Kyle Porter is the founder of Normal Sport, a news media company that offers a blend of golf coverage, fresh perspectives, and heartfelt storytelling to over 15,000 newsletter subscribers. In this podcast episode, Kyle joins Tyler Davis and David Hill for a slightly different conversation that explores entrepreneurship, branding, and calculated risk-taking.

While their discussion is not heavily focused on real estate, it still delivers meaningful takeaways on dedication, resilience, and strategic decision-making that can apply to all aspects of business. Mixed in with some fun conversation on the upcoming Masters Tournament, the episode offers valuable insights into building a business, identifying market opportunities, and leveraging storytelling to engage an audience. 

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and NormalSport.com.

In this special episode, we continue our coverage of the 2025 Lay of the Land Florida Conference, bringing you the final recorded breakout sessions from the event. Hosted by Saunders Real Estate on February 27-28 in Lakeland, Florida, this annual event brings together landowners, policymakers, and industry professionals to share the latest land market trends. 

Through these collected recordings, experts share an update on Florida’s diverse agricultural sectors, strategies for land value appreciation and rezoning, and innovative ways to monetize land encumbered by conservation easements. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of conservation funding, policy, and the long-term impact of initiatives like The Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

Learn more and request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.

Chapters
(00:00:27) Perspectives on Florida's Agricultural Sectors
(00:58:15) Strategies to Increase Land Values
(01:49:12) Monetizing Encumbered Land
(02:48:08) Conservation Land Values, Funding & Policy

This special episode features a collection of recorded breakout sessions from the 2025 Lay of the Land Florida Conference, held on February 27-28 in Lakeland, Florida. This annual event, hosted by Saunders Real Estate, brings together industry leaders, landowners, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends shaping Florida’s land and commercial real estate markets. 

Through expert-led conversations, this episode offers a deep dive into critical topics, including water resource management, conservation strategies, and evolving tax policies that impact landowners and investors. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive analysis of Florida’s land value trends presented by Dean Saunders. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or exploring land investment, this episode delivers valuable insights to help you navigate the land real estate market in Florida. 

Request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.

Chapters
(00:00:26) Florida Waters: Balancing Growth and Resource Management
(00:55:45) Navigating the Tax Policy Landscape
(01:54:23) Lay of the Land Market Report

Steven Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, is a champion of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS)—an innovative approach to protecting crops from citrus greening disease. In this episode, Steven joins Todd Dantzler, Managing Director & Partner at Saunders Real Estate, to share insights into why CUPS may be a potential game-changer for the Florida citrus industry. 

From the science behind the screen structures to the benefits of a controlled growing environment, this conversation delves into how CUPS is helping citrus growers increase yields, improve fruit quality, and combat industry challenges. Todd and Steven also discuss advancements in variety trials, specialized equipment, and state support, along with the future of citrus farming in Florida.  

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and Dun-D.com.

Zane Mueller, Research Advisor at Saunders Real Estate, joins this podcast episode to share about our company's dedicated research team and how they add value through verified sales data. These real-time market insights, along with a new proprietary mapping system have given our advisors and clients an unmatched competitive advantage in the land real estate market. 

In talking with Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate, Zane also discusses the Lay of the Land Market Report, a highly-respected resource that compiles verified sales data and key market trends to provide unparalleled analysis into land values across specific states. This report, along with the upcoming quarterly market reports for Florida, ensures that advisors and clients have access to the most current data to inform their decisions. 

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.

Calling in from the United Kingdom, Sophie Green is a contemporary artist and conservationist known for her hyper-realistic animal paintings that raise awareness and financial support for issues surrounding animal welfare and the environment. She shares her experiences swimming with manatees in Florida, her Arctic expedition to observe polar bears, and the inspiration behind her new "Commodities" collection, a poignant critique on humans' exploitation of wildlife.

While her work has captured the attention of organizations like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute, she was also commissioned by Dean Saunders to create a painting for The Saunders Art Collection. Her painting, entitled "Florida's Gentle Giant," features a graceful manatee swimming through sunlit waters.

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and SophieGreenFineArt.com.

Austin Alderman is an Attorney with Dean Mead law firm who specializes in land development, trust and estate litigation, and tax law issues in Florida. As an eighth-generation Floridian with roots in cattle ranching, Austin brings a unique perspective to the often complex world of taxes, blending his agricultural background with his legal expertise.

Hosted by Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate, this podcast episode covers the impact of the recent election on tax policy, specific tax provisions impacting real estate and agriculture, the Corporate Transparency Act, and other tax-related topics that could significantly impact businesses and investors going into the new year.

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and DeanMead.com.

This episode is intended for informational purposes only. Neither Saunders Real Estate nor its featured guests guarantee the sufficiency of the content in this episode or that it complies with current law. The content within this episode is not a substitute for legal advice or legal services or tax advice or tax services, and you should not rely on this information for any legal purpose without consulting a licensed lawyer or tax professional.

This special episode features curated recordings from the Lay of the Land Florida Conference held on February 28-29, 2024. This annual event is designed for landowners, investors, and industry experts seeking to understand trends and opportunities within the Florida land market.

Please see the chapter markers within this episode to navigate the various sessions and topics.

Register for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.

Chapters
(00:00:26) Agricultural Investments
(00:55:45) State of Timberland
(01:54:23) Developer Response to Current Market and Beyond
(02:48:35) Lay of the Land Market Report

With nearly 50 years of experience, Greg Hay is a reforestation advisor with ArborGen and is the newly-elected President of the Arkansas Forestry Association. In this podcast episode, Greg joins Arkansas Managing Director, David Hill, to share his expertise in logging, conservation, carbon credits, and timberland investment in Arkansas.

David and Greg also explore the lucrative opportunities in timberland investment in Arkansas, discussing the competitive returns it offers compared to traditional asset classes and its potential for income diversification through hunting leases and carbon credits.

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.

This special episode is a compilation of selected session recordings from our annual Lay of the Land Florida Conference held on February 28-29, 2024. This event is a must-attend for landowners, investors, and industry experts as we share exclusive market data affecting the factors shaping Florida’s land values, trends, and development opportunities.

Please see the chapter markers within this episode to navigate the various sessions and topics.

Request an invite for next year's conference at LayOfTheLandConference.com.

Chapters
(00:00:26) 30 Years of Conservation Easements
(00:55:45) How Transportation is Shaping Florida's Economic Growth
(01:54:23) Mineral Rights
(02:48:35) Report from the Hill

Anna is an environmental and land use attorney with Dean Mead law firm in Florida. She has over 30 years of experience working on both sides of the fence – for local government and currently in private practice. In this podcast episode, Anna sits down with Tyler Davis to discuss land use and zoning as it relates to securing entitlements, environmental considerations, affordable housing, and some of the common challenges faced with land development.

This episode provides several best practices for landowners, developers, and real estate professionals seeking to understand the intricate balance between land development and environmental law.

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com and DeanMead.com.

Hosted by Arkansas Managing Director David Hill, this episode welcomes Chance Creighton, an avid sportsman with deep roots in Arkansas agriculture, to discuss the state's appeal as a prime location for both farm and recreational investment. The conversation covers some of the state's main crops—soybeans, corn, cotton, and rice—and explores various specialized farming techniques adapted from the state's unique geography and climate.

While supported by a robust farming industry, Arkansas land investment also derives value from its excellent hunting and recreational opportunities. David and Chance discuss these lucrative land investment strategies in depth, as well as the various conservation programs and agricultural incentives that the state offers.

Learn more at SaundersRealEstate.com.

This special episode is a compilation of selected session recordings from our annual I-4 Corridor Commercial Conference held on October 3, 2024, in ChampionsGate, Florida. Attendees learned from expert panels, attended engaging breakout sessions, and networked with industry leaders, making it a key event for understanding the region's economic trends.

Please see the chapter markers within this episode to navigate the various sessions and topics.

Learn more at I4Commercial.com.

Chapters:
(00:00:49) Tourism
(00:33:15) Residential/Multifamily
(01:11:00) Industrial
(01:55:37) Property Management
(02:43:36) Transportation

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of land use, real estate, and environmental law with attorneys Robert Angus Williams and Lauren Brooks of Lewis, Longman & Walker. They discuss the crucial steps of environmental due diligence, including the importance of Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.

Robert and Lauren also discuss the role of environmental lawyers in navigating legal challenges as well as various strategies for managing properties impacted by environmental issues. The episode provides important insights into navigating environmental challenges and legal strategies in property transactions.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LLW-Law.com.

David Hill is the Regional Managing Director of SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In this episode, David sits down with Tyler Davis, President of the firm, to discuss David’s transition into real estate and the unique dynamics of the Arkansas land market.

David and Tyler also dive into some of the firm's future plans for the state, particularly in Northwest Arkansas. They emphasize the importance of onboarding local expertise in specialized real estate markets, such as poultry farming and forestry, to effectively meet clients' needs.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.

Cathy Salustri is an accomplished author who writes about the hidden and beautiful corners of Florida. Her work includes the books Backroads of Paradise: A Journey to Rediscover Old Florida where she retraces historic driving tours to connect the past and present of this diverse state, and Florida Spectacular: Extraordinary Places and Exceptional Lives where she uncovers the state’s natural beauty and fascinating history.

In this podcast episode, Cathy shares insights from her travels along Florida’s backroads, emphasizing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the state. She discusses the contrasts between Florida’s tourist hubs and its serene landscapes, placing deep importance on sustainable development for a growing population.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and CathySalustri.com.

This podcast episode was originally published on February 21, 2024.

This episode dives into the intricate world of ecology and environmental consulting with Jacob Taminosian, a Senior Ecologist at Passarella & Associates. The discussion spans from wetlands classification to wildlife conservation, emphasizing the crucial role these ecosystems play in flood attenuation, water filtration, and habitat preservation.

