LAKELAND, FL, November 11, 2024 - Earlier this month, Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate hosted its annual client appreciation event at its headquarters in Lakeland, Florida. This event brings together friends, families, clients, and business partners to fellowship. Per tradition, this year’s celebration included the unveiling of the latest addition to the Saunders Art Collection.
Florida's Gentle Giant by Sophie Green
Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, founder of Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, is an eighth-generation Floridian with a passion for conserving Florida’s natural landscapes. His connection to Florida’s environment inspired the Saunders Art Collection—a project in which he commissions an original painting each year to highlight the state’s natural beauty. Each piece in the collection captures an iconic aspect of Florida’s wildlife or scenery, honoring the landscapes that make Florida unique. This year, in an homage to one of Florida’s most cherished marine creatures, Florida’s Gentle Giant by Sophie Green beautifully showcases the essence of the manatee and its serene existence in the state’s waterways.
Sophie Green, who flew in from the United Kingdom for this event, is an accomplished contemporary artist, environmentalist, and conservationist. Featured in channels like National Geographic, CNN, and BBC Women's Hour, and Winner of the Artists for Conservation Award of Excellence, her work aims to “connect people with nature” while raising awareness for issues surrounding endangered species, animal welfare, and the environment.
“This painting is a reminder of the natural spaces we’re all working to protect,” Saunders noted. “Conservation is about making choices now that will impact Florida’s landscape and wildlife for generations to come. Every landowner has a part to play in that, whether through land management, real estate transactions, or conservation easements. We’re here to support those decisions and ensure that our clients’ investments make sense for them and the future.”
The annual client appreciation event serves as a way for the team at Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate to build relationships with their clients and community. The dinner is personally prepared and served by the company’s leadership and employees, reflecting the hands-on approach and personal commitment the company brings to all of its relationships. While attendees enjoy a homemade barbeque, they are also able to connect with their local business community.
“We value the opportunity to serve and express our gratitude in a meaningful, personal way,” said Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate. “This annual gathering is about more than just business. It’s about building relationships and celebrating the partnerships that make our work possible.”
The annual event celebrates the company’s dedication to community and conservation and offers clients, partners, and families a chance to gather and be present for the unveiling of Florida’s Gentle Giant—a meaningful addition to the Saunders Art Collection that speaks to Florida’s enduring natural heritage.
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions – Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused approach.