There has been some musical chairs among the top Realtors in Sarasota's critical luxury real estate brokerage sector.
SKY Sotheby's International Realty said that four high-profile and experienced agents or teams of agents have joined the firm: The Cail Group, consisting of Andy Cail, Tom Cail and Jennifer Topjun; Carol and Paul Clark; David Jennings; and Joel and Toni Schemmel.
Combined, the agents bring more than 50 years of real estate experience and represent annual productivity of more than $100 million.
The addition of the eight brings the total at Sky to 28.
All are in the top 10 percent of the local real estate board, have an average real estate transaction of $750,000 and list 12 properties every year.
""We are thrilled that these talented and top-producing agents have decided to join our team,"" says SKY Sotheby's President Chad Roffers. ""They realize that part of their success in selling remarkable properties depends on the marketing resources available to them and access to qualified buyers.""
Sotheby's connects agents with some high-powered marketing tools and access to a worldwide network of nearly 300 offices in 35 countries.
""Having access to our marketing resources and the ability to associate with such a premier brand are the primary reasons why agents of this caliber join SKY Sotheby's,"" said Brandyn Herbold, SKY Sotheby's chief executive officer. ""Chad and I also share equity ownership with our agents, enabling our firm to attract the best and brightest in the industry.""
The Cail Group was formed in 1992 by longtime Sarasota residents Andy Cail and her son, Tom Cail. They joined SKY Sotheby's because they saw an opportunity to reach new heights in their profession.
""SKY Sotheby's offers the best of both worlds because it combines a smaller, team-oriented atmosphere with the power of Sotheby's worldwide network,"" Tom Cail said. ""We knew we wanted to be part of their vision because they are innovative, energetic and strive to provide only the highest level of customer service.""
Expert in the field, The Cail Group is in the top 1 percent of the local real estate board. Jennifer Topjun, also a longtime Sarasota resident, joined The Cail Group in 1999.
The Clarks specialize in marketing distinctive luxury properties on the barrier islands and exclusive mainland neighborhoods. In addition to real estate expertise, the team has a strong background in construction and marketing.
Carol Clark was in the publishing industry for 12 years, while Paul Clark was a general contractor in Vail, Colo. He also served as president of a property management company. Since joining SKY Sotheby's, the Clarks have listed an exclusive $17 million ranch in Venice.
A resident of the Indian Beach neighborhood in the Ringling Museum neighborhood, David Jennings is an expert in the unique and historic homes there. He has a sales background spanning more than 15 years and has been in real estate industry for seven. Last year, he produced about $25 million in sales and performed in the top 3 percent of agents nationwide.
""What attracted me to SKY Sotheby's was the ability to earn equity through the stock option plan,"" Jennings said. ""I'm proud to be part of a company that shares its success with the agents helping to build the business.""
Joel and Toni Schemmel said SKY Sotheby's offers the combination of a strong local presence with national and international reach.
""We have always been impressed by SKY Sotheby's dynamic marketing initiatives and we believe that our clients will ultimately benefit the most by the combination,"" Joel Schemmel said.
In addition to being a licensed real estate agent, Joel Schemmel also is an attorney and was previously a partner with Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young. Toni Schemmel has more than 12 years of financial management experience in the U.S. and Europe.
Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune