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Working in the dynamic world of new home sales for Neal Communities, the area’s premier private homebuilder, demands a unique blend of energy and competitiveness. For those who thrive in this high-energy environment, it offers a gateway to boundless opportunities. Mary Quaid, a sales associate at Neal Communities, personifies the ideal candidate for this challenging domain. MaryAnn Koops, her sales manager, lauds Mary’s unwavering dedication, relentless work ethic, and pursuit of excellence. “Mary consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence. Mary’s ability to collaborate effectively, adapt to changing circumstances, and take initiative sets a remarkable standard within our team,” Koops attests. Leveraging her aptitude for connecting with people and creative problem-solving, Mary pursued her real estate license after earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida. “I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people,” Mary shares. “Working in real estate allows me to do that and to become part of a special moment in their lives when they find their new dream home.” After graduating in 2018, she began her career in Orlando, working in leasing for her apartment complex. However, her aspirations were grander. With her grandmother’s legacy as a successful sales representative at Neal Communities, she was well-acquainted with the company’s reputation. Furthermore, her heart longed to return to Lakewood Ranch, a place she considered home despite brief stints in Ireland during her formative years. In August 2019, Mary joined Neal Communities as a new home sales trainee, quickly ascending through the ranks. By March 2020, she was promoted to a new home sales associate, where she has consistently excelled and established herself as an invaluable asset. Koops remarks, “Her contributions have consistently yielded positive results, making her a valuable asset to Neal Communities.” Mary describes her role as showcasing what makes Neal homes extraordinary. “The essence of what I do is to show how a Neal Communities home can improve someone’s day to day. How can it solve the little problems that add up in someone’s day and make life a little easier,” she explains. “We see so many different lifestyles and wants and needs. I think it’s the best part of the job: finding the right floor plan and home site for as many people as possible. I love finding the perfect match for someone and sharing their excitement.” Currently, Mary is selling homes in Grand Palm, a serene, nature-focused community in Venice, with a rich array of amenities. She also cherishes her time at Cielo, the first Neal Community she worked in. “It was a genuine gift to work in Cielo as the only sales rep. It’s in a beautiful area of Venice, and I worked with so many gracious and kind new homeowners,” Mary fondly recalls. Elayne McKinney, the sales manager overseeing Cielo, describes Mary as where passion meets dedication. “Mary Quaid: Where passion meets dedication, and she treats her buyers as friends. Her commitment to excellence shines through every referral she receives. Neal Communities is truly fortunate to have Mary on our team.” In September 2023, Mary earned a Bronze Award from the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association’s Sales and Marketing Council, acknowledging her outstanding sales performance. Her total sales for the year reached an impressive $6,576,000, yet Mary has her sights set higher, aiming to become one of Neal Communities’ top five sales associates. “I’m definitely competitive,” she chuckles, “but mostly I’m trying to beat my own best and stay open to learning and feedback. This is a wonderful environment for a salesperson to thrive. I’m encouraged to think on my feet and do the right thing for the homeowner.” Beyond her professional aspirations, Mary also believes in doing the right thing outside of work and appreciates the support she receives from her employer to volunteer in the community. “My mother started Manatee BUDS after my younger sister Eleanor was born with Downs Syndrome. BUDS stands for Bringing Up Downs Syndrome, and the local organization provides programs and services for new parents, kids and young adults with Downs Syndrome.” Quaid’s volunteer work with Manatee BUDS includes helping with social media marketing for programs like yoga classes, outreach to young adults and the Buddy Walk, the area’s largest Downs Syndrome awareness and celebration event of the year. The 21^st Annual Buddy Walk will take place on October 28 this year at Bayside Community Church’s Lakewood Ranch campus. Donations and walkers are welcome, and Quaid encourages anyone interested to get involved. “It’s an important organization that gives a more positive and, in my opinion, a truly realistic look into living with an intellectual disability in today’s world. It’s giving new parents and experienced parents, as well as young adults with Down syndrome, resources to navigate and excel in a way that they may not have been given the chance to even twenty years ago,” says Quaid. Mary’s ambitious nature and her genuine, caring approach to homebuyers are poised to propel her to even greater heights in her promising future with Neal Communities. Her sales managers and colleagues eagerly anticipate celebrating her achievement as one of the top five sales leaders. And then, who knows what new horizons Mary will set her sights on next!