23 About Me – Get to Know the Longest-Serving Member of MS&C

Each month at The Saunders Blog, we channel our inner Barbara Walters and pose a series of questions to the agents, staff or management of Michael Saunders & Company. Here, we interview Dina Van Duyne, who this March will be celebrating her 36^th year with the company – that’s almost as long as Michael herself! Officially, Dina is the last stop of the closing process for our agents, which involves a whole lot of numbers, piles of paperwork and deadlines. But she also keeps the Orange Avenue office running in ship shape – from welcoming visitors, to answering phones, to the unofficial, but much appreciated, task of keeping the kitchen sparkling. So without further ado, let’s get to know Dina. 

Choose one: country estate, city penthouse or beachfront living? City penthouse What is your favorite ice cream? French vanilla Favorite cuisine? Anything with seafood How did you first find your way to this area? I spent college spring breaks here with my grandma. Later I moved from California at my father’s request. Do you have a special talent? Sewing and singing four part barbershop harmony How did you spend your childhood summers? Swimming and sailing on Cape Cod with my high school friends If you could have lunch with someone from history, who would it be? Jackie Kennedy If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be? Ireland or Panama Choose one: Boating, golfing, or the Arts? The Arts What living person do you most admire? Michael Saunders herself What is your greatest extravagance? Dark chocolate and good jewelry What do you love about working with Michael Saunders & Company? My 35+ years here says it all

What restaurant do you go to more than any other? Barnacle Bills or Patrick's on Main Street, Sarasota. What is your favorite Broadway musical? I love them all. My favorite has to be West Side Story. What is the prettiest place you have been locally? Selby Gardens When you have friends visit from out of town, where do you take them? Siesta Key Beach for the sunset What do you like to cook? Do salads count? What is your favorite TV show? The Sing Off or Dancing With The Stars Name one thing on your bucket list: To get my pilot’s license What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher What is your most treasured possession? An antique carved cedar chest that belonged to my mother. It was given to her as an engagement present in the 1940’s.