LAKELAND, FL, December 15, 2025 – Lakeland REALTORS® held its annual installation and awards luncheon Wednesday at the Magnolia Building in downtown Lakeland. During the event, Joey Hungerford, Associate Advisor at Saunders Real Estate, was named the 2025 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year by the organization.
Joey Hungerford, MiCP, Associate Advisor at Saunders Real Estate
The Commercial REALTOR® of the Year Award recognizes outstanding professionalism, service, and leadership within the organization’s commercial real estate community. Hungerford’s recognition continues a tradition of excellence at Saunders Real Estate, with previous recipients from the firm including David Hungerford in 2022, Gary Ralston in 2018, and Richard Dempsey in 2017. The award reflects not only individual achievement, but also sustained commitment to the industry and active involvement within the local REALTOR® organization.
Born and raised in Lakeland, Hungerford has an extensive background in communications and political affairs. He has served in multiple roles within the U.S. government, including Communications Director for a Congresswoman in the U.S. House of Representatives, Communications Advisor and Digital Director to the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and as a personal travel videographer for the President of the United States. Hungerford is an active member of Lakeland REALTORS®, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Public Policy Committee and is a graduate of the association’s Leadership Academy. He is currently a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Candidate working toward his designation and specializes in office and industrial properties, commercial leasing, and site identification.
“I am honored to receive this award and sincerely grateful to my mentors, colleagues, and clients who made this possible,” Hungerford said. “Thank you to Lakeland REALTORS® for this recognition and for fostering a professional community I greatly respect. It is a great privilege to serve my clients and contribute to the commercial real estate industry here in Lakeland and throughout Central Florida.”
“Joey’s recognition is a reflection of his professionalism, unmatched work ethic, and commitment to both his clients and peers,” said Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate. “We value his contributions to the firm and his continued engagement within our community. I’m honored to have seen him learn and thrive in this industry over the years.”
Saunders Real Estate recognizes Hungerford’s achievement and values his continued contributions to the firm and the commercial real estate profession. The firm supports industry participation and professional engagement as part of its broader commitment to responsible land and commercial real estate brokerage.
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.