Leaving the Mid-Atlantic and moving to Lakewood Ranch was about embracing the lifestyle we’d always wanted, aligning our life around family, and building a business rooted in truly serving people.

John: By the time we made the move to Florida, I’d already spent over 20 years in real estate, starting as a loan officer, moving into management, and eventually running my own mortgage company. I also got licensed in real estate, title, and insurance so I could understand all aspects of the real estate process.

 Growing up with immigrant parents, I witnessed firsthand the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of always doing the right thing. Being raised in both Chicago and Northern Virginia made me independent, adaptable, and resourceful—traits that have shaped every aspect of my life and career. I’m a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, where those core values deepened and matured. These principles became even more essential when we made the bold decision to start over in Florida. That journey reaffirmed my belief in persistence, purpose, and the power of relationships—especially in this industry, where trust means everything.

 

When we got here, we didn’t know anyone. We were starting from square one, but with years of experience to guide us. In embracing this new chapter, I decided to step away from management. It just didn’t align with our goals to prioritize family, and beyond that, I wanted to be directly involved with clients again from beginning to end of the process.

 In order to build our network, I hit the ground running—door-knocking, sending out mailers, and building real relationships with people. It wasn’t just about finding people to buy or sell, it was about creating real connections in the community and becoming a part of it.

Little by little, we started to see traction in growing our real estate business. We could really connect with people because we understood the evolving needs of families and the challenges of relocating, whether across town or across the country. Having worked on thousands of

 transactions, reading countless appraisals, sales contracts, and inspection reports, I know what can derail a deal and how to keep the process moving forward. And paired with Sophia’s skills, we have been able to help a lot of people, with plans to keep growing each year!

Sophia: Before we moved to Florida and started our real estate business, I spent my career in marketing. Like John, I was raised by immigrant parents and developed a strong work ethic early on. I studied marketing and business at the University of Delaware and built my career in hotel and tourism marketing, managing campaigns for a group of over ten hotels, from online listings and websites to branding and ad placements. 

Marketing has always been about understanding people: what matters to them, how they make decisions, and how to meet them where they 

are. That translates directly into how I approach listings. I manage the presentation side of our business—creating materials, planning open houses, and making sure each home stands out to the right buyers. From first impression to final detail, I focus on clarity, communication, and client experience. John and I bring complementary strengths, which allows us to give clients a truly full-service experience.

Back in Delaware, I was very involved in our community, serving on the boards of an arts nonprofit, a mental health network, and local health systems. Since I grew up near the beach, the coastal lifestyle was a  huge draw for us. There are so many activities here to get involved in, and we are excited to continue building strong connections here in Florida.

Our kids are a big part of our story, too. Alyssa is now at the University of Miami studying real estate law. Avelina is a senior at Cardinal Mooney

(Graduates May 2026), and John III attends The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA). Being part of their schools and activities has helped us grow real roots here—and gives us a firsthand perspective when helping other families make the transition here.

Bringing our East Coast work ethic to Sarasota area, we’re known for being hands-on, detail-oriented, and results-driven. This is a family-run business, and that’s exactly how we treat our clients. We stay closely involved at every step to make sure you feel informed, supported, and genuinely taken care of from beginning to end.

We tailor our strategy to fit your goals, whether you’re navigating a tight timeline, preparing a listing, or competing in a fast-moving market. We’re honest about what it takes to succeed and bring the right mix of communication, local and industry knowledge, and follow-through to help you get there. We also maintain a trusted network of contractors, service providers, and vendors—people we know personally and confidently refer—so when you need support beyond the sale, you’re covered.

We’re here to be trusted advisors throughout your entire homeownership journey, offering guidance, resources, and support that lasts well beyond the closing table!

Sincerely,

   

 

                                             

 JOHN GHANAYEM                                             SOPHIA KRAMEDAS-GHANAYEM