LAKELAND, FL, June 18, 2026 - Saunders Real Estate today announced that Gary M. Ralston will be transitioning from his role with the firm effective June 30. As he winds down his tenure at Saunders Real Estate, Gary will be repositioning himself as he begins the next chapter of his longstanding commercial real estate career.
“Gary has had a tremendous impact on our organization and on the commercial real estate industry as a whole,” said Dean Saunders, Founder of Saunders Real Estate. “Over the years, he has built meaningful relationships and earned the trust of clients throughout the industry. His experience, leadership, and professionalism have been invaluable to our team, and we are deeply grateful for his many contributions.”
A nationally recognized commercial real estate expert, Gary is widely regarded as one of the most accredited practicing commercial real estate professionals in the country. Throughout his career, Gary has specialized in retail and commercial properties, development, leasing, investment sponsorship, and consulting. Prior to joining Saunders Real Estate, he served as president and member of the board of directors at Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc. (NYSE: NNN).
Clients and partners can expect the same customer-focused service and market expertise that have long defined Saunders Real Estate. They will continue to be supported by the firm’s commercial team, including Lauren Ralston Smith, who previously led the Property Management division and was instrumental in building and scaling the department into a core component of Saunders Real Estate’s commercial platform. Smith now serves in a full-time brokerage capacity while maintaining active engagement across existing listings and assignments.
Saunders Real Estate remains committed to the continued growth of its commercial real estate division, supported by recent office openings in both the greater Atlanta area and Tampa, strengthening its presence across key Southeastern markets.
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.