Lakeland - SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate is the latest firm to join the SVN commercial real estate family of offices in Florida as the brand continues to expand throughout the state.

Based in Lakeland, the firm consists of two newly-merged sister companies: Saunders Real Estate and Saunders Ralston Dantzler Realty. The former brokers land and agricultural properties throughout Florida and in southern Georgia, while the latter brokers more traditional commercial real estate across Florida’s I-4 corridor. In conjunction with joining the SVN platform, the two companies are unifying as one marketing brand under the name SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate.

Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, is widely recognized as an expert in Florida land used in farming, timber, citrus and other agricultural purposes. He was the founder of Saunders Real Estate, LLC and a co-founder of Saunders Ralston Dantzler Realty, which have come together to form the new SVN firm. A winner of many real estate awards, Saunders is a sought-after speaker for national conferences and regularly publishes his popular Lay of the Land Market Report covering the Florida land market. Saunders Real Estate, which he launched in 1996, has brokered more than $2.5 billion in sales.

“This move to SVN greatly benefits everyone involved, and we’re excited about the prospects,” Saunders said. “It helps our advisors expand their influence in the state as they take advantage of SVN’s culture of collaboration. In addition, our new unified brand increases the marketing power of both our land and commercial businesses.”

In addition to Saunders, the new SVN office leadership includes Gary M. Ralston, CCIM, and R. Todd Dantzler, CCIM, both managing partners of Saunders Ralston Dantzler Realty.

Ralston is the country’s most accredited real estate professional. His array of designations includes Certified Commercial Investment Member, Certified Property Manager, Counselor of Real Estate, Certified Leasing Specialist, Certified Retail Property Executive and many others. For a number of years, he served as a president and board of director member for Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc., the industry leader in single-tenant corporate net-leased real estate. Under Ralston’s leadership, the company’s real estate assets skyrocketed from less than $15 million to more than $1.5 billion.

Dantzler has also had a distinguished career in Florida commercial real estate. In 2000, he became the youngest president in the history of the Florida Realtors® and received honors in 2012 as the Florida Realtor® of the Year. His many community leadership roles have included chairman of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and liaison to the Florida Development Council, as well as service on many related boards and councils. Dantzler’s specialties are commercial properties, investment properties and commercial leasing.

SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate strengthens SVN’s overall brand and scope of offerings in Florida, particularly eastward along I-4. It also brings significant expertise to the SVN Florida Land Alliance, a collaborative group of SVN advisors focused on commercial land across the entire state.

“Having these outstanding professionals on board bolsters SVN ability to best serve clients in the Orlando and surrounding market, as well as the I-4 corridor, and provides us with additional proficiency in land, land management, agriculture, timber and related commercial real estate,” said Jerry Anderson, CCIM, executive managing director of SVN Florida. “They’re a solid addition to our team. Working together, we anticipate great things, not only for SVN but also for the clients we serve.”

About SVN International Corp.
The SVN organization is a globally recognized commercial real estate entity united by a shared vision of creating value for clients, colleagues and communities. Currently, SVN comprises over 1,600 advisors and staff working in more than 200 offices across the globe. SVN’s brand pillars represent the transparency, innovation and inclusivity that enable all our advisors to collaborate effectively with the entire real estate industry on behalf of our clients. The Florida team consists of more than 100 advisors serving locations across the state. For more information on SVN Florida, visit www.svnflorida.com.