Meet the Team – Jokake Companies

Meet The Team

Gary T. Smith

Gary Smith is a founding principal of the Jokake Companies and leads the real estate-related activities for Jokake Real Estate Services and Jokake Holdings, the real estate services company and the investment holdings company respectively. He is primary to all investor relations for the real estate projects that Jokake Companies manages. Gary received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and is a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker...

Jill Clements

With over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry, Jill has extensive knowledge across a wide range of property and transaction types. Her expertise spans residential, multi-family, industrial, and commercial development and construction, as well as sales, commercial leasing, land entitlement, brokerage, transaction management, and asset and property management...

Mike Smith

Mike Smith is a founding principal of the Jokake Companies and founded Jokake Construction Company which is a preeminent commercial tenant improvement general contractor with an emphasis on constructing in occupied environments. Mike was the President and CEO of the company until he sold it to its employees in 2010. Mike was also a founder and CEO of Superior Marble, a white marble mining and processing company located 60 miles east of Phoenix...

Stephanie Aguirre

Stephanie joined the Jokake team in 2020, bringing over 11 years of diverse accounting experience in manufacturing, the service industry, and real estate. Originally from California, she relocated to Arizona in August 2013. Outside her professional life, Stephanie is a dedicated parent to three children. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, trivia, puzzles, and tennis. She is also an aspiring writer, currently working on her memoir with the aim of inspiring and motivating others in both their professional and personal journeys.

Erica Veach

Erica is our Accounting Manager, she has been with Jokake since March of 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the College of Business & Economics at California State University, Northridge. She comes to us with 15 years of experience in accounting with a background in private & publicly traded manufacturing and the not-for-profit service and entertainment industries. Erica oversees our accounting department and runs financial analysis on new and existing projects...

Micheala Lauver

Micheala is a seasoned Human Resources manager with over 20 years of substantial experience in the field. She joined the Jokake Team as the Human Resources and Office Manager in 2024. Her extensive career in Human Resources management has been marked by a consistent track record of fostering positive workplace environments, driving strategic initiatives, and championing employee relations. With an unwavering commitment to ethical standards, Micheala has become a trusted leader whose guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the human capital strategies of numerous organizations

Mike Smith

Mike Smith is a founding principal of the Jokake Companies, Jokake Resources, and Jokake Management Services. As the Managing Partner, he has established and led several successful operating companies, including:

Jokake Construction Company: A leading commercial tenant improvement general contractor with a focus on constructing in occupied environments. The company was sold to its employees in 2010.
Superior Marble: A white marble mining and processing company located 60 miles east of Phoenix.
WhiteStar Solutions: A cannabis cultivation and dispensary company based in Scottsdale.
Clarion, Inc.: A distribution company specializing in selling chlorine dioxide nationwide within the cannabis cultivation market.
Aerial Sphere: An aerial imagery and software solutions company serving the GIS market.
Stockyards Restaurant: A restored and revived 75-year-old steakhouse that was designated an Arizona Centennial Restaurant in 2012.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona. He has been an active member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds for over 30 years, served on the University of Arizona Phoenix Alumni Association, and is a Board Member of Paradise Valley Country Club.

Gary Smith

Gary Smith is a prominent figure in Arizona real estate and a founding principal of multiple enterprises under the Jokake umbrella. As a visionary leader, Gary drives the strategic direction and oversees the comprehensive real estate activities of Jokake Companies, Jokake Resources, Jokake Real Estate Services, and Jokake Management Services. His responsibilities include managing investment holdings, directing acquisitions, orchestrating dispositions, and nurturing investor relations across these entities.

In his role as Managing Partner for various real estate acquisition and development entities, Gary’s expertise and foresight are key to driving growth and success. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and as a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker, Gary blends technical knowledge with deep industry insight to continually elevate the Jokake Companies' real estate portfolio.

Gary’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors. He has served on the boards of the University of Arizona Alumni Association, Phoenix Executive Council, Scottsdale Charros, Maricopa County Farm Bureau, and the Paloma Irrigation and Drainage District. His involvement in these organizations underscores his dedication to community engagement and leadership across multiple sectors.

Gary Smith

Jill Clements

With over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry, Jill has extensive knowledge across a wide range of property and transaction types. Her expertise spans residential, multi-family, industrial, and commercial development and construction, as well as sales, commercial leasing, land entitlement, brokerage, transaction management, and asset and property management.

As a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker, Jill has actively contributed to the industry and community through her service on numerous boards and various industry organizations, including the Urban Land Institute, UrbanPlan, the National Multi-Housing Council, the Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and Valley Partnership. Jill oversees staff and corporate operations for the Jokake Family of Companies, focusing on corporate governance, contracts, and asset and property management.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jill is passionate about personal growth and spirituality. In her spare time, she is active in the Spiritual Center she founded in 2015 in Scottsdale, where she enjoys coaching others to unlock their potential and live life more fully. She also enjoys a good round of golf and preparing healthy meals.

Erica Veach

Erica has been the Accounting Manager at Jokake since 2015, where she oversees the company’s accounting department, managing assets, budgets, annual tax returns, and financial modeling. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Northridge, and brings over 15 years of diverse accounting experience across private and publicly traded manufacturing, nonprofit service, and entertainment industries.

Erica Veach

Stephanie Aguirre

Stephanie joined the Jokake team in 2020, bringing over 11 years of diverse accounting experience in manufacturing, the service industry, and real estate. Originally from California, she relocated to Arizona in August 2013.

Outside her professional life, Stephanie is a dedicated parent to three children. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, trivia, puzzles, and tennis. She is also an aspiring writer, currently working on her memoir with the aim of inspiring and motivating others in both their professional and personal journeys.

Micheala Lauver

Micheala is a seasoned Human Resources manager with over 20 years of substantial experience in the field. She joined the Jokake Team as the Human Resources and Office Manager in 2024. Her extensive career in Human Resources management has been marked by a consistent track record of fostering positive workplace environments, driving strategic initiatives, and championing employee relations. With an unwavering commitment to ethical standards, Micheala has become a trusted leader whose guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the human capital strategies of numerous organizations.

Throughout her career, Micheala has held prominent positions in diverse industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. Her ability to adapt and thrive in varying corporate cultures is a testament to her flexible leadership style and deep understanding of human dynamics. Micheala’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have led to the successful implementation of HR policies and programs that align with organizational goals while promoting employee well-being and development.

Micheala Lauver

Suzi Shoemaker

As the Designated Broker, Suzi has been a key member of the Jokake Real Estate Services team since 2015, where she has successfully led the Jokake La Tierra project and played a pivotal role in acquiring properties across Arizona. A licensed real estate broker in Arizona, Suzi transitioned to real estate after a 20-year career in education. She holds a BS in Secondary Science Education from the University of Arizona and a MAT in Physical Science from Northern Arizona University.

As a multi-generation Arizona native, Suzi is deeply rooted in her community. Outside of her professional life, she is highly involved with her two children and has dedicated significant time as a 4-H Community Club Leader, High School Band Booster, and baseball stat keeper. Suzi’s hobbies include photography, cycling, running, fitness, and working with horses and livestock. A passionate baseball fan, she and her family eagerly attend MLB games whenever and wherever possible.