About Us
Meet the Leadership Team
We are experts in this industry with over 100 years experience. What that means is you are going to get the right solution. We have built an enviable reputation.

J. PAUL SPRING, ESQ.
President
He passed the bar while working at a title insurance company. He began in customer service, advanced to the legal department, and ultimately became president of their trust company, where he remained until the formation of ERI. He and his wife live in San Diego, where they raised five children and enjoy visiting with their 12 grandchildren.

SHELENE NORDSTROM-VAKA, ESQ.
Vice President
She also handles legal and corporate matters at ERI and manages the Orange County office. She is married with three adorable children and her hobbies include yoga and volleyball.

PHIL ATWAN
Senior Vice President
Phil began his career in marketing and sales with a large title insurance company in 1982, transitioning to a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange focus in 1998. Phil has been with the company from the very beginning, speaking to more investors about 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges than probably anyone in the country. Phil is featured at more than 150 educational seminars per year, hosted by financial planning organizations, escrow associations, CPA/EA tax groups, bar associations, and real estate companies in the greater Los Angeles area and northward up through San Luis Obispo County. Industry-related professionals and real estate investors from New York to Seattle to Southern California call him to learn about the rules of code section 1031 and how to defer capital gains taxes. Phil enjoys and thrives on assisting and educating people about the 1031 Exchange. He speaks regularly at Board of Realtor continuing education functions, and has long served in various Board of Director capacities for the Escrow Associates of the San Gabriel Valley. Phil grew up in Pasadena, California, and now lives in Whittier where he and his wife enjoy their 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

DEBBIE BANNISTER
Vice President
Debbie is a Certified Exchange Specialist; as a CES designee, she possesses a high level of knowledge and experience and continually demonstrates the desire to stay current with anything affecting 1031 Exchange code, Deferred Exchange Treasury Regulations, or related tax law developments. Debbie lives in Orange County where she enjoys hiking, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

JEFF YONAMINE
Vice President
His main role is sales, marketing, and presenting educational classes for realtors, bar associations, CPAs, and financial planners. At ERI, Jeff especially enjoys the unusual camaraderie of people who’ve worked together so happily and for so long — “There’s a special human touch,” he says. When he’s not working, Jeff enjoys outdoor sports.

ADAM NISHIKAWA
Vice President
He moved to San Diego and joined ERI with the intent to help clients build towards a better future. He enjoys playing outdoor sports and spending quality time with friends and family.

NICHOLE SAVAGE
Vice President