14 minute read
REALTORS® to Watch Under 40 - YPN Class of 2025
The RASM Young Professionals Network (YPN), in collaboration with the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), is proud to introduce the Class of 2025 for the sixth annual “REALTORS® to Watch Under 40” program. This distinguished initiative highlights dynamic young professionals who are setting new standards in the real estate industry through outstanding leadership, deep community engagement, and a strong commitment to professional growth. These exceptional individuals are not only excelling in their careers but are also making meaningful contributions to the communities they serve. As future industry leaders and innovators, they embody the spirit of excellence that defines the next generation of REALTORS®. RASM proudly honors and celebrates this impressive group of rising stars, whose ambition, drive, and passion continue to inspire. Their stories reflect the evolving landscape of real estate and the power of purpose-driven professionalism. We look forward to watching their continued impact as they shape the future of our industry.
Meet The Class Of 2025
Keith Curcio, GRI, ABR Associate Broker, MavRealty
With a steadfast commitment to integrity and client service, Keith exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking professionalism that this recognition celebrates. He is redefining what it means to deliver real estate with integrity, strategy, and impact.
As an Associate Broker at MavRealty serving the Sarasota area, Keith blends deep market knowledge with a calm, competitive edge - earning trust through action and empowering his clients at every step. From first-time home buyers and investors to families relocating or right-sizing, his mission is simple: provide value, elevate the experience, and win with service.
Before real estate, Keith spent six years playing professional baseball - a chapter that sharpened his discipline, resilience, and relentless pursuit of improvement. Those same qualities now fuel his success in real estate, where every deal is approached like game day: prepared, focused, and ready to compete.
Licensed since 2020, Keith has grown into one of Sarasota’s top-producing agents. From January 2024 to March 2025 alone, he closed over 35 transactions totaling nearly $15 million - proof that his people-first, performance-driven approach resonates in today’s market. His scope of work also includes collaboration on local development projects, giving him a unique vantage point on growth, design, and long-term value in the region. He holds both the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designations, reflecting his commitment to continual learning and professional excellence.
Keith’s business philosophy is built on transparency, communication, and consistently delivering luxury-level service, regardless of price point. He doesn’t disappear after the deal closes either. Many clients become long-term relationships, often leaning on his insights and guidance well beyond the transaction.
Off the field and outside the office, Keith is deeply engaged in his community. He volunteers through Harbour Church, helps with cleanup efforts around Sarasota, and supports youth development through the local baseball leagues, tying his past to his purpose today.
With drive, professionalism, and a people-first mindset, Keith Curcio is not just a REALTOR® to watch - he’s one to be inspired by. With a steadfast commitment to integrity and client service, Keith is more than a name in the real estate industry; he’s someone raising the standard of what real estate should look and feel like.
As he continues to grow his business and deepen his roots in the Sarasota-Manatee community, Keith remains focused on mentorship, innovation, and building relationships that last. His vision extends beyond transactions - he’s helping shape a culture of excellence, service, and impact in local real estate, one client at a time.
"I’m truly honored to receive this recognition in the community I’ve been proud to call home," said Curcio. "It reflects the trust my clients place in me and the support of those who’ve helped me grow along the way. This motivates me to keep learning, keep serving, and continue raising the bar for what real estate should feel like here in the Sarasota and Manatee area.”
Halie MondeREALTOR® & Team Member, Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota
Halie Monde is a standout in the real estate industry, known for her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to her clients. Licensed since 2021, Halie is a topproducing agent with the Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes Team and has closed over $44 million in volume by age 28. Her passion, combined with her deep market knowledge of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, has earned her the prestigious designation of Keller Williams Luxury Agent and recognition as one of SRQ Magazine’s “Top 12 REALTORS®” in 2022.
Before launching her real estate career, Halie worked in healthcare administration as an Organizational Development Specialist, gaining valuable skills in leadership and client-centered communication. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration with a business focus, giving her a unique foundation in both operational strategy and service excellence.
Halie specializes in relocation, vacation homes, new construction, and investment properties. Having personally built a home in Lakewood Ranch with her husband, she offers firsthand expertise on the new build process - from builder selection and contract negotiation to design decisions and final walkthroughs. She takes pride in serving buyers and sellers at all price points across the Gulf Coast and approaches every transaction with intention, empathy, and a commitment to results.
