Our Team – CT Homes LLC
San Diego's Premier Homebuyer
Phone: 619-888-7777 info@cthomesllc.com

Meet Our Team

Than Merrill

Founder

With more than two decades in real estate investment and lending, I have founded and led multiple companies through over $750 million in transactions. My work has taken me across a broad spectrum of the industry, from marketing and sourcing to appraisals and investor relations. I am deeply versed in underwriting, negotiations, capital raising, and strategic management, drawing on this experience to drive success in every deal.

Paul Esajian

Founder

In my 20-year career in real estate investment and lending, I’ve built and managed several investment companies, contributing to transactions exceeding $1 billion. I bring a comprehensive skill set in areas such as construction management, accounting, taxation, underwriting, and capital raising. My focus on investor relations and meticulous business management has enabled me to lead teams effectively and deliver sustainable results.

Konrad Sopielnikow

Founder

I have over 20 years of experience as a real estate investment professional and co-founder of several companies, guiding over $1 billion in real estate transactions. Originally from Krakow, Poland, I came to the U.S. in 1992 and later graduated from Yale University. My expertise covers areas such as operations, legal frameworks, systems development, IT, and capital acquisition. Outside of work, I’m married with three children and enjoy travel and cultural exploration.

JD Esajian

President

After growing up in the central valley of California and attending the University of Southern California, I bought my first house in 1999 and developed my love of real estate. Starting and building CT Homes with my brother and close friends has been a life dream and passion. To be able to help sellers and buyers, as well as improve communities is an extremely rewarding experience and a true joy. Building long term relationship with our customers and creating wow experiences is our daily goal.

Dan Wright

Director of Acquisitions

I have called San Diego home since 2013 and after growing up in the midwest and east coast, I can say for certain that San Diego is the place to be. It’s pretty special to live on the coast and within a 3 hour drive you can be in the desert riding quads or skiing in Big Bear. Lucky for me CT Homes is in San Diego and being a part of this amazing organization has been life changing. We have the opportunity to help homeowners in difficult situations and there’s nothing more fun than watching our renovations come to life.

Kevin Oechsel

Sr. Acquisitions Associate

From just north of Los Angeles, I came to San Diego in 2011 for college. I graduated from San Diego State in 2015 and made a decision then to permanently call San Diego home. At CT Homes, I work every day to build relationships and create personalized cash offers that lead to win-win scenarios for local Sellers and Real Estate Agents here in SD. I love golfing, waterskiing/wakeboarding, running, and pretty much anything outdoors where I can enjoy the SD weather!

Angel Leyzaola

Renovation Department Manager

Born and raised in San Diego, where the weather is nice all year long. I enjoy spending my free time at the beach, especially during summer time. I’ve spent the last three years working in construction before given the opportunity to work for CT Homes. I attended the Fortune Builders three day seminar before coming on board and it has encouraged me to become more educated and skilled in the real estate industry. I’m excited to be part of the team and help renovate homes in my own city.

Jon Cypers

Acquisitions Analyst

“I’m originally from New York and attended Amherst College in Massachusetts. After graduation, I started in Real Estate, selling multi-family buildings and development sites in New York with Marcus and Millichap. Later, I joined a family office, buying and financing multi-family and mixed-use buildings in Brooklyn and Queens. With strong family ties to California, I always loved San Diego and knew it was time to move. I’m excited to be a part of CT Homes and contribute to San Diego’s growth.

Damaris Wright

Accounting

I am the youngest of 6 children and originally from Brazil. I moved to Connecticut in 2007 where I graduated from Uconn with a bachelor in Business and Technology. Shortly after, I moved to beautiful San Diego to be closer to family which also allowed me to be a part of the amazing team we have here. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outside, whether going on hikes or to the beach with my family, reenergize at yoga classes, travel and exploring new places.

Jack Pilawski

Project Manager

Originally from the Bay Area, I moved down to San Diego in 2019 and have loved it here ever since! After completing my studies at San Diego State, where I pursued a degree in Business Finance and a certificate in public law, I joined CT Homes in early September 2022. As a project manager, I work closely with the rest of our team to oversee our many active projects. I’m grateful to be part of such an incredible team and enjoy contributing to the transformation of our homes! Outside of work, I love staying active, and you can often find me outdoors or cheering on my favorite sports teams over the weekends.

Joe Prutch

Project Coordinator

Having lived in the Orange County, CA area most of my life, I made the move to San Diego in 1998 and instantly fell in love with this vibrant city. Prior to officially joining the CT Homes team, I had the privilege of working with the founders in other capacities for several years. My primary objective here is to support the team in ensuring that all transactions proceed as seamlessly as possible. Leveraging my background in marketing and video production, I also contribute to creating captivating videos and marketing materials for our social media platforms.