Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty welcomes new agents, marketing coordinator

Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty recently welcomed five agents to its team — Jonathan Spears, Bernadette Flannery, Jo Stewart, Lauren Cottrell and Josh Staggs.

Flannery’s passion for 30A real estate began in 1995. She likes to tell the story that while her husband and two friends were playing golf she and the other wives went shopping. And while most new visitors buy a T-shirt, hat or perhaps a piece of jewelry to remember their visit to a new place, she and her friends went home with real estate. 

From the experience of finding that very first lot purchase, Flannery knew she had found her second career. And while it took her until 2006, she and her husband David finally put the cold northeast winters behind them and transplanted themselves and their snow dog Tundra into permanent WaterColor residents.

“We are ecstatic to have Bernadette join our team,” said Blake Morar, co-broker/owner of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. “She has the wonderful gift of connecting with people. I have worked with her in the past and found her to be an absolute pleasure. She fits our company culture well.”

 Abbott, co-broker/owner of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty adds, “With the inclusion of Bernadette to Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, we are positioning the company to represent key locations across the coast, with the best agents in our marketplace. She is an absolute professional and we are thrilled that she decided to join our team.”

Motivated by a strong work ethic and a true passion for the real estate business, Spears has developed his extensive knowledge of the Northwest Florida real estate market since 2005. He puts that knowledge to work for his customers, securing the best deal for his buyers and highest sale price for customers selling their luxury properties. Spears graduated from Florida State University at 19 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Finance. He devotes the same uncompromising dedication and work ethic to his customers in every transaction.

“Jonathan compliments our company with his strong work ethic and focused efforts to provide unsurpassed customer service. His age does not precede his experience,” said Abbott. “We are thrilled he’s joined our team and look forward to the future possibilities and growth together.”

Morar adds, “Jonathan has a refreshing style of business that we believe is special. He has a tremendous passion for his clients and has an absolute gift of navigating challenging transactions. Jonathan also knows just how to keep it simple, which is a delicate balance.

“Jonathan is beyond his years. Considering he completed 55 transactions last year at over $22M in closed business, he is 23 going on 43.”  

Stewart has been a top-producing Realtor taking on new clients for both buying and selling of luxury properties in the Destin and 30A markets. A former senior banking executive in Washington, D.C., Stewart moved to Sandestin seven years ago with her husband Jim, a newly retired CBS News correspondent. She quickly went from a newcomer in home sales to one of the area’s top real estate agents. Since joining the marketplace in 2009 she has consistently ranked in the top 1 percent of all Realtors in the area, selling over $100 million in property. Her luxury home sales in Sandestin over the past five years surpass those of her nearest competitor by twofold.

“Jo has extensive knowledge and experience in the Sandestin Resort market, and we felt the Sotheby’s International Realty brand would best compliment her efforts representing luxury sales throughout the resort,” Abbott said. “We are blessed she decided to join our company and look forward to her many successes not only in Sandestin, but across the coastal market we represent.”

 “Jo is one of the most dynamic successful agents in our region and we are honored to have her join our team, Morar said. “She brings a wealth of experience and we are excited about her decision to join Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty.”

Lauren Cottrell and husband Josh Staggs round out the recent agent additions. Born and raised in Niceville, Cottrell graduated in 2009 from the University of Alabama with a BA in marketing.

“We welcome Lauren and Josh with open arms to our team,” said Abbott. “Their combined efforts and focus will excel with this brand behind them, and we look forward to the many accomplishments and successes in their career with us.”

Finally, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to welcome its new marketing coordinator, Elaine Weeks. A licensed agent, Weeks will support the ever-growing marketing and operational demands of the organization and its agents. Her role will ensure that processes and platforms that directly touch agents are well planned, orchestrated, and executed with the brand.

“Elaine has such a diverse background and skill-set that she will bring tremendous support to the leadership team, agents, and company in this high growth time,” said the company’s marketing director, Will Maberry. “Her experience, coupled with her work ethic, makes her a great addition to our team, and we look for great things to come from her.”