Business Observer 01.07.10

+ Ranch agents join Wagner office
Ellen Ferber Evans and Alan Evans, formerly of Lakewood Ranch Realty, have joined Wagner Realty at its new Lakewood Ranch office, 11509 Palmbrush Trail.

Ferber Evans and Evans have more than 12 years of real estate experience. Ferber Evans left her own law practice in New York and, along with Evans, rejoined her family in Sarasota. Evans has direct sales experience in the Northeast and Florida and won many awards in his advertising career in New York.

For more information, call Ferber Evans at 773-6907, Evans at 773-6906 or the new office at 756-7800.

+ Fitness studio names new manager
20 Minutes to Fitness, a Lakewood Ranch-based semi-private strength training studio, has promoted one of its original team members, Angela Begin, to general manager.

“Angela has been with us since the opening of our studio and has worked in all areas of our business,” said co-owner and President Virginia Phillips. “She is an accomplished personal fitness coach, was instrumental in the development of the company’s client data base management system and assists in the financial aspects of our business.”

Because of the growth the studio has enjoyed in the last two years, 20 Minutes to Fitness now is planning a new location near downtown Sarasota. In addition to the local expansion, 20 Minutes to Fitness is offering franchises nationally. 

“The health aspects of our protocol, the time efficiency of the workout, the growth of the fitness market, and the proven success of franchising make this an excellent time for the right franchisees to get involved,” said Al Roach, co-owner of 20 Minutes to Fitness and president of franchise operation. For more information, visit 20MinutesToFitness.com.

+ River Sound sells 100th home
Neal Communities’ newest neighborhood, River Sound, has sold 100 homes in less than one year.

River Sound began sales in February 2009 and by Nov. 13, 2009, had sold 90 of the planned 182 homes, with the 100th contract signed on Dec. 21. Prices start at $129,900 and include cottages as well as traditional single-family homes.

“Dec. 21 may be the shortest day of the year, but it was a significant one for home sales,” said Neal Communities’ Pat Neal. “Clearly, the buyers are returning to the market, but they demand value and quality.”

River Sound has attracted first-time buyers, vacation homeowners and move-up buyers. The gated community on Morgan Johnson Road is not financed by banks and does not use CDD funding. It includes two dog parks, a community gathering area, swimming pool, children’s play area, gazebos, river access, nature walk and park with fountain.
For more information, visit nealcommunities.com.