Engel & Voelkers Florida LLC Announces Two Key Executive Promotions

NAPLES, Fla. (Business Wire EON) October 1, 2008 -- In the role, Stefan Bolsen and Timo B. Khammash are responsible for expanding the Hamburg-based company's network of Florida-based franchises specializing in exclusive residential listings.

Khammash previously held positions with Engel & Voelkers and Jones Lang LaSalle in Hamburg before relocating to Naples to open the first Engel & Voelkers Real Estate Office in the U.S. Khammash, as Head of Franchise Distribution for Florida, will be responsible for the Expansion in Florida.

Bolsen, a Germany licensed attorney, Broker and Realtor, founded Bolsen International Inc., a relocation company assisting Europeans moving to and from the U.S. He had been specializing in residential investment properties in the Marco Island and Naples areas before joining Engel & Voelkers in 2004.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to develop and expand Engel & Voelkers' presence throughout Florida," says Khammash. "With the support of our parent group and the many systems in place to ensure franchisees' success, the opportunities to grow the brand throughout the state are substantial."

"Already, we've enjoyed great success in locating individuals who understand the power of the Engel & Voelkers network and how the company has redefined luxury property sales throughout the world," adds Bolsen. "As we move forward, we anticipate the number of licensees to grow exponentially and look forward to exposing the Florida residential market to our elite network of agents and buyers."

Currently, Engel & Voelkers Florida has 20 franchisees throughout the state. Khammash and Bolsen project the company will add an additional 30 Property Shops to its franchisee portfolio by 2009.

The Engel & Voelkers Group provides real estate brokerage services for both buyers and sellers in its so-called "Property Shop" European-style settings, focusing on upscale residential properties in top locations worldwide. Providing a proprietary buyer and seller system, advanced technology that connects property shops throughout the world, and an academy that offers extensive training and support for their franchises, the company's worldwide portfolio of global locations includes 320 offices in 26 countries and four continents, including the Hamptons; Greenwich, Conn.; England Ireland, Italy, Chile, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa and Thailand.

Engel & Voelkers Florida Property Shops are currently open in Anna Maria Island, Bal Harbour, Cape Coral, Celebration, Clearwater, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers River District, Jupiter, Naples, Palm Beach, Windermere, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, South Beach, St. Petersburg, Tampa Hyde Park and Winter Park. Franchises are currently available for purchase in Miami, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and various other Florida cities.

The company was recently cited in the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) International Real Estate Report as bringing "European Culture to U.S. Industry." International Service Check, a renowned worldwide customer service quality analysis firm, has rated Engel & Voelkers Florida as one of the top five real estate companies in the state in regards to its dealings with European investors.

Engel & Voelkers Group also publishes its own lifestyle and real estate magazine, known as GG Global Guide to Lifestyle, People & Real Estate. The glossy, quarterly publication focuses on luxury living, exclusive destinations and famous artists, designers and business leaders plus features magnificent Engel & Voelkers listings from around the world.

Engel & Voelkers Florida serves as the master franchise headquarters for Florida, providing statewide support to franchisees to ensure they have all of the necessary tools and services they require to develop, manage and grow successful real estate agencies within a clearly defined sub-market. For more information on Engel & Voelkers Florida, visit www.engelvoelkers.com/florida/ or call (239) 348-9000.