Meet the Team
Juniper Mountain Capital is a privately held real estate investment firm dedicated to acquiring and managing high-performing commercial properties across the United States. Our mission is to deliver consistent, risk-adjusted returns through disciplined investment strategies, active asset management, and a commitment to long-term value creation.
With a focus on transparency and alignment of interests, we partner with investors to navigate the complexities of the real estate market, aiming to build wealth and foster enduring relationships.
Board of Managers
Harold Ruf
Chief Financial Officer
Steve Ruf
Chief Executive Officer
Parker Petersen
Chief Operating Officer
Our Team
Harold has been involved in construction and development for more than 40 years. He has been involved in construction projects across diverse sectors, including microtunneling, wastewater treatment facilities, water pumping plants, major utility pipelines, municipal and commercial buildings, water tanks, wastewater collection systems, culinary and secondary water distribution systems, concrete structures, roadway construction, ski resort development, and airports. He was a licensed CPA for 40 years. He currently serves on multiple boards including Public Companies.
Steve is one of the early innovators in Opportunity Zones and Smaller Workforce Housing. He developed the first Micro Apartments in Utah and set up one of the first opportunity zone funds. His leadership at OZ Development leverages his deep expertise in construction management and real estate development, particularly focused on revitalizing economically distressed areas. He specializes in unique tax strategies related to real estate. Steve has a degree from Brigham Young University and an advanced degree from the University of Utah.
Parker began his career in the tax strategy group at Goldman Sachs before transitioning to private equity real estate. Over the course of his career, he has held various roles spanning fund and asset management, financial reporting, and direct investment, including most recently sitting as Chief Investment Officer. Parker has underwritten and advised on the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars across a wide range of real estate investments, including complex development and value-add projects across multiple asset classes. He now joins Juniper Mountain Capital as Chief Operating Officer. Parker holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business and a Master of Finance from the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge.
Ben has 20 years of experience in project management and land development, spanning architecture and civil engineering firms, the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency, a regional land developer, and a multibillion-dollar private equity firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and environmental planning and an MBA from Utah State University. Ben is a licensed Professional Landscape Architect in Utah (PLA) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Megan is an experienced finance professional with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Utah Valley University. With over 18 years of diverse experience, Megan has built a strong foundation in the financial industry. After spending 5 years in banking, focusing primarily on commercial construction loans, Megan transitioned to managing a high-volume lockbox center for 5 years. Most recently, Megan spent 8 years as the Finance Manager for a large Software company, where she helped develop and streamline new processes and workflows for the accounting department. At Oz Development, Megan continues to apply her expertise in finance and accounting to drive business growth and efficiency.
Connor is an accounting professional and CPA candidate at OZ Development, where he plays a key role in development management accounting. He brings strong attention to detail, a disciplined work ethic, and a fast-learning mindset to his work, supporting the team with accurate financial insights and precise reporting that inform strategic decision-making. Connor holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in business management from Utah Valley University. As he continues to build his career in real estate development, he remains focused on delivering high-quality financial support in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Rhett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and has dedicated much of his career to real estate property management and investment. He has extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals and ownership groups to improve property operations, implement value-add strategies, and maximize asset performance. Rhett has managed and advised on thousands of projects nationwide, giving him a deep understanding of day-to-day operations as well as long-term investment planning.
When not at work his love and passion is spending time with his wife & children. If this can happen outside, he is happiest – whether snow skiing in the wintertime or on the water when it gets hot, even chasing & wrestling his kids at home make him happiest.
Briggs is a student at Brigham Young University with career goals in tax strategy and financial planning. He previously worked as an intern at a strategic tax avoidance firm, where he gained experience with tax-efficient structures and saw the value of proactive financial planning. In addition to his studies, Briggs has run online sales ventures that have strengthened his communication skills, problem-solving ability, and self-motivated work ethic.
As a business student at Utah Valley University maintaining a 3.9 GPA, Jeffrey brings a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a people-focused approach to every opportunity. Fluent in Spanish, he has proven experience in customer relations and communication, as well as experience as a floor manager in manufacturing, where he supported daily operations and team productivity in a fast-paced environment. Currently at Oz Development, Jeffrey works with the leasing team, where he has gained experience in sales, client service, and property management while helping clients feel informed, valued, and supported throughout their experience.