‘Inspired’ — and inspiring: Gloria Tate recognized with lifetime achievement award
Cape pioneer, two-time city council member & Realtor extraordinaire honored for her contributions
Cape pioneer Gloria Tate has spent more than four decades in the real estate realm, and last week, she was honored in a big way for her hard work, success, and dedication.
Tate was bestowed a lifetime achievement award at the fourth annual “Inspired” event in the Island Ballroom at Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa.
The top women in real estate in Lee County were invited to attend the event to celebrate their success.
Tate, who has been with Cape Coral’s Raso Realty since 1979, said it was a humbling moment.
“I was humbled to be recognized for years of service to my profession and my community,” she said. “I am grateful for the recognition in my career, and being recognized as one of the top agents in the real estate profession was a special day. But there were so many wonderful deserving agents that were recognized, too. It is always wonderful to be among like-minded professionals.”
“Inspired” was presented by Cathy Mann-Seiple, LandSel Title Agency and Julie Scott with Movement Mortgage, both successful and well recognized leaders in the industry for over 20 years.
For Mann-Seiple and Scott, supporting Realtors is more than business, it’s about people, dreams and community. It’s about honoring the vital role Realtors play in making the dream of homeownership possible and building stronger communities where they work and play in paradise.
Mann-Seiple, who is the Southwest Florida account manager for LandSel Title Agency, said there couldn’t have been a more deserving honoree for the lifetime achievement award than Tate.
“Gloria has been involved in inspiring women for as long as I’ve known her,” she said. “She’s been in leadership, mentoring, and inspiring women in business. She’s influential in guiding and inspiring women in Lee County in a very impactful way. There was never any question it would be her. There’s a lot of successful women in the real estate business, but not many have given as much as she’s given.”
Tate, whose family was one of the first to arrive in Cape Coral in its infancy, has spent much of her life serving both her clients and real estate, as well as the residents of Cape Coral. She has twice been a city council member, and has been involved in a myriad of organizations that impact the way of life in Cape Coral.
“I have always taken pride in my knowledge of our city and shared it with customers and clients,” Tate said. “I am so proud of what our city has become, and our future looks extremely encouraging. I have met so many people in my career that have become forever friends, knowing their families and watching them grow has been an added bonus.”
Mann-Seiple, who has known Tate professionally for more than two decades, said in addition to being successful in her field, what sets her apart is her willingness to mentor and guide future leaders in the community.
“When I first got involved in my role… to me personally, she was able to allow other people to see their ideas grow and come to fruition,” she said. “It was really her approval and encouragement and acceptance of other people that allowed her to inspire future leaders. By just giving them the tools and encouraging them — by being the wind beneath their wings, that’s her special talent. She’s leading by example by celebrating their ideas and ambitions, and giving what they do validity. Gloria to me brings out the best in other people.”
Raso Realty, which opened on June 11, 1973 on Cape Coral Street by the late Joe and Grace Raso, Tate’s parents,, has served the community for more than 50 years. Raso Realty has been a hallmark in the real estate industry and Cape Coral community for decades, always in-tune with city happenings, city government, and industry trends.
Despite the challenges of the market, interest rates and mortgage crisis, they have found a way to be a successful independent group in a world of bigger agencies. Reinventing, remarking, rebranding and staying current with all the trends are the ways Tate said they have kept afloat.
“I think my real estate career is summed up by my clients and customers,” Tate said. “My career is all about promoting my city, teaching people to share in the joy of our history, and seeing the best in everything we do.”