GET TO KNOW OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
The Executive Leadership Team manages the day-to-day activities of the association. This team includes the President, Vice-President of Memberships, Memberships Director, Executive Director and our Board Members.
2026 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
president
Matt Atkinson has been financing it, fixing it, flipping it, or renting it for over 22 years, having amassed a rental portfolio consisting of 100+ properties valued north of $29M. Add another $7.5M in flips and well over 30,000 hours of experience and that just about starts to round out the profile.
In addition to educating others on how to invest in real estate (MJA REAL Consulting), Matt also owns and operates MJA REAL Property Management and MJA REAL Estate and has been a mortgage lending professional for over 24 years.
For over 11 years, Matt has served many roles throughout his tenure at Utah Valley Real Estate Investors Association (UVREIA), including President four times.
In addition, Matt has been a board member of the Salt Lake Real Estate Investors Association (SLREIA) for 14 years, a member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) for 10 years and the Utah Association of Mortgage Professionals (UAMP) for 9 years.
KELLY OVARD | VP, EXPERIENCE
(801) 589-3394
As a military spouse, Kelly Ovard traveled the country and world for 20 years before settling in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Each place she moved her family, they bought, sold, and rented – and in doing so became very familiar with the stresses changing homes creates. Her realtors became invaluable resources to help ease that stress and ensure the real estate part of the move became as simple as possible. When she settled in Utah in 2012 it was only natural for her to become involved in real estate as well- this time as an investor herself, and a resource for others looking to invest, as the buying and selling process is unique from an investors perspective.
T.W. TAYLOR | VP, MEMBERSHIPS
(801) 369-2471
T.W. has been a real estate investor in Utah and other states for 20+ years; he is also a licensed general contractor in Utah. Prior to moving to Utah, T.W. spent 22 years in the military serving in several different states and countries. Upon moving back to the states, he began to invest in real estate and has over a dozen properties in several different locations throughout the states. His interests are helping others achieve their goals and dreams, spending time with family and friends, anything outdoors and helping others connect family history with relatives.
BEN PLATT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(801)901-8496
Ben is an Utah native, he is the seventh born child of ten, born and raised in Murray. He is a seasoned systems analyst with ten years of experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing IT solutions. He specializes in requirements analysis, process improvement, and systems integration, consistently delivering scalable architectures that drive business performance.Ben is an energetic analyst who ignited his passion for property when he purchased his own home in 2018. He is dedicated to learn real estate and committed to grow in his real estate journey. He leverages analytical insight to deliver exceptional service and build lasting client relationships.Outside of work – Ben is an energetic professional who brings passion and teamwork to every project. A die-hard Real Salt Lake supporter, he recharges by exploring new destinations with his husband and enjoying quality time with their dog. He enjoys camping and wave-running in McCall, Idaho with his family. He wants to help others achieve their goal in finding a forever home.
JOHNNIE BRAKEY | SPONSORSHIPS COORDINATOR
(801)989-8467
Loan Officer at Guild Mortgage – Born and raised in the Salt Lake area, Johnnie Brakey has been serving clients as a Loan Officer since February 1, 2017. With nearly a decade of experience, Johnnie is committed to helping borrowers and real estate investors achieve their goals through clear guidance and tailored financing solutions.
As part of Guild Mortgage, Johnnie leverages deep knowledge of Utah’s housing market and a passion for real estate investment to make homeownership and property investment accessible and stress-free.
Outside of work, Johnnie is an avid soccer fan—cheering for Real Salt Lake and Juventus—and loves to travel, having explored destinations like Kenya and the Caribbean. He also enjoys networking with local investors and contributing to Utah’s thriving real estate community.
Johnnie’s mission is simple: to empower every client with confidence and clarity, turning real estate dreams into reality.
JORDY CLARK | SOCIAL MEDIA
(801)857-5383
Jordy Clark, Associate Broker at eXp Realty, launched his real estate journey in 2009 when a mentor invited him to San Diego to renovate houses and surf. What started as a temporary gig ignited a lifelong passion. After a stint as a loan officer at a local credit union, Jordy transitioned to real estate in 2014, seeking a more dynamic career. Since then, he’s played a key role in over 750 transactions, earning a reputation as a dedicated broker who guides clients—both new investors and loyal repeat/referral partners—toward building wealth through real estate.
