OUR FOUNDERS
David Iwashita
Co-Founder
David Iwashita, the Founder of Naturally Affordable Housing, LLC is a native of San Diego, raised in Coronado. His 16+ year experience in the real estate business includes financial analysis/underwriting, entitlements, preparing project scopes, schedules and budgets, obtaining traditional & creative financing, project management, supervision to completion, and ongoing asset management. David has underwritten over a billion dollars worth of real estate projects and has overseen capitalization of over 120 million dollars worth of projects.
David is currently focused on naturally affordable rental units. The health of the communities need balance amenities and housing for our workforce to maintain a healthy regional economy. These projects are near and dear to his heart as his family members were previously displaced due to the World War II internment camps. This community passion is enhanced by the drive to change development methods to be more sustainable. He is looking beyond the next generation to how his actions can make the community better.
John O'Connor
Co-Founder
John O’Connor is a San Diego native who continues a family legacy of entrepreneurship community advocacy and volunteerism resulting in a symbiotic relationship with real estate professionals, community leaders and politicians. He has an educational background in organizational leadership with expertise in both public and private partnerships and high level negotiations.
John has been recognized for his ability to manage complex day-to-day operations while maintaining relationships and growing strategic initiatives. He is well versed in presentations, accustomed to addressing clients, vendors, partners, shareholders and corporate board of directors, John has been invited as a guest speaker and/or panelist by organizations such as Civic San Diego, Urban Land Institute and Business Improvement District Alliance to name a few. John’s ability to focus energies, collaborate with developers, politicians, and community groups, and execute ideas and plans have set him apart as a valuable development partner and community influencer. As a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and patriarch of his family, John has become an expert at multitasking, prioritizing, and communicating clearly, succinctly and timely. His special talent is maintaining efficiencies and keeping teams and projects focused and on course.
John currently serves as President of El Cajon Blvd Business Improvement Association and chairman of the economic development arm which represents over 1000 businesses and oversees countless developments in North Park, Normal and City Heights. He was also an active participant in the recent North Park community plan update and successfully advocated for higher densities in key areas to help with San Diego’s housing crisis and climate action plan.