Power Couples of Engel & Völkers Florida: Love, Partnership, and Success

Engel & Völkers Boca Raton

Michael & Wendy Ledwitz

Approaching our 25th wedding anniversary in June, Michael and I have been partners in both marriage and entrepreneurship since the early 1990s. We were both licensed real estate advisors before we even met, and from the moment we joined forces, it felt like a seamless blend of our personal and professional lives. Our careers have always had a shared goal: to find the perfect harmony, the Yin and Yang, that would complement each other. Thankfully, this synergy came naturally to us. I thrive in the exhilarating early stages of launching new listings and guiding eager buyers, while Michael's expertise lies in negotiating contracts and managing the intricate details of closing deals. Balancing personal and professional life in a "lifestyle career" like real estate isn't always straightforward, but we consider ourselves fortunate to have found not only success in our endeavors but also true love. Together, we've navigated the challenges and joys of both marriage and business, creating a harmonious partnership that has stood the test of time.

Engel & Völkers First Coast

Corey Hasting & Christina Alexander

Working with Christina has been truly incredible. She's been by my side since the inception of our first shop back in 2018. Our journey began with collaborating professionally, but it soon evolved into a deep friendship, and eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship! Christina has stood by me through thick and thin, offering unwavering support both in my personal and professional life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have her in my life. Our love for each other is matched only by our passion for our work. Every day spent working alongside my best friend amplifies the joy of our shared successes.

Engel & Völkers Belleair

Steve & Kelly Kepler

When Steve and I discovered Engel & Völkers in 2008, we both instantly knew it was the perfect fit for us. Signing our franchise agreement marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our careers. Despite the challenging economic climate of the recession, we found success by leveraging the global network. Those times were tough, juggling the demands of establishing a new brokerage, recruiting advisors, and familiarizing ourselves with a real estate brand still gaining traction in the United States. And if that wasn't enough, we were also navigating parenthood with a newborn and a toddler just 18 months apart! Fast forward to today, I oversee brokerage management while Steve excels as a Private Office Advisor, specializing in luxury residential real estate. Together, we've cultivated a thriving shop with a vibrant culture of collaboration and enjoyment. As we approach April 2024, we're not only celebrating our shop's successes but also our 20-year wedding anniversary. It's been an incredible journey, and I couldn't imagine going through it all with anyone else but Steve by my side.

Engel & Völkers Madeira Beach • South Tampa

Michael Wyckoff & Cherie Pattishall

I met Cherie back in 1997 when she was attending a real estate class where I happened to be the instructor. At that time, I had been working as a broker for a few years, mainly operating on my own, offering consultancy services. After Cherie obtained her license, we made the decision to venture into business together. Together, we founded Sun International Realty, starting off with a modest office in Madeira Beach. We were actively involved in sales and property management while gradually expanding our team with a few agents. As our business grew, we eventually relocated to a larger standalone building. The next step in our journey led us to expand into the South Tampa market, prompting a rebranding to Vicinity Realty Services. Establishing an office in the iconic Bigelow Mansion on Bayshore Avenue, right in the heart of South Tampa, was a significant milestone. We also opened a satellite office in Riverview to better serve our clients. During the market downturn in 2007, we made the strategic decision to consolidate back to our original office in Madeira Beach. In 2015, we aligned ourselves with E&V, and in 2020, we opened our latest location in South Tampa. Working alongside Cherie, my partner in both life and business, has been an incredible journey. We've found that our differing strengths complement each other well, enhancing our ability to support our team of advisors. Sharing both the triumphs and challenges as a team has strengthened our bond and enriched our professional endeavors. Beyond the office, our shared love for the water has been a central part of our lives. With our three grown children and eight grandchildren nearby, weekends often find us out boating, enjoying sunsets at the beach, or hosting family barbecues at home. While blending work and personal life isn't everyone's cup of tea, we consider ourselves truly fortunate. The culture at Engel & Völkers resonates deeply with our family values, making it the perfect fit for us.

