Engel & Völkers Naples Welcomes Seasoned Real Estate Leader Dawn Wheldon as Managing Broker
Appointment signals strategic growth under new franchise ownership with Victoria Stultz
Engel & Völkers Florida today announced veteran real estate executive Dawn Wheldon has joined Engel & Völkers Naples as Managing Broker. The appointment comes on the heels of License Partner Victoria Stultz taking over ownership of the franchise in July 2024, as part of her growing network of Engel & Völkers shops across Southwest Florida.
“Joining Engel & Völkers Naples represents an extraordinary opportunity to grow alongside an elite brand with a global reputation and deeply rooted local values,” said Wheldon. “My priority is to create a culture of collaboration and support where our advisors feel empowered, inspired, and equipped to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.”
With over two decades of experience in luxury real estate and brokerage leadership, Wheldon brings an impressive résumé and a collaborative leadership style to her new role. She joins Engel & Völkers Naples as the franchise prepares to launch four locations throughout Collier and Lee Counties. Operations are currently based out of a temporary office at 633 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 201, while plans are underway to secure a flagship retail space.
“Dawn’s appointment is a key step in our strategic growth throughout Southwest Florida,” said Stultz. “Her extensive experience in both operations and agent development, combined with her passion for mentoring, makes her the ideal leader to help shape the future of Engel & Völkers Naples.”
Wheldon’s leadership journey spans both Florida and Illinois. Most recently, she served as Sales Manager for the Michelle Thomas Team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty — the No. 1 team in Florida for Sotheby’s International Realty, No. 5 team across all brokerages in Florida, and ranked No. 46 in the United States. Her previous leadership roles include Managing Broker of the Faris Team Florida Real Estate, Vice President of Sales and Managing Broker for The Jane Lee Team at RE/MAX, one of the highest-performing teams in the Midwest, and Team Leader/CEO for Keller Williams in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Earlier in her career, Wheldon spent 18 - successful years as a top-producing, award-winning sales agent with Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and others.
Stultz, who initially partnered with Engel & Völkers in 2021, now oversees two major franchise groups in the region: Engel & Völkers Suncoast, with locations in Downtown Venice, Sarasota, and soon Lakewood Ranch; and Engel & Völkers Naples, set to include shops across Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero.
“Victoria’s dynamic leadership and financial investments are helping us redefine what’s possible in southwest Florida’s luxury real estate market,” said Peter Giese, CEO of Engel & Völkers Florida. “At a time when many competitors are focused on reducing costs, the addition of a seasoned professional like Dawn reflects her commitment to building a strong, growth and advisor-focused luxury regional brokerage in southwest Florida that will set a new standard for outstanding service.”
As Managing Broker, Wheldon will focus on recruiting top-tier talent, elevating agent productivity, and expanding the brokerage’s presence in premier markets throughout Collier and Lee Counties. Her leadership will help reinforce Engel & Völkers’ commitment to offering personalized, luxury service backed by international reach and local expertise. Together, Stultz and Wheldon aim to grow Engel & Völkers Naples’ presence through intentional expansion, community engagement, and a focus on quality over quantity. Their shared philosophy centers on delivering a bespoke experience to clients and cultivating a collaborative environment for advisors to thrive.