Champion and 3X All American in track and field. This experience has instilled in her a strong focus on performance, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to embracing challenges. Outside of work, MJ enjoys surfing at Tourmaline Surf Park and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs football team.

Dan is the property manager for Intersection Utah, managing the day-to-day operations of several office buildings consisting of 17+ tenants at any given time. Prior to working at Intersection, Dan has worked in various assistant property manager roles, holds experience in carpentry, and has supervised a variety of building construction projects. Outside of work, Dan explores his love for the culinary arts, enjoys biking, and spending time at the theater with his family.

Kayla Haase is an experienced Administrative Assistant at Intersection Utah, bringing over 13 years of expertise in property management and community management. In her current role, she plays a key part in supporting day-to-day operations for the Canopy portfolio in Lindon, Utah. Kayla assists with administrative tasks, coordinates vendors, manages financial reporting, and ensures smooth communication across departments.

Kayla has a strong background in overseeing multifamily properties, managing budgets, and building positive relationships with tenants. Throughout her career, she has consistently improved operational efficiency, increased occupancy rates, and ensured compliance with industry regulations. Her project management skills and strong organizational abilities contribute to the seamless operation of her team.

With a keen attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality service, Kayla is an essential part of Intersection Utah’s success.

Cody graduated college with an emphasis in HVAC. With 12 years of experience ranging from assistant engineer to chief engineer and many certifications in between, Cody brings well rounded experience to the team and is always encouraging others to go above and beyond expectation. Cody grew up a farmer and holds true to that lifestyle today. He participates in local stock shows and helps his children show their sheep.

Robert is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. His prior experience included C-level and Executive leadership roles in both startups and Fortune 500 companies, where he managed all facets of business operations including strategic planning and implementations, performance optimization, P&L management, contract negotiation, venture capital funding, acquisitions-mergers-partnerships, customer relations and strategic alliances. Throughout his diverse career, he has excelled in brokerage, asset management, and appraisal roles, honing his expertise in property evaluation, market analysis, and investment strategies. His comprehensive knowledge encompasses various facets of commercial real estate, including NNN, retail, industrial, multi-family properties, and intricate 1031 exchange transactions. With a proven track record of facilitating successful property acquisitions, dispositions, and investment sales, Robert offers invaluable insights and guidance to clients seeking to maximize their real estate investments.

EXPERTISE:

• Investment Sales – acquisition and disposition of investment and owner-user properties; NNN, medical office, retail
• Local, regional and national tenant and buyer representation
• 1031 Exchange
• Sale Lease-back

AFFILIATIONS: 

• California Department of Real Estate – Salesperson Lic. #01402162
• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
• Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute (AACI)

With more than 35 years dedicated to San Diego County’s Commercial Real Estate landscape, Dan McCarthy boasts a wealth of experience. His journey began at Burnham Real Estate, where he navigated through their merger with Cushman & Wakefield before spearheading the brokerage services group at Intersection.

Throughout his career, Dan has delved into various commercial real estate product types and submarkets across San Diego County. His forte lies in midrise and high-rise office brokerage, catering specifically to office, technical, and medical office tenants.

Having facilitated over 1,000 transactions, valued at an impressive $2 billion, Dan McCarthy is renowned for crafting tailored solutions for clients’ needs. Whether orchestrating corporate relocations, expansions, dispositions, or facilities acquisitions, his expertise spans diverse sectors including office, healthcare, and R&D.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dan enjoys leading the local San Diego band “Phil N The Blanks” and is a familiar face at SDSU tailgates.

EXPERTISE:

• Tenant representation involving office and medical office properties.
• Agency representation for office, medical office and retail properties
• Leasing / build-to-suit / strategic planning / portfolio management

EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California Irvine with NCAA tennis affiliation
• University of San Diego – CRE committee, Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate
• Burnham Foundation

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Top Producer status with Burnham, C&W and Intersection.
• San Diego Business Journal Award of Excellence – 2020 Deal of the Year
• BOMA – TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) Award Winner 2023

Tara is a skilled Asset Manager at Intersection. She joined the company as an intern in 2019 and quickly grew into her current role. She has a sharp, logical mindset and pays close attention to detail. Tara plays a key role in executing business plans and optimizing property performance. She also manages compliance and ensures quarterly updates to property proformas. Additionally, she oversees equity contributions, distributions, and investor relations correspondence.

Tara graduated with a Finance degree from California State University San Marcos. This background allows her to analyze complex financial data and make informed investment decisions. She enjoys conducting market research to stay ahead of the competition and identify profitable investment opportunities.

Outside of work, Tara embraces an active lifestyle. She enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and competing in pickleball.

Dave brings vast knowledge to the Intersection Utah team as a facilities technician. Prior to joining Intersection, Dave has worked as a carpenter which led to a career in construction, specializing in plumbing and HVAC. He takes pride in his work, is very responsive and driven by integrity. In his spare time, Dave rides motorcycle and enjoys going wherever the road takes him.

Anton Myskiw is a distinguished member of Intersection’s Investment Management team, having joined the company in 2018 as an Analyst. His strong understanding of portfolio and property-level valuation, as well as debt and equity markets, put a spotlight on him early in his tenure.

As part of his multifaceted role, Anton is pivotal in finding potential acquisition opportunities for Intersection’s esteemed investor base, which includes private clientele and joint venture partners. In addition, he takes charge of creating comprehensive business plans for these acquisitions, ensuring a strategic and well-informed approach to each investment decision. He leads the due diligence process, ensuring all pursuits align with the company’s long-term objectives.