Engel & Völkers Gainesville • Tallahassee

Matt & Carrie Cason

After leaving the US Navy, Matt and I crossed paths at church in January 2005, and it didn't take long for sparks to fly. By December of that same year, we were exchanging vows and beginning our journey as a married couple. As licensed real estate agents and Building Contractors in Florida, we founded Cason Construction & Development not long after tying the knot. Matt's talent for designing and constructing custom homes complimented my knack for selling real estate in north central Florida. In 2008, Matt transitioned to commercial construction and development, eventually becoming the President of Concept Companies, where he partners with my brother, Brian, who serves as the CEO. Concept Companies, a full-service real estate development firm, has successfully completed over 300 projects encompassing more than 10 million square feet across various sectors nationwide. In 2019, after nearly two decades in real estate and facilitating around 650 transactions, I expressed my desire to establish my own Real Estate Brokerage. After careful consideration, I joined the Engel & Völkers family in 2020. Since then, I've discovered a passion for mentoring and supporting advisors in growing their businesses. Alongside managing the Gainesville office, I became the Licensed Partner of Tallahassee, overseeing approximately 30 advisors between both locations. Matt and I thrive on our collaboration within the Engel & Völkers network, constantly exchanging ideas, providing feedback, and devising strategies to elevate our advisors and enhance the brand. Matt's active involvement in Engel & Völkers events and future planning sessions underscores our joint commitment to excellence and community engagement. Our journey together epitomizes an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to our respective fields. From launching our own construction company to exploring various sectors of the real estate industry, we've remained steadfast in our pursuit of growth and innovation. Beyond our professional endeavors, we've built a loving family with three children: Connor, who's 16 and enjoys football and soccer, Claire, 12, and Carly, 11, both passionate about competitive cheerleading. Family values and supporting each other's passions are central to our lives, both personally and professionally. In summary, our story underscores the power of collaboration, determination, and a shared vision for success in both our careers and family life.

Engel & Völkers Tampa Downtown

Aaron & Virginia Bond

In my perspective, working together at Engel & Völkers has significantly enhanced our relationship and drawn us closer as a couple. It has not only crystallized and aligned our professional aspirations (considering we were previously two independent realtors) but has also provided us with significant objectives to collaborate on, fostering a shared sense of purpose. I'm immensely proud of Virginia, our team, and myself, as well as what we have managed to build together. Throughout the startup phase, we have grown in tandem, learning to leverage each other's strengths in delegating business and brokerage responsibilities, all the while striving for continuous self-improvement. There's a unique satisfaction derived from hard work, and while we've both been putting in our utmost individually, the fact that we're doing it together imbues it with even greater significance (and makes it more manageable from a relationship standpoint). We're completely committed to each other's success, going above and beyond to provide support whenever necessary to accomplish our goals. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be not only married to but also in business partnership with my best friend.

Engel & Völkers St. Pete • St. Pete Beach

Matt & Leisa Erickson

Matt and I, the dynamic duo steering Engel and Völkers St Pete and St. Pete Beach, seamlessly blend the intricacies of love and business, creating a partnership that thrives on mutual support and expertise. Our unique strengths enhance our roles as business owners; Matt's focus on new construction, land development, and renovation perfectly complements my mastery in sales, marketing, and negotiating. As we navigate the demanding world of real estate, we emphasize the significance of our partnership as a couple-owned business. We acknowledge that running a brokerage is a 24/7 commitment, and we find strength in having an equal partner to juggle the demands of private life and ongoing work responsibilities. This balance becomes one of the key benefits of our shared journey, highlighting the harmony we achieve by seamlessly integrating our personal and professional spheres. Matt and I embody not only the expertise required in our industry but also the resilience and fulfillment that come from navigating life's challenges together.

Engel & Völkers Ocala

Buzzy & TaMara York

I can't help but reflect on the journey TaMara and I have embarked on together, both romantically and professionally. It's been over two years since we made the bold decision to blend our romantic relationship with a business partnership at Engel & Völkers, and the lessons we've learned along the way have been invaluable. One of the key lessons has been learning to appreciate our differences. Just as in our personal lives, our professional endeavors benefit from our unique qualities and skill sets. Recognizing and leveraging each other's strengths has been crucial in propelling our business forward. Equally important has been carving out time for ourselves as a couple amidst the demands of our business. Without intentionally setting aside this time, it's easy for the hours and days to slip away, leaving little room for nurturing our personal connection. Making this time has been essential for both our relationship and our business's well-being. Our shared core values have been the foundation of both our personal and professional lives. Our faith, honesty, respect, commitment, and work ethic have guided us through challenges and successes alike. Bringing these values into our business endeavors has set the tone for how we operate on a daily basis and has contributed to the health of our enterprise. TaMara isn't just my life partner; she's also my closest confidante and friend. As we approach our 20th wedding anniversary this May, I can't help but marvel at the journey we've undertaken together. From experiencing life's highs and lows to now navigating the intricacies of business ownership, our bond has only grown stronger. Looking ahead, we're filled with excitement for what the future holds, both in our love for each other and in our professional endeavors. With TaMara by my side, I know that whatever challenges or triumphs come our way, we'll face them together, as partners in love and in business.

