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Sally Abdella

Featured Article

3 Community-Dedicated Women of Real Estate

Spotlight On: Realtor Sally Abdella, Lori Turkovics, and Pamela H. Phildius

Sally Abdella: A Passionate Realtor with a Heart of Gold

More than just a dynamic professional real estate agent, Sally Abdella is a woman who embodies empathy, compassion, and community spirit. She is both a caring individual and a successful businesswoman.

Originally from Wisconsin, Sally and her husband relocated to Venice at the end of 2018. Shortly thereafter, she started working at Sunbug Boutique. But after the COVID-19 pandemic forced store closures Sally pursued the education needed to become a licensed real estate agent – something she’d long wanted to do. After passing the exam on the first try in October of 2020, she quickly flourished.

Sally attributes much of her success and personality to her father, who instilled in her a love for people and a deep curiosity about human nature. She believes that understanding and appreciating the differences among individuals can lead to better relationships and a more harmonious society.

That empathy is evident in her interactions. She goes above and beyond for clients, handling not only the intricacies of the job, but by personally taking on necessary tasks–like finding a place to donate a grandfather clock or replacing a malfunctioning garbage disposal. 

Her compassion also extends beyond the professional. As a member of Coldwell Banker, she participates in the firm’s annual "CARES" event, raising funds for local charities to help make a difference. Plus, her involvement in Lift Church reflects her commitment to spreading kindness and support to those in need.

Carving out time for self-care and personal pursuits is important too. From her dedication to fitness to her love for exploring area beaches and our vibrant downtown, Sally finds joy in the simple pleasures of life in Venice.

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Lori Turkovics: Dedicated Realtor and Community Leader

As someone who used to make a lot of moves, Lori Turkovics knows first-hand what to look for in a realtor. So, when the opportunity came to become one herself, she knew what to focus on to truly excel in her career. 

That go-getter attitude, shaped by her own experiences, led Turkovics to develop a Concierge approach to real estate. As such, she is committed to providing VIP services for her clients, ensuring transparent communication and reliable recommendations for contractors, service providers, lenders, etc.

Turkovics’ meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills extend beyond her professional life into her personal endeavors. Lori excels in planning and coordinating activities for her family and friends, from group events to holiday parties – always with plenty of entertainment. She also believes in fostering meaningful connections between people and doing service for her community.

Case in point: When she was a member of the Venice Yacht Club, Turkovics recognized the need for more youth activities and took on the volunteer role of coordinating youth activities, enhancing the club experience for children and families. Despite the demands of her career, Lori prioritizes maintaining a healthy work-life balance, dedicating time to family, friends, and personal interests such as golfing at Mission Valley Country Club in Nokomis.

Lori's success in real estate is driven by her commitment to her client's best interests and her unwavering dedication to excellence. With a business built entirely on referrals, she continues to thrive in Sarasota County's booming housing market, guided by her expertise, integrity, and genuine passion for helping others.

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Pamela H. Phildius: A Compassionate Realtor and Community Leader

Pamela H. Phildius's passion for real estate goes beyond mere career ambitions—it embodies a lifelong commitment to serving others. With a background in pharmaceutical and medical sales, she embarked on her real estate journey in Chicago, in 2001, driven by a desire for autonomy and freedom from corporate constraints.

"I wanted more flexibility of where I worked and who I worked with," Phildius recalled. "Real estate seemed like the perfect fit."

Her seamless transition into the industry was fueled by natural charisma and dedication to nurturing strong relationships. Phildius's adeptness at communication and collaboration soon earned her recognition within her then brokerage, where she excelled in teamwork and complex transactions. 

Raised among nine siblings in Northeast Ohio, her upbringing instilled resilience and independence, shaping her into the empathetic and approachable professional she is today.

Beyond her realtor role, Phildius is deeply engaged in the Venice community. As an active member of the Venice Yacht Club's Charitable Foundation Committee, she plays a pivotal role in supporting local organizations through fundraising events and community outreach initiatives.

"I believe in giving back to the community," Phildius affirmed. "It's important to be actively engaged and make a positive impact wherever you can."

Despite the demands of her career and community commitments, Phildius prioritizes work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to maintain personal well-being. "Setting clear expectations with clients ensures that I can dedicate time to my family and personal pursuits," she shared.

Now, as she approaches her 60's, Phildius is focused on healthy changes. From incorporating more physical activity into her routine to exploring new areas of Venice, she remains committed to living life to the fullest.

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  • Pamela H. Phildius
  • Sally Abdella
  • Lori Turkovics

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