Prominent real estate firm adds VP of business development

Michael Saunders & Co.’s leadership team is growing by one. 

Chip Murphy, the new vice president of business development, joined the real estate firm after a nine-year career with Hunt Real Estate in New York. During his time there, Murphy was an agent, branch director. In his final role as regional VP, Murphy managed eight branch offices, leadership staff and administration professionals. 

With Michael Saunders & Co. in Sarasota, Murphy will oversee the firm’s core services, relocation, business development and growth strategy. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Chip to our leadership team,” firm President Drayton Saunders says in a news release. “In addition to bringing a strong real estate background to his role, Chip is passionate about the industry and our mission to provide exceptional real estate experiences as we continue to grow as a company.” 

The 46-year-old company runs 24 full-service real estate offices that employs more than 600 agents and 150 support team members in the area.