Meet the Team
Our team is guided by first principles. We believe in maintaining the identity and essence of North Carolina with sustainable development
Our Journey
Southern Land Group was established with a deep-rooted respect for North Carolina's unique agricultural heritage. As native North Carolinians, we're familiar with the natural beauty that spans from our majestic mountains to the serene coastal plains, and we know that development, particularly of farmlands and rural areas, can disrupt these natural treasures.
We set out with a clear vision: to address the housing inventory crisis in North Carolina by providing superior residential communities, while preserving the essence of our home state. To achieve this, we've consistently partnered with land owners, town councils, and county constituents, working collaboratively to develop land sustainably and responsibly.
We strive to strike a delicate balance between preservation and development, ensuring that our actions do not compromise the core identity of the Tar Heel state. This approach has helped us create a unique niche in the bustling markets beyond Wake County, where we focus on submarkets where affordable housing can be developed harmoniously alongside existing communities. This commitment to our mission is what fuels our journey and propels us towards a more sustainable future for North Carolina.
Juan Vergara, Principal
Juan is primarily responsible for SLG’s partnership development and community outreach. He focuses on sourcing opportunities and bridging relationships.
Juan's passion for community-based development is backed by a robust education and professional history in the field. With a degree in finance from East Carolina University, a Construction Management Diploma from North Carolina State University, and a diploma in Commercial Real Estate Development from Cornell University, Juan brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. He serves as the President of Summa General Contractors and is a NC Licensed Unlimited General Contractor. Juan’s experience and leadership are instrumental in guiding Southern Land Group's projects to success. When not planning our next development, you might find Juan enjoying a round of golf with friends or spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their dog, Winston.
Oliver Salman, Principal
Oliver is primarily responsible for SLG’s capital and asset management. He focuses on performing detailed due diligence on potential developments and projects and utilizing a proprietary method of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Oliver's journey into land development is underpinned by his diverse background in military service, investment banking and real estate technology. An alumnus of Hargrave Military Academy and University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Oliver began his career as a Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division. His post-military journey led him to Columbia Business School with a focus in Finance, followed by working at Moelis & Company and Snapdocs. Today, Oliver applies his unique skills and experiences to identify and evaluate land development opportunities at Southern Land Group. In his free time, Oliver enjoys life in Raleigh with his wife, whom he met at Juan's wedding.