Mark Cooney, Land Sharks president, says the move was a matter of perfect timing after GVA Advantis ceased operating in mid-July. Cooney, an occasional guest columnist for GlobeSt.com, was previously executive director of land services for the Tampa and Orlando offices of GVA Advantis, formerly based in Washington, DC.

"We will offer an expanded array of services along with our focused commitment to our clients' interests," Cooney tells GlobeSt.com. "We believe our tenacity, integrity and communication with our clients every day has been the basis of our success."

Joining Cooney at the Duncan Cos. are Randy Mills, vice president, and Michele Whalen, director of marketing and administration. The group offers free consultations to land owners who are looking to either sell or hold their properties.