Founded in 2000 by lifelong friends Connie Lancaster and Cynthia Serra, The PlatinumGroup was built on a shared passion for real estate and restoring historic homes. Both originally from South Carolina, Connie and Cynthia found their home in St. Petersburg’s Historic Old Northeast, where their love for the community and real estate quickly grew into a successful business.
Connie brings decades of experience in real estate investment, including historic homes, new construction, multi-family properties, condo conversions, and 1031 exchanges. Cynthia’s passion began through restoring her own bungalow in Historic Old Northeast, eventually leading friends and clients to seek her expertise. She also holds a North Carolina real estate license, allowing her to serve clients in both St. Petersburg and the North Carolina mountains.
In 2014, Dan Casper joined the team after relocating from Chicago with his husband and quickly embracing the Tampa Bay lifestyle. With more than 20 years in interior design, Dan offers clients a unique ability to help buyers envision a home’s full potential, while his attention to detail has led to features in national design magazines.
Blake Samples joined The PlatinumGroup in 2026 after building his real estate career in Nashville beginning in 2014. Returning to his Gulf Coast roots, Blake combines a background in marketing with expertise in luxury, waterfront, and flood-affected properties, including FEMA 50/50 Rules. His Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation also allows him to better guide older adults and their families through major transitions.
Together, The PlatinumGroup combines decades of experience across investment properties, first-time homebuyers, luxury homes, condos, new construction, second homes, and 1031 exchanges. Backed by the marketing power of Smith & Associates Real Estate, the team has built a referral-based business rooted in trust, client satisfaction, and deep knowledge of the Tampa Bay market.
Passionate about both real estate and the community they serve, The PlatinumGroup is dedicated to helping clients navigate every stage of the buying and selling process — no matter the price point. “No Better Place, No Better Time, No Better Team!"
