Our Team

As the Broker and Owner of Streamline Property Management, Joe Heller brings over 16 years of experience and a lifetime connection to Santa Cruz County to every client he serves. A Santa Cruz native, Joe has an in-depth understanding of both the coastal and rural neighborhoods that make the region unique. His career has spanned a wide range of specialties, including permitting and managing building projects, loans and loan modifications, credit repair, and notary public services. This diverse background gives him a well-rounded perspective and the ability to guide property owners and tenants through even the most complex situations with ease.

Joe’s approach to property management is rooted in professionalism, proactive care, and a genuine passion for helping people. He knows that choosing the right property manager is one of the most important decisions an owner can make, and he takes pride in protecting investments while ensuring tenants feel secure and supported in their homes. By combining technical expertise with open communication and hands-on service, Joe consistently delivers solutions that maximize property value and reduce stress for owners.

Dedicated to continual growth, Joe regularly attends seminars and educational lectures to stay ahead of industry changes, always looking for ways to refine his skills and improve service for his clients. Known for his hardworking and family-oriented values, Joe treats every property as if it were his own—offering tips, tools, and insights to achieve the best possible outcome.

With his unique blend of local knowledge, engineering and architectural studies, and decades of experience, Joe has built Streamline Property Management into a trusted partner for property owners across Santa Cruz County. His mission is simple: create lasting relationships through integrity, expertise, and results-driven property management.

As Vice President of Streamline Property Management, Ben Thomas brings a unique blend of hands-on property knowledge and a client-focused approach to every aspect of management. A third-generation property professional, Ben learned early on the value of integrity, attention to detail, and building long-term relationships.

With a strong background in property renovations, Ben has a trained eye for quality and efficiency—skills that translate seamlessly into property management. He understands the importance of protecting an owner’s investment while ensuring tenants enjoy a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home. His philosophy is rooted in proactive communication, accountability, and creating win-win solutions for owners and residents alike.

Beyond his professional expertise, Ben enjoys cooking and baking—skills he honed at the Culinary Institute of America—along with organic gardening, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and photography. His creativity and curiosity extend into his work, where he continually looks for ways to improve processes and deliver exceptional service.

Whether he’s coordinating maintenance, overseeing a renovation, or working with owners to streamline their property needs, Ben’s leadership and dedication help set the standard for excellence at Streamline Property Management.

As part of the support staff at Streamline Property Management, Will Fortin brings a wealth of experience and a steady, detail-oriented approach to helping clients and tenants alike. With a background spanning over two decades in property-related services, Will has developed a strong understanding of the unique challenges that can arise when managing and maintaining homes. His knowledge of housing dynamics adds an extra layer of insight to his role, ensuring that property owners receive well-informed support.

Known for his clear communication and commitment to integrity, Will provides dependable assistance behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly. His ability to anticipate needs, manage details, and maintain professional relationships makes him a valuable resource to both property owners and tenants.

Beyond his professional role, Will enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, exploring the outdoors of Santa Cruz County through mountain biking and hiking, and volunteering with a residential treatment facility in Hayward, where he has supported sobriety-focused events for more than a decade.

Will’s reliability, professionalism, and dedication to service help strengthen the foundation of Streamline’s property management team.

Zakaria Bachar, known to clients and colleagues as Zak, brings a strong background in property management and a reputation for providing professional service with a personal touch. He specializes in leasing, tenant relations, and maintenance coordination, ensuring that every property he oversees runs smoothly and efficiently.

Zak’s approach is rooted in efficiency and reliability. He is dedicated to helping property owners maximize the value of their investments through streamlined operations, proactive management, and careful tenant placement. By anticipating property needs and addressing challenges quickly, Zak reduces the stress of ownership while fostering positive, long-term relationships between tenants and owners. His goal is simple: to create stable, well-managed properties where both landlords and residents feel supported and satisfied.

With a strong understanding of the day-to-day realities of property management, Zak takes pride in being hands-on and detail-oriented. From coordinating timely maintenance to setting clear expectations with tenants, he ensures that nothing is overlooked. His professionalism, coupled with his approachable nature, makes him a trusted resource for both clients and renters.

Outside of work, Zak enjoys staying active through sports, hiking, and exploring new cuisines. These interests reflect the same energy and curiosity he brings to his professional life—always eager to learn, adapt, and find creative solutions.

For Zak, property management is more than just operations—it’s about building trust, adding value, and creating lasting harmony between owners, tenants, and the homes they share.

Larry Rock brings over two decades of experience and a diverse professional background to his role as a Property Manager in Monterey County. Before entering the property management field, Larry worked as a Manufacturer’s Representative for engineering products, honing his skills in client service and negotiation.

A graduate of Devry Institute (Class of 1977), Larry combines technical knowledge with hands-on management expertise. He is committed to helping clients and tenants navigate property-related needs in the least stressful way possible, always prioritizing clear communication and personalized service.

Beyond his professional life, Larry is deeply involved in his community as a dedicated dog rescuer. He also enjoys music, with Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers holding a special place as his favorite album.

Larry often reminds people, “You get what you pay for—that’s why prices are higher in the Bay Area. It’s the best place to live in the country, and we are very fortunate to be here.” This philosophy reflects both his honesty and his deep appreciation for the region he calls home.

With nearly four decades of experience, Alfred Alvarado brings unmatched expertise and a proactive approach to property management. His career began in the mid-1980s, managing apartment buildings and working across a wide range of property sectors. Over the years, he has built a reputation for professionalism, foresight, and a results-driven mindset.

Alfred believes the key to successful property management is simple: be proactive, anticipate a property’s needs, and set clear expectations with tenants and owners alike. This philosophy creates long-lasting harmony between property owners and residents—leading to fewer headaches and greater satisfaction for everyone involved.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Alfred has a unique ability to connect with clients and tenants on a personal level while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. His decades of experience in management, marketing, and high-end service allow him to handle any situation with confidence and precision.

Outside of work, Alfred enjoys immersing himself in nature and music. For him, property management isn’t stressful—it’s a rewarding business built on trust, relationships, and proactive care.