Tampa real estate branding agency sells to two employees

Tampa-based Walker Brands, a real estate development branding firm, says its president and founder, Nancy Walker, stepped down, with the firm being acquired by two longtime employees as of Dec. 31.

Walker Brands' employees Tara Robinson and Matt McEachern have taken the reins of ownership, the firm says.

Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The firm has 10 full-time employees.

Both new owners have worked alongside Walker for decades "and have helped build the agency into what it is today. They will be equal partners in the business," the firm says in a Wednesday news release.

"Tara and Matt were logical choices to continue to lead Walker Brands," says Walker. "They understand our culture, they have a passion for our clients' success, and are both well-respected in the industry. It’s never been a better time to support Florida in its continued growth and evolution."

Robinson was formerly vice president of brand service. She joined the firm in 2013 and will assume the role of owner and president.

McEachern's tenure with the firm spans more than 15 years, the firm says. He was formerly creative director and will assume the role of owner and chief creative officer.

"We are positioned for a dynamic era of growth," says Robinson in a statement.

Walker Brands was founded in 1992 by Nancy Walker as Walker Design Group. After establishing a tourism and destination marketing foundation during its early years, Walker moved into the real estate development space to capitalize on the strong residential growth in Florida, the firm says. The company later rebranded itself as Walker Brands.

The firm has served some large real estate development firms in the launch and growth of their residential and mixed-use master planned communities. It offers brand strategy services complemented by marketing efforts.