REAL Exclusive Magazine

Jim Soda, REALTOR Prudential Palms Realty

by Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

lifestyle photography by Chad Spencer

Like many from Sarasota, REALTOR® Jim Soda moved to the area in search of a better lifestyle. An entrepreneur with business and real estate experience, he was encouraged to pursue a career in real estate by a friend, and has found his calling in assisting others to enjoy their own dream homes throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As the leader of The Jim Soda Group, he sets the tone for professionalism, knowledge and the utmost in customer care throughout every aspect of the real estate transaction. A local team with an international reach, The Jim Soda Group offers impeccable service to all clients, and remains committed to the business of real estate.

After owning a national transportation and environmental company for nearly two decades, Jim became a real estate investor, expanding into Las Vegas, NV and Duck Key, FL. “Real estate was intriguing,” he recalls. “With my trucking business I was constantly researching locations for terminals and yards. Once I sold the business, I was fortunate to join a thriving investment group that primarily focused on commercial investments in Las Vegas.” Though he enjoyed the process of watching a parcel of land develop into buildings, and found small-time success with his own residential investments, Jim reveals that becoming a professional agent was never one of his early goals. “I planned to buy a business or just enjoy all that Sarasota had to offer,” he says of his vision of a future in Sarasota, which he discovered in the 1999. “A friend encouraged me to earn my license, and the rest was history!”
 
He launched his career with a national real estate agency known for its high standards in agent qualifications. What the company lacked, though, was a training program that would assist new agents. Jim sought the advice of Helen Sosso a new friend and a partner in Prudential Preferred Realty in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She suggested he attend her new agent program in Pittsburgh, less than a hour from his home town, near Youngstown, OH. He took the time to dedicate himself to learning the business of real estate by mastering her program. When he returned to Sarasota, he was determined to make the most of his experience. He joined Prudential Cascade and began his career in earnest.

Savvy businessman that he was, Jim understood the value of learning from his peers. Early on, he invested heavily in branding and marketing his services, a move that has paid off. Highly recognizable throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, he developed a reputation as an agent whose knowledge and service were nothing less than exemplary. In 2003 he joined the Sosso’s family new venture, Prudential Palms Realty. Until 2004 he grew his business as a solo agent, but as word spread and his business grew, Jim searched for a way to create a team that would continue to offer the level of service his clients had come to expect.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Jim’s sister-in law Toni Huartson and husband Randy were ready to make their own career moves. They relocated from California and, along with Jim’s wife Donna, became licensed Florida real estate agents and joined forces. Today they, along with Judy Dumas and Kelly Prior-Zoller, form the Jim Soda Group.

“We’ve always been interested in homes and design,” recalls Toni of the family’s decision to become real estate professionals. “Not only were we experienced residential real estate investors, but we loved the environment in Sarasota. The market was great, and we saw an excellent opportunity to assist Jim in continuing to build his business.”

Randy, a graduate of San Diego’s USIU with a degree in Business, and Toni, a graduate of Youngstown University in Ohio majored in Speech Communications; both also have a background in design and real estate project management. Together they proudly continue the level of professionalism and customer service that have enabled Jim to distinguish himself within Sarasota’s highly competitive real estate market. Kelly from Columbus, OH has marketing, advertising and management experience in retailing. Donna’s past experience is in stock trading and market analysis. Our Team goals are to get the deals done and feel good about it. “We work on building lasting relationships in trust and respect, an approach that has not only earned them client loyalty, but has also led to many friendships along the way. “It’s a natural process,” says Toni. “We really take pleasure in our work, and we enjoy the people we work with. The result is great relationships that extend well beyond any one transaction.”

Relationships are the cornerstone to long-term success in real estate, and the professionals in The Jim Soda Group are committed to upholding the value that has become associated with their team name through their associations with clients and colleagues alike. “In our industry, your word is gold,” asserts Toni. “People are trusting us with what is often their greatest investments. We’re committed to our profession, and understand that this is a twenty four hour, seven days a week atmosphere. When our clients need us, we’re here for them.”
 
