LAKELAND, FL, April 27, 2025 – Several advisors with Saunders Land, a division of Saunders Real Estate, were recognized among the nation’s leading land professionals through the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) APEX Awards, with honors presented at the organization’s 2026 National Land Conference.
Dean Saunders receives the APEX 2025 ALC-to-ALC Networking Award at the RLI National Land Conference.
The APEX Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report, highlights top-performing land real estate professionals across the country based on qualifying transaction volume and production. The program also recognizes leadership, collaboration, and emerging talent within the land brokerage industry.
Dean Saunders, ALC, Founder and Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate, was named APEX 2025 Broker of the Year for Ag Land Ranches, recognizing the highest qualifying transaction volume in the category. Trent Saunders, ALC, was also recognized at the national level as APEX 2025 Broker of the Year for Ag Land Crops, further reflecting the firm’s focus across multiple rural land asset classes.
Dean Saunders also received the APEX 2025 ALC-to-ALC Networking Award for a transaction that exemplified collaboration between RLI’s Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs).
In addition, Dean Saunders and Trent Saunders were both named APEX 2025 Top Twenty National Producer Award Winners, with this recognition marking Dean Saunders’ ninth consecutive year earning a place among the nation’s top producers in land real estate.
Several advisors were also recognized as part of the APEX 2025 Producers Club, awarded to professionals achieving at least $5 million in qualifying production volume. Honorees from Saunders Land include Dean Saunders, Trent Saunders, Jeff Cusson, Eric Leisy, Mike Matre, and Spencer Smith.
Trent Saunders earned the 2025 Land Rising Star Award at the RLI Leadership Awards Program.
Trent Saunders, RLI At-Large Director (2026–2027), was further recognized with the 2025 Land Rising Star Award as part of the RLI Leadership Awards Program. The award honors a land professional approaching a mid-level in their career who demonstrates strong potential for continued leadership and contribution to the industry. The recognition follows Spencer Smith’s receipt of the same award in the prior year, underscoring Saunders Real Estate’s continued emphasis on cultivating emerging talent.
Greg Driskell and Hoke Smith of Saunders Land were also recognized at the event, following their recent achievement of the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation. The ALC is one of the industry’s most respected credentials, reflecting a high level of experience, education, and professionalism in land brokerage.
“This group brings a level of consistency to the business that is unmatched,” said Dean Saunders. “Recognition like this is meaningful, but it really comes back to doing right by our clients and understanding their goals. These awards are a result of that mindset, and I’m proud of the team for continuing to carry it forward.”
“It’s great to see our advisors receive this well-deserved recognition at the national level,” said Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Real Estate. “As our firm continues to grow geographically and across service areas, we’ve always been intentional about building a strong group with high moral character, and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in these results.”
The recognition at the RLI National Land Conference reflects a year of active transactions across the country, with Saunders Land advisors representing buyers and sellers across multiple land categories, including agricultural, recreational, and transitional properties.
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.