With over 20 years in Sarasota, Halie brings not only market savvy but a genuine love for the lifestyle her community offers. Outside of real estate, Halie enjoys playing pickleball, going to the beach, traveling and frequenting the best local coffee shops and restaurants. Halie also loves to spend quality time with her family and two dogs. She uses digital marketing, social media, and strong negotiation skills to tailor each experience to her clients’ unique goals. Halie is also deeply involved in her community - she volunteered with Sarasota’s Teen Court program and helped with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts alongside her husband, a firefighter, to support local first responders.
Halie believes that success in real estate is about more than sales - it’s about relationships. Her clients consistently commend her for her responsiveness, focus, and ability to make the process seamless and enjoyable.
"I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as a 2025 YPN REALTOR® to Watch," said Monde. "This industry has given me so much, and I’m truly passionate about helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. To be nominated alongside so many talented professionals means a lot, and it inspires me to keep raising the bar - for my clients, my team, and the community I love being a part of."
Shannon O’Brien REALTOR®, Sato Real Estate
With an impressive sales record and deep community roots, Shannon exemplifies exactly what it means to be a future leader in the industry. Although licensed only since 2023, Shannon has made remarkable strides in her first full year as an Individual Salesperson, specializing in vacation homes, relocation, investment properties, and both new and existing single-family residential sales. Between January 2024 and March 2025, she closed 22 transactions totaling more than $20.25 million in volume, with an average sales price around $1M. These outstanding results reflect not only her business acumen but also her deep connection to the region she calls home.
Shannon brings a strong educational foundation to her work, holding a master’s degree in business. Before entering real estate, she was a multi-unit franchise partner in the fitness industry, where she gained extensive experience in operations, leadership, and client service - skills that now directly contribute to her success as a REALTOR®.
What sets Shannon apart is her passion for Manatee County, where she was born and raised. A fifthgeneration local, she brings both knowledge and heart to every transaction. “I’m not just selling houses. I’m selling a lifestyle that I care deeply about,” Shannon shares.
Shannon is a proud farmers daughter, her family’s strawberries fields date back to when Lakewood Ranch was nothing more than sprawling fields. Her family history drives her strong work ethic and deep love for the community – values that Shannon proudly carries with her today. Whether guiding clients through the newest communities in Manatee County or showcasing the coastal beauty of Anna Maria Island, Shannon’s heartfelt connection to the region shines through in everything she does.
Shannon is committed to becoming not only a top producer in her brokerage but a recognized name in Manatee County real estate. With her ambitious mindset, she's quickly on track to achieve that goal. Her dedication extends beyond the closing table. Shannon actively gives back to her community through her role as a Board Member at Pace Center for Girls Manatee, where she supports fundraising efforts to empower at-risk youth. She’s also involved in the Service Club of Manatee, which raised over $165,000 for 35 local nonprofits serving children. Shannon frequently participates in non-profit events hosted by The Center of Anna Maria Island (AMI) and others in the area. Through her drive, local expertise, and genuine care for her clients and community, Shannon O’Brien is not just a REALTOR® to watch - she’s one to follow with admiration.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized as one of RASM YPN's REALTORS® to Watch Under 40,” said O’Brien. “This award is a reflection of the trust my clients place in me and the incredible support of our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help families and individuals find their place to call home, and I’m excited to continue serving this beautiful area.”
Vannesa Poole REALTOR®, Catalist Realty
This prestigious recognition celebrates young professionals who are redefining real estate through innovation, service, and leadership, and Vannesa embodies all three. From her professional background to her community impact, she is a shining example of purpose-driven success in the real estate industry.
Licensed in Florida since 2020, Vannesa currently serves as an Individual Salesperson with a strong focus on relocation, second-home and vacation properties, investment properties, and residential new and existing single-family homes. Between January 2024 and March 2025, she closed 16 residential sales totaling more than $11.7 million in volume, a testament to her consistent performance and client-centered approach.
Her success is rooted in both experience and education. Vannesa earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Rollins College, where she studied global markets, business strategy, and crosscultural communication - skills she draws on daily in her real estate practice and leadership work within RASM. Prior to entering the real estate profession, she spent over 13 years in marketing, public relations, and project management, leading campaigns, managing teams, and developing brand strategies. This background gives her an edge in positioning listings, navigating complex negotiations, and supporting operational systems at her brokerage.