Taminosian also sheds light on the challenges faced by endangered species like the Florida panther and the delicate balance required between development and conservation. These insights provide a comprehensive overview of the complexities inherent in real estate development within ecologically sensitive areas.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.

This podcast episode was originally published on February 7, 2024.

This episode is joined by Brad Lunz, President of The Lunz Group, a full-service commercial architectural and interior design firm established in Central Florida. With his extensive expertise in commercial development, Brad shares his knowledge on the future of commercial real estate, emerging office space trends, the challenges of a labor shortage, and the rise of hybrid work scenarios.

Brad is also the CEO of The Apiary, a Lakeland-based creative services and animation studio. Throughout the episode, he provides insights into various projects, such as Catalyst, a collaborative platform involving LEDC, the Lakeland CRA, and the Lunz Group, which pioneers groundbreaking digital twin technology for urban planning within the city of Lakeland.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.

This podcast episode was originally published on May 17, 2023.

Zach VanHook is a Forester at Kissimmee Valley Foresters in Polk County, Florida. In this episode, Zach educates our listeners on the importance of prescribed burns and other land management practices.

Later in the conversation, Zach also helps define what mitigation banks are and why they are important for preserving natural land in Florida. To optimize the value of their property, landowners should understand these land management practices and how to implement them effectively.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and KissimmeeValleyForesters.com.

This podcast episode was originally published on June 14, 2023.

When navigating the complexities of land use in Florida, it is crucial to obtain the appropriate legal representation before making any decisions. In this episode, Robert Angus Williams, Shareholder at Lewis, Longman & Walker, shares the importance of the Florida Right to Farm Act as well as his experience with permitting, wetlands, and real estate law.

Throughout the state of Florida, Angus works with landowners, businesses, and governments to achieve their goals within the bounds of local, state, and federal regulations. Tune in to learn how his firm strikes the balance between government policy and client objectives.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and LLW-Law.com.

This episode was originally published on January 18, 2023. 

Elaine Imbruglia is the President and an environmental consultant at Modica & Associates, Inc. As an environmental consultant, her career is crucial in protecting the beautiful and natural ecosystems of Florida. 

In this episode, Elaine dives into her typical ecological tasks as well as some of the interesting and endangered species she encounters. She also explains how Modica & Associates has provided both public and private entities with environmental services in ecological assessments, permitting, and environmental planning.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com or call Elaine at 352-394-2000.

This episode was originally published on January 4, 2023.

Eminent domain can be a threatening legal procedure for the Florida landowner. In this episode, attorney Andrew Diaz, partner at Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz, joins the podcast to discuss eminent domain and the process of protecting landowner’s property rights.

Throughout the conversation, Andrew unpacks the legal intricacies of eminent domain, sharing real-life cases and offering strategic advice on how landowners can safeguard their properties against government acquisition. Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz always ensures their client's property receives proper valuation and legal representation when faced with eminent domain.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and GaylordMerlin.com.

In this episode, Linda and Chad are joined by Matt Hestad of the Georgia Forestry Association. With extensive knowledge in the lumber and timber industry, Matt offers a comprehensive overview of the economic and environmental significance of forestry in Georgia, a state that leads the nation in several forestry-related categories.

Delving deep into the industry's $41 billion economic impact and its support of around 140,000 jobs, Matt discusses both the historical context of forestry in Georgia and the modern-day challenges it faces, such as mill closures and inflation pressures. He also highlights innovative advancements, such as sustainable aviation fuel and mass timber, which are setting the stage for future growth and sustainability in the sector.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and GFAgrow.org.

Hunter Forbes, a land advisor at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, blends his passions for hunting, fishing, and land management into his professional life. In this podcast episode, he delves into his experience in land management, highlighting different strategies for landowners to enhance the utility and value of their properties.

Both a real estate advisor and land manager, Hunter is uniquely equipped to navigate clients through the intricacies of land ownership—from securing a purchase to implementing sustainable management practices for hunting and recreation. Through personal stories, he shares some of the challenges and rewards of managing large estates and hunting lodges while also highlighting the importance of fostering connections with landowners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com.

This episode emphasizes the critical efforts needed to protect and restore Florida's springs and waterways with Ryan Smart, Executive Director of the Florida Springs Council. As the head of a nonprofit dedicated to preserving these vital natural resources, Ryan discusses significant challenges facing Florida springs, such as pollution and excessive water withdrawal.

The conversation also explores the importance of community involvement and legislative action in conservation efforts. Ryan highlights how local advocacy and legal representation are essential in driving policy changes and ensuring effective enforcement of environmental laws. Public awareness and participation are crucial in sustaining the natural beauty and crucial ecological functions of Florida springs, as well as promoting environmental stewardship and conservation.

Learn more at SVNsaunders.com and FloridaSpringsCouncil.org.