Larson Educational Services fills void for Andy Gray

Fort Myers based real estate school, Larson Educational Services opens at SRQ in Sarasota, FL

SARASOTA, FL, March 21, 2011 – With Andy Gray's passing in August 2010, the real estate and mortgage professionals of the Sarasota area lost a passionate educator and a kind, caring man. Gray was a licensed Florida real estate broker since 1989 and he taught more than 5,000 students as he operated Andy Gray Schools of Real Estate, Inc from 1995 to 2010.

In November 2010, Sandy Badger, Gray’s partner, met with Rick and Brad Larson of Larson Educational Services to discuss the management of the school’s student files and state regulated documents. Badger, not wanting to continue the operations of the school, but determined to provide the high level of customer service Gray stood for, decided to pass the school’s student records to the Larson’s family-owned and operated state licensed school.

“We were honored that Ms. Badger wanted us to accept the student records and maintain them in compliance with state law,” said Larson Educational Services Co-Founder, Rick Larson. “Andy had such a strong, faithful following in the Sarasota marketplace and although we did not personally know him, we know what he stood for and we know how much he cared for his students.”

Larson Educational Services is based out of Fort Myers and has additional classroom space in Naples. They are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as a Florida real estate school and provider of community association manager education. They are also approved by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System to provide education for mortgage loan originators.

“Our first objective was to notify Andy’s students that we have all their records on file,” said General Manager, Brad Larson. “Our second objective was to bring our high quality of education from Fort Myers and Naples, into the Sarasota marketplace. We are proud to say that in less than 3 months, we have secured a temporary location and have begun offering real estate and CAM courses.”

The Larson’s approach to professional education and customer service is what sets them apart from others. Although there are hundreds of options in the state of Florida when choosing an education provider for mandated pre-licensing and continuing education, Larson Educational Services has become the school of choice for professionals throughout the Gulf coast marketplace.

“Not only does a real live person answer every call that we receive,” said Director of Operations, David Larson, “but we also offer our students a “one-tuition policy” meaning that our students pay tuition one time and that payment is good for one year. We understand that life happens and getting sick or having your car not start one day should not be a deterrent to attending our classes. Our students can re-attend, review or reschedule any class they have previously paid for at no additional charge. “

“Our instructors”, Rick added, “are the absolute best in the business. We have a team of 9 instructors who care more about our students and the experience they receive from us than any group of instructors I’ve seen in my 30 years in the business, and I’ve seen some great instructors. They’re smart professionals who know how to teach and how to present. They make learning fun. Like we say around here at Larson, “get more than just credits, get education you’ll enjoy.”

Larson Educational Services is an affiliated business member of the Naples Area Board of REALTORS®, Bonita Springs Estero Association of REALTORS®, REALTOR® Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, the Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port Association of REALTORS®, and Sarasota Association of REALTORS®.

For more information about Larson Educational Services or to view course schedules, go to www.LarsonEd.com or call (239) 344-7510. Google