In 2025, Vannesa was selected to be on the Slate of the RASM Board of Directors for 2026, a role that reflects her continued commitment to shaping the future of the real estate profession through leadership and service. In addition to earning her Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation, Vannesa has completed the C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) program and is an award-winning contributor to her profession. Her accolades include being named RASM “Humanitarian of the Quarter” in 2022, receiving the Donors of Distinction Award - 2022 Member of the Year, and earning the 2023 RASM Newcomer Award.
What sets Vannesa apart is her philosophy of pairing heart with strategy. She provides every client with a concierge-level experience, tailoring each transaction to their needs and offering clear, honest, and responsive communication from start to finish. Through Catalist Realty, she donates 15% of her commission to a nonprofit of the client’s choice, turning each closing into a meaningful act of community support.
Beyond the transaction, Vannesa is deeply involved in philanthropic and leadership work. She served as a board member and secretary for Donors of Distinction, helping to grant over $500,000 to more than 70 local nonprofits. Within RASM, she chaired the Community Outreach Committee, connecting REALTORS® with causes that make a difference. Most recently, she served on the Executive Board of Ambassadors for the 2025 American Cancer Society Southwest Florida Golf Classic, helping the event exceed its fundraising goal of $255,000, and she plans to continue serving in 2026.
Looking ahead, Vannesa is focused on expanding her leadership in real estate and within RASM. She’s committed to strengthening the connection between the Association and agents, building client relationships rooted in trust and purpose, and using her business as a platform for community change. “Success in this industry doesn’t just come from production,” she says. “It comes from purpose.”
With her bold vision, deep integrity, and unwavering dedication to giving back, Vannesa Poole is not just a REALTOR® to watch - she’s one who is actively shaping the future of the profession.
"This award means a lot," said Poole. "It’s a reminder that showing up, doing the work, and doing it with care doesn’t go unnoticed. I’ve built my business on trust and follow-through. To be recognized for that, especially by peers I respect, feels really good."
Stephanie Soffer REALTOR®, Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota
With a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Stephanie blends communication savvy with business strategy, a combination that has made her a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike. Prior to real estate, she served as Operations Manager at BOLD Cowork, where she developed organizational leadership skills that now fuel her real estate business operations and client service.
Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Stephanie was honored with the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Sarasota "REALTOR® Rising Star Award" in 2022, followed by the "REALTOR® of the Year Award" in 2023 - affirming her reputation as a standout professional in the local real estate community.
What sets Stephanie apart is her commitment to building a strong personal brand and delivering exceptional client experiences. From maintaining a consistent and professional online presence to using video tours, virtual open houses, and targeted digital marketing, she ensures that every property she represents gets the visibility and engagement it deserves. She pairs this with data-driven insights, staying on top of market analytics and trends to guide pricing strategies and deliver informed advice.
Stephanie’s success is rooted in a client-first approach - prioritizing attentiveness, responsiveness, and long-term relationship-building. “My focus is always on understanding my clients' needs and delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations,” she says. Her use of client testimonials and case studies builds trust and reinforces her credibility with new leads and referrals.
Looking to the future, Stephanie is focused on expanding her portfolio, enhancing operational efficiency through technology, and staying ahead of legal, market, and tech trends through continued education and certifications. She plans to strengthen her industry influence by cultivating partnerships, attending networking events, and engaging meaningfully with community organizations.
Known for her drive, professionalism, and community involvement, Stephanie exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion in today’s real estate landscape.
Licensed since 2021, Stephanie is a dedicated team member with specialties spanning second-home and vacation properties, relocation, investment properties, farm and ranch real estate, international clients, and both new and existing single-family homes. Since January 2024, she has closed over $13.5 million in individual sales, showcasing consistent productivity and a growing impact in the Sarasota-Manatee market.
Stephanie’s deep commitment to giving back is equally inspiring. She has served for three years as a board member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Sarasota and is actively involved in the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Committee. In 2025, she joined the RASM Leadership Academy, where she is sharpening her skills to take on even greater community and industry roles. She also hosts and volunteers at charity fundraising events, creating meaningful engagement through her social club and other platforms.
"I am truly honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 YPN REALTORS® to Watch Under 40 in Sarasota and Manatee County,” said Soffer. “This acknowledgment inspires me to continue excelling in my profession and serving my community."
Stephanie Soffer is not just a rising star in the industry - she is a role model for service, strategy, and leadership. With a clear vision, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she is a REALTOR® to watch - and one whose impact will continue to grow across every level of the profession.
