Dive into the vibrant home and design scene in Naples, Florida, as we showcase the individuals shaping the industry. From savvy real estate agents navigating the luxury market to innovative designers crafting dream spaces, along with dedicated home services agents and skilled builders, discover the diverse talents contributing to the unique and thriving home and design sphere in Naples.
LAUREN MAXWELL, CrossCountry Mortgage
Tell us about your business.
We are the Maxwell Mortgage Team of CrossCountry Mortgage. We have the number one market share for purchase mortgage loans in Collier and aiming my way to be number 1 in Lee County. We help people achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
When did you start in your field?
The day after I graduated from college in 1987.
What’s your favorite thing about working in Naples?
The weather, the love of people and the philanthropy that I am surrounded by. The generosity of the people in Naples is amazing!
What are your future business goals?
Financing the World one loan at a time in Collier and Lee County and growing my Georgia town where we vacation.
Can you highlight a specific aspect or service that distinguishes your company?
We take a personalized touch to every transaction. I send a representative to as many closings as I can. We also support our customers post-closing; they are clients for life as far as we are concerned!
Can you share a memorable instance where your service made a significant impact on a customer?
So many, my favorite thing is when a client walks in to just give me a hug and a small gift telling me that I changed their lives, it happens in person, by email and when I encounter them out in public. I never give up on a client.
What is your most prized possession?
My family, my husband, my kids and 2-year-old grandbaby with twin brothers expected in March.
KIMBERLY ALVORD, Kimberly Luxury Group at John R. Wood
What’s your favorite thing about working in Naples?
My favorite aspect of working in Naples is the enriching experience of collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and life stories. The city's vibrant atmosphere and abundant opportunities, coupled with its delightful blend of a small-town charm and big-city energy, create an unparalleled work environment. Whether you're passionate about fishing, golf, or pickleball, Naples offers a lifestyle that caters to your interests and preferences.
What are your future business goals?
To build a few service platform for my clients
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep doing what you're doing and enjoy the ride.
What sets your home services business apart from others in the market? Can you highlight a specific aspect or service that distinguishes your company?
Our team provides sellers and buyers in so many ways! We work with designers stagers handymen photographers, shoot drone pics and have fantastic broker opens to get more eyes on the properties
Are there any emerging trends or technologies that you've incorporated into your business?
John R. Wood has now joined forces with Christies International which has provided us with technology to expand our business internationally and service our clients.
Are there any initiatives or projects you've undertaken to give back or support your community?
I was the founder of one of the Friday after school backpack programs to feed hungry kids on the weekends.
What values or principles do you prioritize when it comes to your team and business operations?
We have a client center approach. We have a positive work culture where we support and cheerlead the wins for each other.
HANNAH VOGEL, Vogel Roofing
How long have you lived in Naples?
I was born in Naples! Growing up I lived in Naples and in Montana. I was very blessed to experience the "best of both worlds"
Tell us about your business.
I own a residential roofing company that focuses on replacements, repairs and soffit/siding. Our focus is roofing but our passion is philanthropy and giving back to our community. I started my business in 2020 with a friend of mine, James Hartney. I had just graduated college and was set on going to law school and then COVID happened and wasn't sure that law school was the path for me. I knew I always wanted to have a business one day, I just wasn't sure what it was going to be.
What’s your favorite thing about working in Naples?
My favorite thing about working in Naples is being able to work and help people in my hometown. Naples is full of smart, innovative people and I feel lucky to be able to work alongside them.
What is the most challenging thing about working in Naples?
One of my favorite things about working in Naples is also the most challenging- the competition. You are competing with some of the smartest, hard-working business minds in the state and even country. This is something I always looked at as a challenge and it still is, but I found if you work hard and try your best to be an expert in your field, one day you'll feel lucky to be able to call your competition one of your peers or even friends.
What are your future business goals?
My future business goals would be to scale the company and become a certified government contractor and also start a nonprofit for women.
JOSH WHITE, Sentry Insurance Advisors
Tell us about your business.
Sentry Insurance Advisors is an independent insurance agency specializing in personal and commercial risk management. We are licensed across the United States which allows us to serve as one team managing our client's management portfolios.
We have been blessed to build a reputation around managing our client's claims. Should they have to call upon the policy, in situations like Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian, house fires or litigation arising from slip and Falls and car accidents.
Our team knows that Insurance portfolios are not a one size fits all, and the foundation of our relationship with our clients begins with listening to their unique lifestyle, commitments and activities, which help us access the market and build a customized portfolio on their behalf.
Can you share a memorable instance where your service made a significant impact on a customer?
After Hurricane Ian, I went around town with several restoration companies trucks in tow, and personally visited each client's home that was affected by the storm. In a couple instances, I was FaceTiming with my clients, showing them what was damaged and going through and handpicking what they wanted to Keep or New was destroyed and personally removed it with a team of others.
One of the clients I met in their house when they drove down from New Jersey, and Mrs. walked in with tears in her eyes giving me a big hug, and we went to dinner that evening, and mapped out the exact strategy and process of how to handle the claim for the best results. There were several situations like that where it was a great reminder of what that insurance policy is purchased for and reinforced even more the importance of the agent being there to make sure their clients don’t feel that they’re taking on the claim alone.
LUANN VIZZONE
Tell us about your business.
We provide title insurance for our clients who are purchasing a home, whether it is a cash purchase or conventional lending. We search the property our clients are buying to ensure there are no clouds on the title such as liens, judgments, etc. That helps provide a smooth closing with a level of confidence.
What’s your favorite thing about working in Naples?
Besides the fact that we live in paradise, I’ve met wonderful people here.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Work hard, give back, and learn from your experiences. It all pays off!