EXPERTISE:

• Sourcing industrial acquisition opportunities across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Colorado
• Building broker relationships to source off-market opportunities and relaying those same opportunities to a set of institutional and private capital sources
• Supporting the execution of proposed business plans, particularly lease negotiations and capital allocation

EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of San Diego
• Master’s degree in finance from Villanova University
• University of San Diego’s real estate mentorship program

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Completed $150M+ in transactional volume across multiple investment types in California, Arizona, and Nevada
• Co-Founder of the multivariable market selection algorithm, THINK. The methodology reformed Intersection’s acquisitional pursuits by providing a data-driven market selection process
• Passed all levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program

Jonathan oversees day-to-day operations of our third-party portfolio, ensuring a responsive and effective management approach. With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a focus on Finance and Real Estate from the University of San Diego, Jonathan excels in both fiscal and physical property management. His previous experience as a Family Office Manager equipped him with strong financial oversight skills, managing a diverse portfolio and handling vendor relations. Known for his commitment to client and tenant relationships, he conducts regular on-site inspections and accurately codes vendor invoices to align with property budgets. Outside of work, Jonathan is a former professional football player, having spent time with the Carolina Panthers and San Diego Fleet, and actively contributes to community initiatives through the Fighters Fight Foundation. His blend of leadership, financial expertise, and dedication to service make him a valuable asset to the Intersection team.

Ray Ricard is a Licensed Master Electrician with over 20 years of hands-on industry experience. A former business owner, Ray’s entrepreneurial background gives him a firsthand understanding of what it takes to deliver projects with precision and accountability from start to finish. His deep expertise in electrical systems and project coordination drives a commitment to operational excellence and client-first service on every project.

Carolina has sat in many different seats within the Real Estate Services division. Currently Carolina oversees all property budgeting, property CAM reconciliations, property audits, and special projects throughout the portfolio.
Carolina graduated from University of San Diego with her master’s in business administration. During her collegiate years, she worked as an Assistant Property Manager for a local firm in San Diego County. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and outside of work she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and holds her teaching certification in Pilates.

Alfredo joined Intersection Equities as an Analyst, where he supports the investment management team by sourcing acquisitions and conducting detailed due diligence. His expertise in financial modeling and reporting plays a key role in the team’s decision-making process.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Alfredo graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2022 with a degree in Urban Studies and a minor in Business Administration. Prior to joining Intersection, he worked as an investment analyst on the Debt Team at Amherst. Alfredo also served as a Senior Analyst at a multifamily investment firm in Austin, where he managed 27,000+ units across the Sunbelt Market and contributed to 90+ transactions totaling $1.7 billion, collaborating closely with both the transactions and asset management teams.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Alfredo enjoys exploring the hidden gems of his North Park neighborhood and San Diego’s beaches.

With more than 20 years of experience in team leadership, human resources, and corporate administration, Ian brings a solutions-driven mindset and people-first approach to his role as Operations Manager at Intersection.

Ian is instrumental in translating company values into action, shaping a workplace culture that’s collaborative, supportive, and aligned with our long-term goals. He leads day-to-day operations with precision—overseeing HR processes, streamlining administrative workflows, onboarding new team members, and ensuring every part of the office runs smoothly.

Respected for his clear communication and hands-on support, Ian is a trusted resource across the organization. He works closely with the leadership team to implement strategic initiatives and strengthen the operational foundation that fuels our continued growth.

Outside of the office, you’ll find Ian spending time with his girlfriend and two dogs, golfing, hiking, or cheering on the Washington Commanders.

As Assistant Real Estate Manager, Parker handles the property management for our portfolio of owned assets, leveraging client interaction skills, organizational abilities, and advanced management software to ensure all tasks are completed promptly and accurately. His role includes addressing physical property needs, developing tenant relationships, and ensuring long-term property success through meticulous attention to detail and effective communication.

Parker holds an MBA in Sustainable Business/Outdoor Industry and a BA in Business Administration and Environmental Sustainability from Western Colorado University. His educational background equips him with a robust understanding of sustainable practices and strategic business management, enhancing his ability to navigate complex property management.
Outside of his professional life, Parker is committed to community service, participating in student leadership roles with YoungLife and the NCAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee. He has a lifelong passion for outdoor activities, including surfing, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, and disc golf.

Nate has been active in commercial real estate transactions since 2007, beginning in his hometown of Seattle. In 2019, he relocated to San Diego where he specializes in tenant representation and investment sales. With nearly 1,000 real estate transactions, spanning from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, he is a seasoned broker with a wide range of experience and depth.  Nate is dedicated to helping companies implement real estate to maximize business objectives, cultivate positive company culture, and cater to the community.

EXPERTISE:

• Investment Sales
• Landlord/Seller representation involving retail, office and industrial investment ownership
• Tenant/Buyer representation involving retail, office and industrial lease and purchase transactions
• Complex lease negotiation
• Corporate real estate strategy implementation
• Growth & disposition strategy
• Sale lease-back
• Financial analysis
• Project management
• Competitive building analysis

EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS: 

• B.S. in international relations from the University of San Diego
• California Department of Real Estate – Lic. #02108142

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• 2023 Top Producer
• 2023 San Diego Business Journal “Industrial Deal of the Year” Finalist
• 2024 Top Producer

Doug is very knowledgeable in the construction industry, with over 20 years of experience as a B100 general contractor. In addition to his independent projects, he worked maintenance for the Low-Income Housing Authority. Doug has earned his title of “Jack-of-all-trades” managing numerous tasks as a facilities technician. Outside of work, he’s an outdoorsman who enjoys everything Utah’s landscape has to offer, especially if he gets to ride in his side-by-side.