Jamie and Mark are Sarasota Florida Real Estate Agents and local residents. They are business partners and engaged to me married next April. Jamie hails from Scottsdale Arizona, a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, as has a background in marketing and sales. Mark’s hometown is outside of Philadelphia, where he completed his undergraduate degree at Widener University before being commissioned in the US Army as an officer and later receiving an MBA. Mark’s background is in marketing, advertising, and business development for several Fortune 500 firms.
In your own words what is The SRQ Duo about?
The SRQ Duo is a team of Sarasota Real Estate Agents of the brokerage Merrick Damon Real Estate, one of the top rated agencies in Florida. We help clients buy or sell their homes or condos in the Sarasota and Lakewood ranch areas. We focus on a select number of clients, offering personalized services that are responsive and focused. We outperform nationwide firms while delivering buyers and sellers localized expertise and superior results. As a team, our clients get the assistance of both of us when buying and selling a home or condo. The SRQ Duo is the single point of contact throughout the entire process.
What led you to your current business?
We started The SRQ Duo because we found real estate agents in Sarasota lacking. When we bought and leased properties, we quickly realized that most agents are lazy, unresponsive, and untrained. As such, we identified this as a business opportunity.
Could you walk us through your process of developing your business?
Since we have backgrounds in marketing and advertising, The SRQ Duo has an advantage over most agents. We know how to market and launch products, or in this case, properties.
Did you encounter any particular difficulties in the beginning?
The most difficult things we had to overcome was the natural clash with old fashioned real estate agents. Our innovative approach to real estate and general ability to outwork our competition has led to friction with the current guard of agents. We have quickly become the area’s hottest agents.
What is your long-term plan?
The SRQ Duo is focused on dominating the local market. We would love to expand into adjacent markets, and begin hiring additional staff to seek and close more opportunities. Eventually we plan to add real estate investment opportunities to our business portfolio.
Could you share with us some industry insights?
Real estate investing in Sarasota is huge. We continue to focus on international investments despite the recent strength of the dollar. There are many up and coming neighborhoods in Sarasota, such as the Rosemary District and “East of Trail” which we believe will continue to outpace other investments and offer the maximum return on investment.
What are some important lessons you’ve learnt about entrepreneurship?
The most important lesson is to follow your heart. In order to get ahead, you must take calculated risk. Another important lesson is that real estate agents must spend money on marketing and developing leads. You can’t simply expect buyers and sellers to fall into your lap. You must develop and invest in marketing that gets you in front of likely buyers and sellers.
Any parting words?
If you’re interested in selling Sarasota real estate or buying homes for sale in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota Fl, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, or Lakewood Ranch, give The SRQ Duo a call and find out why we have become Sarasota’s hottest real estate agents.
Connect
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesrqduo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesrqduo
