Marlene Sundquist Maseman has over 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience in commercial and retail markets. Marlene specializes in business brokerage in the retail, commercial, and industrial sectors, as well as commercial and industrial properties in Central Florida.
As a successful entrepreneur, Marlene built and sold three businesses in diverse market spaces. In 1999, Marlene founded Florida Graphics, Inc. as an Advertising Agency that found niches in financial markets, insurance products, and sport fishing markets. At its peak, Florida Graphics produced layouts for over 45 sporting magazines and contracted print advertising for major boating industry names including Donzi, Yellowfin, and Mercury Motors.
In 2001, Marlene co-founded Debt Management Center (DMC), a consumer debt negotiation service. DMC experienced rapid growth to over 20,000 clients and 120 employees in a short period of time, and was ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. in 2004. In the daily operations of DMC, Marlene was responsible for corporate finance, advertising & marketing, regulatory and compliance management. Marlene was also the lead negotiator for consumer debt with major financial institutions.
Upon the sale of DMC, Marlene founded Seedlings Retail in 2006. Seedlings Retail is a unique retail concept specializing in contemporary and sustainable products for babies and children. The unique concept and Marlene’s strong branding enabled her to successfully exit the business in 2015 at a large premium above current retail valuations.
Marlene enjoys philanthropy and has been an active member of The Junior League of Tampa since 2009. She also served as the Marketing Consultant for the Tampa Museum of Art’s annual City Fashion Show Event for a number of years and is continuously involved in many other philanthropic events, political campaigns, and other community events.
Marlene is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Journalism (Advertising & Marketing). She continues to consult with the UF College of Journalism and provides career guidance to students as a mentor. Marlene enjoys continuing education and is currently pursuing the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation.
Marlene enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters. In her free time, Marlene enjoys cooking, the arts, travel, boating, and exercise. She continues to support the University of Florida as a lifetime member of the UF Alumni Association and is an avid fan of Gators Football.