REAL Exclusive Magazine

Candy Swick: The Power of “Yes”

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Chad Spencer

A study in the power of positivity, real estate professional Candy Swick has never been one to live passively. Once a young student who struggled with hyperactivity, she overcame challenges to earn multiple degrees and then to become a teacher who inspired others to create their own paths to success.

Candy earned her real estate license in 1979, and soon found that the business of real estate was an ideal fit for her nonstop energy and boundless creativity. After joining Palm Aire as an on-site salesperson, she quickly secured a position as the organization’s top-producing agent along the East and West coasts. Her success attracted the attention of other area builders and developers, and she capitalized on the opportunity to increase their sales and visibility.

Inspiration to form her own company came from a former client, who introduced Candy to his business partner. Though Candy Swick & Company was launched from her dining room table with a single phone line, few who knew her doubted Candy’s ability to make it work.

Today, Candy’s firm, a thriving enterprise that, driven by her knack for business and never-say-never attitude, is defying the odds. “It’s all about passion,” she muses as she reflects upon her longevity in the industry. “When you’re in this industry, you’ve got to focus on something other than yourself. If you operate from an egocentric profession, then you’ve missed the magic of our profession.” She adds, “It’s about service, education, and celebrating people. When it feeds you, then you know you’re in this for the right reasons.”

While many complain of lean times as of late, Candy has maintained a veritable smorgasbord of business, thanks to her commitment to maintaining a core set of operating principles. Weekly coaching with an international group of top REALTORS® keeps her energized, excited, and updated on trends and changes around the world; a solid team of professional real estate agents and support personnel enables her to focus her energies on serving her own clients and maintaining a diverse repertoire of real estate transactions. And an unwavering belief in the “magic” of her industry keeps her focused on the future.

Long known as an expert in Sarasota’s diverse condominium market, Candy has launched a new website, www.SarasotaResidentialExpert.com, tailored to meet the needs of individuals looking for traditional homes. It’s packed with neighborhood-specific information, and designed to facilitate a virtual home search for clients, enabling them to scout out prospective properties from the comforts of home or office.

Candy’s commitment to exceptional and attentive customer service requires the efforts of a team of professionals, who are available day and night to answer clients’ questions and address concerns. In addition to Buyer’s Agents Sasha Yapparov, Tania Corredor, Emily Velez, Kristina Garcia, Tom McNamara, and Candy’s son Mike Swick, who holds a bachelor of science degree with a double major in Marketing and Real Estate from Florida State University, the team also includes a group of support personnel who are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of business runs smoothly. The group includes Closing Supervisor Cathy Straka, Marketing Director Lisa Yoder, Marketing Associate Barry Zhang, Executive Assistant Peggy Promey, Listing Coordinator Melissa Ostrow, and Technical Support Specialist Ray Hord.

One of her tongue-in-cheek mantras is, “Nobody died,” and Candy operates with the philosophy that, regardless of the challenges presented to her, she always has the opportunity to see the bright side. “I still get to enjoy my day,” she smiles, and it’s a sure bet that those around her are doing the same.

Candy Swick, Broker/Owner
2063 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
Telephone: 941-954-9000
www.DowntownExpert.com
www.SarasotaResidentialExpert.com