Award-Winning Luxury Real Estate Team Led by Joel Schemmel and Donna Soda Expands the Brokerage's Presence in Western Florida
SARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Elliman Inc., one of the largest residential real estate brokerages, today announced The Schemmel Soda Group has joined the firm's Sarasota office (1350 Main Street, Sarasota, Florida). Previously with Premier Sotheby's International Realty, the record-setting team is led by cofounders Joel Schemmel and Donna Soda and includes agents Sharon Chiodi and Patti Tebo.
The Schemmel Soda Group has earned consistent accolades for their sales achievements, market knowledge, and client-focused approach. Ranked as Premier Sotheby's #1 team in Sarasota and Manatee Counties since 2019 and the #1 small team by sales volume in Sarasota by Real Trends, they also placed among the Top 100 Agents and Teams Worldwide for Sotheby's International Realty® from 2021 to 2025.
"Joel and Donna's unmatched expertise and leadership in Sarasota and the surrounding luxury markets make them an ideal addition to Douglas Elliman," said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Brokerage, Florida Region and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida. "They have built a strong, trusted brand, and this represents a strategic win for our Sarasota operations and the clients we serve."
Joel Schemmel, an attorney and former CPA with an international career in law and tax consulting, is widely regarded for his deep understanding of Sarasota real estate and his ability to successfully market and sell many of the area's most distinctive properties. Since 2008, his team has led sales records across multiple segments, consistently ranking in the top 1% of REALTORS® in Sarasota.
"Joining Douglas Elliman is a decisive step forward for our team and clients. We've built our business on deep market knowledge, integrity, and results—values we see fully reflected in Douglas Elliman's culture," says Joel Schemmel. "Their unmatched global reach, cutting-edge marketing, and boutique-style agility will elevate Sarasota's premier properties to a broader audience and allow us to respond swiftly to client and market needs, all while preserving the personalized, results-driven service that defines us."
Donna Soda brings decades of real estate experience and an unwavering dedication to client success. Known for her exceptional knowledge of the Greater Lakewood Ranch area, negotiating skills, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate clients' needs, she was a driving force behind the Soda Group before joining forces with Schemmel.
"I'm so grateful for the clients, colleagues, and friends who have been part of our journey over the years," says Donna Soda. "Joining Douglas Elliman is such an exciting new chapter for our team, and I'm truly looking forward to blending our local expertise with the incredible reach and resources of this world-class brokerage. My heart is full knowing we'll have even more ways to serve our clients and community with the care and dedication they deserve."
In addition to Chiodi and Tebo, two other key members of the team joining Douglas Elliman include Katie Kurbiel, Marketing Director, and Preston Lane, Client Service Coordinator. Chiodi, a real estate agent for almost 20 years and a resident of Sarasota since 1997, possesses in-depth community and local market knowledge to provide ultimate service experience to clients. Tebo, a licensed sales associate since 2003 and Sarasota resident for the past 35 years, has witnessed Sarasota's remarkable growth and transformation first-hand, making her a valuable team player that constantly delivers the highest level of client service.
Together, the Schemmel Soda Group brings a proven track record, deep local roots, and a shared passion for elevating the client experience, underscoring Douglas Elliman's continued investment in the growth of its operations in Western Florida.
About Douglas Elliman Inc.
Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE:DOUG, "Douglas Elliman"), ", Douglas Elliman", ) owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the United States with operations in New York, Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In addition, Douglas Elliman sources, uses, and invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology ("PropTech") solutions and companies and provides other real estate services, including development marketing, property management, and settlement and escrow services in select markets. Additional information concerning Douglas Elliman Realty is available on its website, www.elliman.com.
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SOURCE Douglas Elliman