Buying or selling a home is complex, driven by timing, trust, negotiation, and each client’s unique needs. Successful deals require professionals who anticipate challenges, adapt to changing markets, and guide clients through key financial and emotional decisions. When two professionals work together in sync, the experience is even stronger.
For Jennifer Salome and Dawn Tillette of Exit King Realty, partnership has become the foundation of their client service. The two agents first crossed paths while working independently at the same brokerage. Neither had originally planned to build a team, but as they began collaborating on a few clients, it quickly became clear that their different strengths created a natural balance.
“After 26 years in management, I knew I was ready for a different kind of career, one where I could focus on my own goals and performance. That’s what drew me to real estate,” shared Jennifer.
As their collaboration grew, the dynamic between the two agents naturally evolved.
“We had a couple of clients we started helping together, and that’s how it began,” shared Dawn Tillette. “Our opposite strengths just made things work.”
As they continued to work together, those differences quickly became one of their greatest professional advantages.
Salome is known for detail and organization, especially with contracts, timelines, and moving parts. Tillette thrives in conversations and builds relationships quickly and naturally.
“Jen’s superpower for me is how organized she is and how efficient she is with paperwork,” shared Dawn Tillette. “She knows where everything is at all times.”
Just as Tillette acknowledges Salome's organization, Salome sees Tillette’s strengths just as clearly.
“Dawn doesn’t know a stranger. She can walk up to anyone and start a conversation,” shared Jennifer Salome. “She keeps me from slipping into my comfort zone and reminds me how important it is to keep the pipeline full.”
Rather than assigning strict roles, the two allow their individual strengths to guide their approach to each transaction. That flexibility lets them divide tasks by strength while staying equally involved. For clients, this means more availability and responsiveness than a single agent can offer.
“Our clients are always taken care of,” shared Dawn Tillette. “I can take a day off or spend time with my family knowing things are still being handled.”
Clients notice the impact of this teamwork immediately. Even while managing multiple listings and buyers, the two prioritize clear communication and consistent follow-up.
“One of them even said the way you guys work, it seems like we’re your only clients,” shared Jennifer Salome. “That was the biggest compliment because we’re actually really busy.”
Working in the rapidly growing Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota region has further shaped how they guide buyers through the market. With so many new construction communities and neighborhoods, many clients arrive feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available.
“They’ll go to the Lakewood Ranch website and say, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s like thirty villages. What do I do with this?” shared Jennifer Salome. “I tell them, ‘Tell me what you want, and we’ll narrow it down.’”
Meanwhile, Tillette approaches conversations from a mindset perspective, encouraging clients not to become discouraged by headlines or market shifts.
“My mindset is everything,” shared Dawn Tillette. “I stay closely tuned into what’s happening in the market so I can guide our clients with clarity and confidence, no matter the conditions.”
Beyond their own clients, both agents believe collaboration is equally important within the real estate industry. They regularly share knowledge with other agents and mentor newer agents.
“We’re not competition here. We’re collaborating,” shared Jennifer Salome.
Looking ahead, both women are focused on expanding their impact through leadership roles, mentorship, and deeper involvement in the communities they serve. What began as an unexpected collaboration has grown into one of their business's strongest assets.
“It’s authentic. It’s organic. It flows very well,” shared Jennifer Salome.
And in a profession built entirely on relationships, that kind of partnership can make all the difference.
“Our opposite strengths just made things work.”