Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
Puttogo Global Group Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
More than 75 business leaders, partners, sponsors, customers, family and colleagues gathered at the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber (SSPC) today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Puttogo Global, the Perimeter’s newest woman-owned, culturally diverse real estate firm.
Attendees enjoyed informal networking before gathering outside on the Chamber’s Plaza for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a boxed lunch and a raffle for prizes.
Event emcee and SSPC ambassador Raphael Baker kicked off the event, warmly introducing Puttogo Founder Maia Samb to the audience.
“We’re really excited to have Maia and her team here,” said Baker, noting that since meeting Samb at a chamber event late last year, “She’s been nothing but amazing.” “She is a visionary, and I can say personally and on behalf of the Chamber we want to walk with you.”
Standing with her young daughters, Samb shared that she decided to leave her career in corporate marketing last year to pursue real estate full time because of a desire for independence as well as a goal to build a business that champions diversity. Samb is a native of Senegal who lived in France and Switzerland before making her home in the United States after meeting her future husband. They moved to Atlanta in 2008.
“Atlanta is one of those markets that is becoming increasingly international. People are not thinking about all these transplants and expats who are coming here trying to make a life and just want to adapt to what this city has to offer,” observed Samb, noting that moving in general brutal. “Try buying a home when you come from another country. “Having people who understand what you’re going through and can relate and empathize and make it easier by offering true concierge service. We find babysitters, we find schools, we find moving companies.”
Samb thanked her husband and daughters for their patience and unflagging support, as well as her sister, Rokhaya, a new member of the Puttogo Global team.
“She not only helps me with real estate business, but she also supports me with the kids and with running the house. Everybody here who is a business owner knows that juggling life and a business is a really tough act. So, thank you so much for your support,” Samb said before embracing her sister.
She then introduced the other Puttogo Global team members:
- Markie Clary, Puttogo Global’s marketing and administrative manager and a new Atlanta transplant from Florida who brings 12 years of real estate experience to her role.
“Markie really helps me with our processes and making sure that we become an efficient business. Not only are we realtors who care about you, but we also are a business and we want to operate that way,” said Samb.
- Eunice Bravo, a native of Venezuela who specializes in serving Puttogo Global’s Spanish-speaking clients. Bravo prides herself on being a trusted realtor who embraces integrity and teamwork.
“Eunice is amazing. She’s fluent in Spanish so if you have any Hispanic friends looking to buy or sell, she’s a great resource,” Samb said.
- Shirrell Burnside, who moved to Atlanta from Ohio with her five-year-old son and brings significant client service experience to Puttogo Global.
“Shirrell has incredible energy and a positive mindset and is just a good human being. I love that about you,” Samb said.
Samb’s final message emphasized Puttogo Global’s commitment to serve the entire community of Atlanta, and especially working with clients of all backgrounds.
“We are not discriminating – if you care about that, we are your team,” she concluded.
Following the ribbon cutting, Tom Mahaffey, president and CEO of the Chamber, echoed many people’s positive impressions of Samb and the team at Puttogo Global.
“Maia will be a terrific asset to the city and the community. She brings a fresh voice and I believe will hit a market that’s not being tapped right now,” he said. “Sandy Springs is a very diverse community with many corporate executives and employees – it’s a rich market for relocation.”
Event sponsor James Gardner, area regional manager with USA Mortgage, noted that he looks forward to strengthening his partnership with Puttogo Global as a mortgage vendor.
“I’m just really excited about this team and the opportunity to work and help them grow. I see nothing but great things on the horizon,” he said.
Puttogo Global sends a big shout out to clients, friends, chamber member partners, and chamber ambassadors and staff for helping make the launch celebration a successful event. In addition to USA Mortgage, event sponsors included Super, a home warranty subscription provider, who was represented by Victor Tapia, and Ganek PC, a real estate law firm represented by Renee Dillon.
Puttogo Global also congratulates the following raffle prize winners:
- Kay Palmer – winner of an “international food tour” that includes various restaurant gift cards around metro Atlanta showcasing authentic international food.
- Derrick Lately – winner of the champagne
- Morris Williams – recipient of a Spa Day for Two at the Woodhouse Spa at Buckhead
The winner of the grand prize – a Mirror Home Gym – will be announced at a later date.