SARASOTA, Fla. – September 18, 2007 – Luxury real estate brokerage firm SKY Sotheby’s International Realty, known for recruiting and retaining only the best professionals and leaders in the industry, is pleased to announce that Jo-Anne Whalen has joined the company as Director of Business Development.
As a Sarasota resident for over 25 years, Whalen combines her local insight with an extensive 30-year career in real estate. In her new position at SKY Sotheby’s International Realty, Whalen is responsible for leveraging and expanding the company’s domestic and international affiliate networks to generate buyer and listing referral opportunities. This will improve the customer experience and ultimately drive business to the firm’s sales associates.
“After spending several years building my credentials, I felt I was ready to challenge my professional abilities,” said Whalen. “SKY Sotheby’s International Realty offered me the opportunity, and I was ready to take that next step.”
Prior to joining SKY Sotheby’s International Realty, Whalen worked at Michael Saunders & Company (Sarasota) for eight years securing corporate and executive relocation business and assisting in all phases of the relocation process. In addition, she also worked as a Realtor with Arvida Realty (Sarasota). Whalen is a Certified Relocation Professional and a Global Mobility Specialist, designations which pertain to the various business development segments of real estate.
“Our company is committed to building the finest real estate firm in our market and will strive to bring the best tools and opportunities to our internal and external customers,” said Roffers. “Under Jo-Anne’s leadership, we hope to leverage our international Sotheby's network and corporate contacts.”
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 by Brandyn Herbold and Chad Roffers, 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 35 countries and 275 cities. Experience the SKY Sotheby's difference at www.skysothebysrealty.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc.
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, Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD), the world’s leading real estate brokerage franchisor, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BID; LSE: STBA). The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty® name and the development of a full franchise system by Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc., a Cendant subsidiary. The agreement also included the acquisition of the company-owned real estate brokerage offices by NRT Incorporated, a Cendant subsidiary that owns and operates those offices today as Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. 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, 260-year-old Sotheby’s auction house. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.
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