SARASOTA, Fla. – February 12, 2008 – Sarasota-based luxury real estate brokerage firm, SKY Sotheby’s International Realty, announced today that the financial equity of the firm has changed. Company President Chad Roffers is now the primary owner of the company after recently acquiring the ownership share of co-founder Brandyn Herbold. Herbold will pursue other opportunities and interests.
Roffers states, “Over the past four years, Brandyn and I have worked closely to build SKY Sotheby’s International Realty. Through this journey, I couldn’t have asked for a better business partner. Brandyn has played an important role in defining our company’s vision, as well as growing our presence in Southwest Florida and Minnesota. Her dedication and energy will continue to inspire us and, as my friend and colleague, I wish Brandyn nothing but the best.”
Herbold states, “I am both honored and humbled to have shared the experiences of the past years with Chad and the team. I continue to believe strongly in the Sotheby's brand.”
Roffers will continue in his role as president of SKY Sotheby’s International Realty. His brother, Frank Roffers, will lead the firm’s Minnesota brokerage operations. In addition, the company will continue its business operations in Florida and Minnesota as SKY Sotheby’s International Realty.
“Like Brandyn, Frank has been involved with our expansion into the Minnesota market from the beginning,” says Roffers, president. “Our mission to deliver platinum-level customer service and luxury market expertise to our clients is unchanged. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our vision of setting the ultimate standard of excellence within the luxury real estate market.”
Since the company’s founding in 2004, SKY Sotheby’s International Realty has seen consistent and dynamic growth each year. In its first year of business, the company had only 18 sales associates and $100 million in transactions. By the end of 2007, the company grew to 74 individual agents and produced $600 million in transactions. Since 2006, SKY Sotheby’s has also expanded service offerings with the addition of offices in Florida and Minnesota and business divisions such as commercial, new homes and auctions.
“Chad and Brandyn have built a fine firm that we are proud to have carry our name,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We wish Brandyn every success in her new endeavors and thank her for her commitment to this brand. We are confident that Chad and Frank will continue to provide the same high level of service their clients have come to expect.”
About SKY Sotheby’s International Realty
As Sarasota’s leading luxury real estate brokerage and exclusive Sotheby’s affiliate, SKY Sotheby’s International Realty represents the area’s most distinctive properties and people. Combining the impeccable customer service of a boutique firm with the global resources and 200-year-old reputation of the Sotheby’s brand, the company offers a unique and highly personalized approach to the Southwest Florida luxury real estate market. Since its formation in January 2004, the employee-owned company has enjoyed unprecedented momentum and unusual success driven by a strong focus on the customer. Connecting qualified buyers and sellers from around the world, SKY Sotheby’s International Realty has local offices in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key and Osprey, as well as Minnesota, and is part of the Sotheby’s global network of affiliates in more than 35 countries and 450 cities. Experience the SKY Sotheby's difference at www.skysothebysrealty.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s Holdings, Inc. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.