Beyond his brokerage work, Jordy is an accomplished investor, owning approximately 42 rental properties. Recently, he expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio by acquiring a men’s health clinic in Montana. When he’s not strategizing real estate deals or growing his latest venture, Jordy cherishes time with his three children—Brinley (9), Noah (5), and Amelia (2)—and embraces the outdoors. Whether mountain biking, boating, hiking, hunting, or camping, Jordy lives life to the fullest!
TROY SMOTHERS | GOVT AFFAIRS, MARKETING
(801)687-7788
As a Utah-based real estate expert and licensed B-100 contractor, Troy Smothers brings over 20 years of local experience and a background in military service to the table. A proud Marine Corps and National Guard veteran, Troy has built a reputation for integrity and quality in real estate. Alongside his two sons, he transforms properties into homes with a family-oriented, hands-on approach that clients trust.
BEN LAKEY | WELCOME TEAM
(801)318-1306
Ben began his real estate career flipping homes in 2002. He was deployed with the Utah National Guard in 2006, and after returning home Ben returned to real estate with a few small development projects until the market crashed in 2007. Throughout the recession he worked on distressed asset projects, while also attending Brigham Young University (BYU) Law School from 2010-2012. In 2013, Ben opened his own law firm specializing in real estate law and continued to flip houses, develop land into commercial and residential properties, structure real estate investments, and manage self-storage facilities.
Ben is a principal of DL Asset Management and Build Vacations. Ben’s primary areas of focus are land acquisition, development, and legal affairs. Ben continues to manage his own real estate investments. As an attorney, Ben handles real estate development and investments.
DEBI ABBOT | WELCOME TEAM
realprojectsmanagement@gmail.com
(207)314-1452
Debi grew up in Utah before moving to Maine, where she raised seven children. In 2020, she liquidated her real estate rental portfolio to move back to Utah. After spending 20 years focused on her kids, Debi jumped into full-time real estate investing with both feet.
While initially attracted to real estate for the flexibility it offered, allowing her time for her family, she quickly discovered a genuine passion for the industry. She loves the collaborative, uplifting spirit of the real estate community.
Debi is a licensed general contractor and real estate agent who focuses on fix-and-flip projects and creative housing solutions. Her true passion lies in creating affordable housing opportunities. Known for her creative problem-solving skills, Debi brings ingenuity and heart to every project she tackles, both in real estate and in life.
JOSHUA ROLLINS | MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
(801)558-4196
Joshua Rollins began his real estate journey in 2001 when he purchased a duplex in West Jordan using the house hack strategy. While working as a Network and Systems Engineer for a local bank, he slowly built his real estate side business, identifying foreclosures and offering property owners creative solutions. His passion for real estate continued to grow, and in 2012 he officially turned it into a business alongside his father, Brian Rollins.
Joshua grew up helping his dad, who is still an active general contractor, build homes. A foundation that has proven invaluable in successfully completing numerous rehabs for both rentals and flips. Having experienced multiple market cycles, Joshua brings a strong appreciation for disciplined investing, continuous learning, and adaptability.
With a background in data, systems, management, and technology, he enjoys analyzing deals, finding solutions, understanding market dynamics, and building efficient, repeatable processes to grow their rental portfolio. He values collaboration and enjoys connecting with other investors, agents, and anyone interested in real estate. Joshua is happily married to his wife of 28 years and is the proud father of five wonderful children.
GRADEN OSTLER | TECHNOLOGY
(801)669-0979
Graden grew up in Orem, Utah and is now settled down with his family in Vineyard. Graden personally owns and manages 12 doors in Utah County, an estimated 4 million dollars in real estate that generates $60,000 a year in passive income. He is a certified Continuing Education Instructor at the Division, teaching his popular class, ‘Buy and Hold’. He has Personally executed a 1031 exchange and has helped clients do the same. He has been personally investing for over 12 years, has extensive property renovation experience, knows the Utah county rental market very well, which all further qualifies him to help people buy and sell as a Realtor.