What sets your home services business apart from others in the market? Can you highlight a specific aspect or service that distinguishes your company?
We have a great sales team that brings added value to our business in a lot of different ways including our business model.
What values or principles do you prioritize when it comes to your team and business operations?
Customer service, customer service, customer service!
Are there any initiatives or projects you’ve undertaken to give back or support your community?
We happily work with PACE and Beverly’s Angels.
Are there any emerging trends or technologies that you’ve incorporated into your business?
Yes, we offer profit sharing to our clients.
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
Perseverance, strength, and confidence in one’s self.
STACEY MACZULIS
Tell us about your business.
We are a full service real estate title company. We give top notch customer service to our clients (realtors) with seamless closings for their clients.
When did you start your business/get into your field?
I’ve been in my industry for the past 13 years.
What’s your favorite thing about working in Naples?
I love the people! Everyone is so welcoming and kind. It really is a wonderful atmosphere.
What is the most challenging thing about working in Naples?
I believe initially it was not knowing one soul when I made the move down here. The more people I got to know, the easier it became. What a year!
What are your future business goals?
To thrive in my industry and make my team successful. Strength in numbers. I want to see EVERYONE win.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To always believe in yourself and trust your intuition.
Can you share a memorable instance where your service made a significant impact on a customer?
Seeing your clients and their clients happy at the end of the day. Buying a house is a big investment, typically the biggest investment someone can make so it can be emotional.
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
Loyalty and honesty. 10000%.
LISSA SABATINO, L Space & Co
How long have you lived in Naples?
I have lived in Naples for over 25 years, since 1997.
Tell us about your business.
Lissa Beth Interiors is a full-scope design firm. L Space & Co. is a high-end design studio and collaborative showroom. Offering designer goods within a retail operation. Connecting creatives through collaboration and community. Grab a coffee and come create!
When did you start your business/get into your field?
I started my design firm in 2007 as a full-scope interior design and renovation firm. I began interning in the industry in 2000, learning the trade from four front designers in the industry in Winter Park.
What sets your home services business apart from others in the market? Can you highlight a specific aspect or service that distinguishes your company?
My focus is very boutique, I bring a down-to-earth experience to each home and individually tailor to each client's home by understanding their needs.
Are there any emerging trends or technologies that you've incorporated into your business?
We are always up to date on technology, lighting audiovisual, but we stay away from trends keeping us more timeless.
Are there any initiatives or projects you've undertaken to give back or support your community?
I am sponsoring the Celebration of Creation at the Naples Botanical Gardens this January. I have also supported the Cancer Alliance of Naples with toy drives at L Space & Co. for the 2023 holiday season and have set up a drop-off location for hurricane relief available at L Space & Co after Ian. I am excited to support Habit for Humanity in the future.
JOSH GREENWALD, VistaView of Southwest Florida
Tell us about your business.
My business is VistaView of Southwest Florida. We are a distributor of VistaView Hurricane Impact Windows, Sliders, and Doors. Our service areas stretch across the southwest coast of Florida, from as far south as Marco Island to as far north as Sanibel Island. Our VistaView product line offers high-performance, aluminum, hurricane-impact glass products, built to withstand Florida’s severe weather. Products include Casement Windows, Sliding Doors, Pivot Doors, French Doors, Entry Doors, and more.
These products give consumers a high-end luxury look and feel, based on a modern architectural style, without sacrificing quality.
VistaView windows, sliders, and doors are manufactured right here in the state of Florida. This allows us to not only provide high-quality products but also superior service; something we continuously pride ourselves on. Working closely with our manufacturer, we can offer long-lasting product quality, competitive pricing, shorter lead times, and local service with quick parts availability.
While VistaView is a brand-new product line, it is backed by a mature company, Aldora. Aldora has specialized in both commercial and shower glass for decades and has expanded its manufacturing capabilities into the ever-growing residential market.
What sets your home services business apart from others in the market? Can you highlight a specific aspect or service that distinguishes your company?
VistaView of Southwest Florida is significantly different than any other hurricane-impact window, slider, and door supplier in Southwest Florida due to our service capabilities. Given that VistaView products are manufactured at Aldora’s Coral Springs manufacturing plant, parts are readily available. Ease of access allows our team at VistaView of Southwest Florida to coordinate service/warranty calls almost immediately. There are no waiting weeks or months for an initial service call, miscellaneous parts, or product warranty.
SANDRA ASDOURIAN, Sandra Asdourian Interiors
Tell us about your business.
I am a Naples-based interior designer who specializes in blending contemporary aesthetics with coastal influences to create stylish and comfortable spaces.
What’s your favorite thing about working in Naples?
My favorite aspect of working in Naples is the people. We have a variety of clients who live here full-time or have their own second homes here, originating from different parts of the country and the world. I enjoy learning about their background and the reasons behind selecting Naples.
Can you share a memorable instance where your service made a significant impact on a customer?
In 2020, a new client of my firm expressed her dissatisfaction with her current home and wished to move. However, her husband suggested calling in an interior designer to see if they could improve the situation. During the initial design consultation, I noticed several ways to transform their house, and we proceeded with the project. At the final reveal, the clients were overjoyed with their newly redesigned home. The wife shared that returning home after traveling felt like a breath of fresh air.
Are there any emerging trends or technologies that you've incorporated into your business?
3D rendering has revolutionized the design industry.
Are there any initiatives or projects you've undertaken to give back or support your community?
While I was living in New York, I had the opportunity to be a committee member of the Interior Design Society Long Island Chapter. We worked together to redesign a home for a Purple Heart Veteran. The entire project was made possible through generous donations from various vendors who provided furniture, rugs, building materials, and tradespeople. Being a part of this project was an incredibly rewarding experience.
