LAKELAND, FL, March 31, 2025 – Saunders Real Estate, a leading land and commercial brokerage serving the Southeast U.S., had multiple brokers honored in several categories at the prestigious REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) APEX Awards. Presented annually at the National Land Conference and sponsored by The Land Report, the APEX Awards celebrate excellence in land brokerage, recognizing the highest-performing agents based on closed land transactions. The program highlights the nation’s most accomplished land professionals, honoring top producers and industry leaders who set the standard for success in land sales.
Dean Saunders accepts recognition as RLI Land REALTOR® of America.
The APEX 2024 Producers Club recognized several top-performing brokers from Saunders Real Estate for their outstanding success in land transactions. Honorees included Dean Saunders, Trent Saunders, Dusty Calderon, Mike Matre, and Jeremiah Thompson, all of whom surpassed the $5 million threshold in closed land deals. Their inclusion in this prestigious group reflects their expertise and dedication to serving landowners across the region.
“We’re really proud of the work we do for Florida’s landowners, and it’s great to see our brokers recognized with these awards,” said Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate. “Having five of our brokers earn a spot in the Producers Club speaks volumes about the talent and dedication of our team, which has worked hard to get here, and it’s exciting to see that effort pay off.”
Founder and Managing Director Dean Saunders received the esteemed 2024 Land REALTOR® of America award, the highest honor by RLI, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the land industry. He was also named APEX 2024 Broker of the Year for Ag Land Ranches, which distinguished him as the top broker specializing in ranch transactions. Additionally, he earned the APEX 2024 Top Twenty National Producer Award for the eighth consecutive year, further solidifying his position as one of the country’s leading land brokers.
"I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s recognition at the APEX Awards Program. These honors aren’t just about individual accomplishments, they reflect the dedication, hard work, and expertise that everyone at Saunders Real Estate brings to the table," said Founder and Managing Director Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM. "Being named Land REALTOR® of America is an incredible honor and the recognition only strengthens our commitment to serving our clients."
Trent Saunders and Keat Waldron were recognized with the APEX 2024 ALC-to-ALC Networking Award, honoring their exceptional collaboration and deal-making within the industry. Trent was further recognized as the APEX 2024 Regional Broker of the Year for Ag Land Sales – Crops in Region 10 (FL, GA, NC, SC, VA) and was named an APEX 2024 Top Twenty National Producer. In addition, Dusty Calderon was named an APEX 2024 Top Twenty National Producer.
With a team of top-producing professionals and a strong track record of industry leadership, the firm remains committed to delivering outstanding results for landowners across the Southeast.
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers,
sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for nearly 30 years. With over 125 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia, the firm specializes in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect its legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions—Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. The firm's expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering
exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused
approach.