Engel & Völkers Hutchinson Island • Vero Beach

Bob & Claire Higgins

It all began years ago when Bob and I were college sweethearts, brimming with youthful optimism despite coming from opposite ends of the world. Bob hailed from Hawaii, while I was a New Englander. Our paths crossed in upstate New York, sparking the beginning of our journey together. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves blessed with a large, loving family and embarking on a new entrepreneurial venture—it’s like starting a second chapter in our lives. Before delving into entrepreneurship, my career led me through the executive ranks of Estee Lauder Companies, while Bob thrived as a franchise developer for Chili’s Inc. Together, we spent eight years in Texas before returning to New England, eventually settling in Florida in 1990. Despite the demands of our careers, our focus remained on raising our four daughters and nurturing our bonds with family. With our daughters now happily married and starting families of their own, Bob and I felt it was time to pursue something for ourselves—entering the world of entrepreneurship by opening an Engel & Völkers franchise. We've never shied away from challenges, and now, as we work on opening our second location and expanding our team by 15 advisors, our strength as a couple shines through. Communication has always been our cornerstone, helping us navigate the complexities of balancing our personal and professional lives, even during periods of separation due to travel and commitments. Our shared traits of high energy and goal orientation have propelled us forward, yet we acknowledge our differences—Bob, a night owl, while I prefer an early bedtime; Bob's casual approach versus my tendency towards organization. But it's these differences that complement each other, creating a dynamic harmony, akin to the Yin and Yang, keeping life both interesting and fun.

Engel & Völkers Pensacola

Nick Johnson & Stephanie Harrington

In 2012, our story began through the introduction of a mutual friend. Seeking a shift from my relentless REO work in Iowa, I was connected with Nicholas, who had recently invested in a company and sought new sales agents. Although the positions were already occupied by the time my resume reached Nicholas, a friendship blossomed between us. Fast forward to 2015, I took a leap of faith, flying 1,000 miles to Florida, and from that pivotal day onward, our bond grew unbreakable. In 2016, long-distance dating ended, and I made Florida my forever home. I've been living here in the Pensacola area for eight years, and I've also been in Real Estate here about the same amount of time. My career has blossomed from working at a small boutique brokerage to being recruited by some of the largest real estate brokerages in the area, and to now starting my own Engel & Völkers in Pensacola. Nicholas has been in business for the past twenty-three years as a CEO/Owner and more recently ventured into the Mortgage Broker space, which allowed him to work with my clients and expand his services to working with other agents in the area. We also own two successful gulf-front short-term rentals on Pensacola Beach and manage a few others for investors that we have worked with in the area. We are both excited about embarking on building Engel & Völkers Pensacola as a new business together. As two very independent and strong entrepreneurs, we “work” because we both share the same competitive drive to achieve our goals as well as being each other’s biggest cheerleader towards growth and success. We are also equally aligned and grounded with each other’s core values of family, faith, and our deep commitment to our relationship with each other. Our days normally begin with coffee together, and work usually ends with dinner together, and work and everything in-between that we “breathe” is work. I guess you could classify us both as “work-a-holics”, but in our love and communication, we know that it’s important to make time for just “us” and find time to laugh and live. Living on Pensacola Beach, when we are not working, we are either on the beach, enjoying downtown Pensacola, cruising the sound on our Boston Whaler or watching my husband’s beloved Patriots (or any Boston sports team). We also enjoy our annual trips to the west coast where we spend substantial time overlooking the Pacific, hiking the redwoods, and in the Napa Valley area touring our favorite vineyards…. As well as our annual trips to The Cape where my husband is from to visit family, friends, whale watching and indulging in never-ending lobster. It is so important to have similar interests and passions when our lives are so vested in work. We take time to enjoy weekly dates and to make each holiday a special occasion with each other. Valentine’s is extra special as it is the prelude to our wedding anniversary, February 23rd. This year we will be celebrating our 5th anniversary.