BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Longtime associates hold sartorial celebration
Nelson Martin and Harold Freeman celebrated the opening of their new men’s clothing store, Martin Freeman, with a grand-opening reception Saturday, March 3, for friends and customers. The store is at 75 S. Palm Ave., in downtown Sarasota. Martin and Freeman, partners in the new venture, were long-time associates at the former Maus & Hoffman clothing store on St. Armands Circle.

+ Signature Sotheby’s furthers ties in Canada
Signature Sotheby’s International Realty executives recently traveled to Canada for the grand opening of the company’s second Toronto office, where they met with associates and Sotheby’s leadership to share market knowledge and further the ties between the two affiliates.

+ Dwell Real Estate opens downtown
Dwell Real Estate, a locally owned boutique real-estate agency, has opened in downtown Sarasota. Owner Marc Rasmussen aims to use his experience with three of the area’s top brokerages to provide customers with personal service.

+ Pool builder recognized in design award contest
Sarasota-based pool company Lucas Lagoons Inc., was recognized in the Florida Swimming Pool Association’s annual Design Awards contest.

Owner Lucas Congdon was awarded bronze and gold awards for pools on Longboat Key and Osprey, respectively.

+ Clarke Advertising names new president
Clarke Advertising and Public Relations has named Patricia Courtois chief operating officer.

Courtois has 32 years of PR and marketing communications experience and will lead the agency’s PR and marketing team as well as oversee day-to-day operations.

+ Cogan named to Barron’s list of top financial advisers
Aimee DeMariano Cogan, executive director and wealth adviser at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, was named to Barron’s annual list of America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisers.

The list features financial advisers who have been screened based on the assets under their management, revenue produced for their firm and the quality of their service to clients.