There will always be obstacles in life, but time and time again, I’ve found my resilience and drive have been the defining factors that get me to the other side.
Moving to Florida in August 2016 was a leap of faith. My son and I left behind Manhattan, for the sunshine and opportunity of Tampa Bay. My son, Cooper, was 10 at the time. While he’d lived in New York his whole life, it never quite felt like home for him. He was very gifted at baseball, and Florida offered more opportunities for him to pursue that dream. The move was about giving him a better life and finding a place where we could both thrive.
I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur, creating opportunities for myself out of necessity. I ran my own marketing consulting business and did real estate simultaneously. As a single mom, I needed money and flexibility that a 9-5 job couldn’t provide. I’m self-motivated, resourceful, and adaptive, so I always found a way to make it work, pay my bills, and provide for my son.
When we arrived in Florida, I was starting from scratch. I didn’t know anyone, and the Tampa market is completely different from Manhattan. So I got creative. I left my business cards on store shelves at stores, told everyone at my son’s baseball games what I did, and bought leads. I also started a fitness company called SwingFitt, combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for fitness. For a while, I balanced both the fitness business and real estate, hustling to build a new life in a new place.
Just as things were really starting to take off, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. And not long after, COVID hit putting an end to SwingFitt. It was really a time of survival, physically and financially. I kept selling real estate through treatments and did everything in my power to not lose the momentum I worked so hard to gain.
On the other side of that challenging time, I was able to see all my hard work pay off. My business stabilized and began to grow through referrals and repeat clients. Not even cancer could keep me from showing up and working hard for those I serve. I’m very proud of the business I have built and all the obstacles I have overcome to get to this point.
With success came a new perspective. I have always focused on helping my clients, but now I can truly appreciate the impact and meaning this work has. Real estate is more than just transactions. Whether it’s someone’s first home, a second home, or right-sizing for a new stage of life, having a place to call home directly affects financial stability, mental health, happiness, comfort, and security. So much in life is connected to that foundation, and everyone deserves it.
Today, my work is more than a job, it is something I truly love doing. Being part of these important moments for my clients is incredibly rewarding and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Outside of work, I love cheering on my son who plays NCAA Division 1 college baseball. He is a junior and is on track to be drafted this year. I’m so proud of him and grateful for this career that has given me the flexibility to be there for him at practices, games, and each new milestone. I also love skiing a few times a year, spending time outdoors, and I’m a total foodie. I’m an amateur gardener and have two English bulldogs, Peaches and Tater.
Florida gave us a fresh start and challenged me to grow in ways I never expected. Now, I find fulfillment in guiding others on their journeys to find a place to call home here, too.
When it comes to real estate, you deserve more than someone to open the door; you deserve a partner who’s invested in your success. My approach is rooted in clear communication, responsiveness, and a commitment to making sure you’re informed every step of the way. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or investing, I take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, then tailor my strategy to fit.
With decades of experience as both an entrepreneur and a real estate professional, I bring a business-minded perspective to negotiations, marketing, and problem-solving. I don’t discriminate based on budget or price point either. Every client receives the same high level of service, attention, and advocacy. I’m proactive, detail-oriented, and not afraid to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring you avoid surprises and feel confident in your decisions.
From providing honest advice to connecting you with a network of trusted vendors, I’m here to make your real estate journey as smooth and successful as possible. Let’s work together to turn your goals into reality, on your terms and with your best interests at heart!
Sincerely,
Melissa Pranzo, REALTOR®
