Sarasota Real Estate Duo Repeats as National No. 1 with $161 Million in Sales

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 30, 2026 – In a testament to sustained market leadership and innovative strategy, the Sarasota-based real estate team Pettingell Professionals has been named the No. 1 Duo in the nation for Coldwell Banker Realty for the second consecutive year. The team, led by founder Roger Pettingell and director of sales Thomas Arbuckle, closed more than $161 million in sales volume in 2025, solidifying their position atop the competitive luxury real estate landscape.

This national accolade is built on a foundation of remarkable local dominance. For the 16th consecutive year, the team also secured the No. 1 ranking in Sarasota County, according to data from the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM). This dual achievement highlights a rare ability to maintain deep community ties while achieving a national profile.

A Four-Decade Legacy of Leadership

At the heart of the team's success is Roger Pettingell, a veteran of the industry with a career spanning more than 40 years. Having amassed over $3 billion in career sales, Pettingell has become synonymous with luxury property on Florida's Gulf Coast. His consistent performance has repeatedly earned him Coldwell Banker's International Society of Excellence award, the brand's highest honor for production. His individual prowess was also recognized nationally on the 2025 RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand list, which ranks the top 250 individual agents in the United States.

Industry leaders point to Pettingell's foresight and his team's execution as key differentiators.

"Roger's ability to anticipate market movements and elevate the standard for luxury representation continues to set him apart," said Duff Rubin, Coldwell Banker Realty's regional president for the Southeast. "His team brings a level of precision, polish and long-term consistency that has shaped the expectations of buyers and sellers throughout Sarasota's high-end coastal communities."

This sentiment is echoed at the local level, where the team's influence is felt daily.

"Roger is one of those rare leaders whose influence extends beyond his sales volume," noted Ellen O'Day, managing broker of the Coldwell Banker Realty office in Longboat Key. "The way he and his team approach preparation, service and market expertise has helped define what modern luxury real estate looks like along the Gulf Coast."

Thriving Amidst Market Complexity

The team's $161 million performance in 2025 is particularly significant when viewed against the backdrop of a nuanced local market. While Sarasota County continued to attract new residents and experience robust job growth, year-end reports from RASM indicated a market in transition. Closed sales for single-family homes rose 9.3%, but the median sales price saw a 6% decline to $474,700. The luxury condominium market showed even more cooling, with median prices falling over 15%.

Pettingell Professionals' ability to post such high volume in a softening market suggests a mastery of the ultra-luxury segment, which often operates on different dynamics. Their success aligns with national luxury trends, where discerning, high-net-worth individuals are categorized as either "no-compromise" buyers seeking turnkey perfection or "smart luxury" buyers focused on long-term value and investment strategy. Pettingell's team has proven adept at serving both, leveraging deep market knowledge to navigate client needs effectively.

The Digital Blueprint for Dominance

While traditional client service remains paramount, the team's 'secret weapon' is arguably its expansive and mature digital presence. Pettingell Professionals has built one of the strongest digital platforms in regional real estate, transforming online engagement into tangible sales. Their YouTube channel has cultivated an audience of over 100,000 subscribers, serving as a dynamic showcase for property films, market analysis, and community features that sell the Sarasota lifestyle, not just a listing.

The cornerstone of this strategy is the long-running weekly series, REALTALK™ with Roger Pettingell. Launched in 2013, the series has surpassed 420 episodes, creating an unparalleled library of content that builds trust and demonstrates expertise. This digital-first approach, managed by a dedicated in-house team including Director of Marketing Saleemah Stanley and Director of Operations Lola Diaz, allows them to expand listing visibility globally while maintaining a personal, high-touch feel.

The team's operational structure, which also includes luxury property specialist Kelly Rosenberg and project manager Scott Shields, reflects a modern, specialized approach. By dedicating roles to marketing, operations, and sales, the team ensures every aspect of a transaction receives expert attention, a model that supports their high volume and intricate digital marketing machine.

Beyond business, the team's commitment to the region is evident through its philanthropic efforts. The Pettingell Family Foundation provides crucial support to a range of local initiatives across Sarasota and Manatee counties, including organizations like Southeastern Guide Dogs, the Child Protection Center, and Forty Carrots. This deep community investment reinforces their status not just as market leaders, but as integral members of the community they serve.