Jim adds, “In addition to caring for our clients, we have also made it a priority to facilitate mutual respect with our peers. The Soda Group has earned a reputation among our colleagues as a team that is honest and up front, with open-door communication.”

Communication within the team is another key to success. “Blackberry®’s are a must. We’re extremely flexible within our group, working together to ensure that every transaction closes as smoothly as possible, and that every client’s expectations are met or exceeded,” asserts Jim. The team specializes in residential properties in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Long Boat Key. Though they’re known within the high-end Waterfront market, Toni states that the group is able to handle the needs of all levels of clients.

“Everyone is treated to red carpet service, from first-time buyers who are in the market for a small condo, to multimillion dollar Sellers and Buyers,” she says. And as a former VIP Representative for Las Vegas’ MGM, Toni knows just how to make each client feel like a real estate high roller. It’s not about gimmicks; the team focuses on providing strong customer service in every aspect of the transaction, and beyond.

As listing specialists, the members of the Jim Soda Group provide their clients with superior marketing and advertising campaigns, each designed to maximize the exposure of every home they sell. The group invests in the talents of many professional services to help in the choreography of each listing. Properties are featured on hundreds of real estate-related Internet web pages and many world-wide search engines. Jim, a featured agent on trulia.com, also maintains an informative blog on his own very popular site, JimSoda.com. “Our site continues to see increased traffic as clients and potential customers and new Buyers seek up-to-date information on the Greater Sarasota Area and the condition of its real estate market.”

When working with buyers, we start with the basics. “It comes down to listening to what our clients really want,” says Toni. As Jim states, “I was a client long before becoming a Realtor.”  Sometimes deals fell apart when the fundamentals were lost.” Keeping their own experiences fresh in their minds, the members of the Jim Soda Group handle business with an empathetic approach. Assisting newcomers as they acquaint themselves with their new surroundings, they readily offer input on local resources and amenities. “Sometimes, we’re a client’s only connection to the area,” notes Toni. “We’ve all been through the process of relocating, and we want to enable our clients to enjoy all that Sarasota has to offer!”
 
The Jim Soda Group truly has an international reach; they’ve worked with clients from around the world, including Germany, Canada, The United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. They are also involved in real estate dialogues with agents worldwide, which enables them to further broaden their knowledge and perspective of the industry as a whole. Jim is now completing his C I P S, Certified International Property Specialist course and TRC network, a worldwide Broker referral network. “This special training and education is invaluable”, says Jim. “Only 3,200 REALTORS® in the world have earned the designation and certification of learning the many different cultures, customs and currencies of the world.”
 
As the real estate market continues to shift, the professionals with the Jim Soda Group will continue to adapt their own business to suit the marketplace. Continuing education is a must, says Jim. “I thought my education was officially done upon graduating from The University of Dayton, a few moons ago. But each transaction teaches you something new.” The group utilizes their diversity as a unique resource, as well. “Our team approach keeps us fresh,” Jim states. “With different ideas and ways of approaching challenges, we’re always working together to refine our systems and improve upon our level of service as a whole.”

The professionals with the Jim Soda Group are actively involved in their communities on a number of levels. In addition to a sponsorship position with Sarasota’s E-fest, they are also participants in the Sarasota Film Festival and sponsor a closing night performance at the Asolo Theatre. Members of the Sarasota and Long Boat Key Chambers of Commerce, the United Way of Sarasota and pursue additional business networking opportunities through the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. “We’re active within our market, to some degree, every day,” says Jim.  “We are truly dedicated to our business, and to serving as the most knowledgeable and trusted resources possible for our clients.”

Jim Soda
Prudential Palms Realty
130 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Cell: 941.809.7759
Office: 941.552.2666
Blog: http://sodasells.wordpress.com/

Web Site:  www.JimSoda.com
Sarasota – Lakewood Ranch – Longboat Key