October 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Real estate is a people business, and the people you work with shape the experience as much as any home does. Legacy Real Estate Associates brings brokerage and property management together under one roof in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and the team behind that work comes from a wide range of backgrounds, from pharmacy and home services to pastoral leadership and team management. Here is a brief introduction to each of them.
Leading the Team
Benjamin Bruce, our Founder and Broker, is a third-generation real estate professional born and raised in Manatee County who has worked in local real estate since 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland. His experience spans residential sales, buyer representation, listings, first-time homebuyers, new construction, and investment acquisitions, along with tenant placement, property management, and investor consulting. Ben's approach centers on clear communication, close attention to detail, and helping clients make well-informed decisions.
Deep Manatee County Roots
Mandy von Borstel is a lifelong Manatee County resident with an exceptional understanding of the local market. Beyond residential sales, she is a pharmacist, a real estate investor, and co-owner of an HVAC company with her husband, which gives her a well-rounded perspective on homeownership, property value, and investment. Mandy specializes in new construction while helping buyers and sellers across all areas of residential real estate, and as a mother of two, she understands the importance of finding a home that fits each client's lifestyle and goals.
Laurie Musgrave Peebles is also a lifelong Manatee County resident and has been licensed since 2005. Based in East Manatee County, she has particular expertise in vacant land in addition to all areas of residential real estate. Laurie is known for her attention to detail, reliability, and steady, personalized guidance throughout every transaction.
A Practical Eye for Homes
Clay Dominy is a lifelong Floridian who knows homes inside and out, and with extensive experience in team management, he brings an all-in approach, personable service, and close attention to detail to every client relationship. Clay sees real estate as a business of problem-solving and is committed to finding practical solutions that serve his clients' best interests. A devoted husband and father, he treats every client's goals with genuine care.
Brian Menshon is based in Palmetto and combines sales management experience with hands-on expertise as the owner of a home services company. His knowledge of homes, improvements, and client service gives buyers, sellers, and investors a practical advantage throughout the process. Personable, encouraging, and a strong communicator, Brian is committed to helping his clients make informed decisions.
From Parrish to West Bradenton
Shawn Keener works both sides of Legacy's business, as a leasing agent connecting tenants with well-managed rental homes and as a salesperson helping buyers and sellers navigate the market. Before real estate, he spent over a decade in pastoral leadership in New England and holds a doctorate in organizational theology, experience that shaped how he listens and guides people through big decisions. Shawn lives in Parrish with his wife, Pam, and their two kids still at home.
Josh Waldo is a lifelong resident with deep roots in the community, based in West Bradenton. A communications student at the University of South Florida and a proud alumnus of Bradenton Christian School, he brings valuable local knowledge to every client relationship. His fun, engaging personality makes the process enjoyable, while his dedication ensures each client receives attentive service.
Working Together for Our Clients
What ties the team together is a shared focus on supporting clients across the full arc of real estate ownership, from a first purchase to a growing rental portfolio. Our agents serve clients across Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and Ben works alongside a professional network that may include lenders, insurance agents, title and closing professionals, inspectors, transaction coordinators, and real estate attorneys, so clients have the right specialists at each step.
You can read each agent's full profile on our team page. Whether you are buying, selling, or looking for help with a rental property, contact us and we will connect you with the right person.