Flagship was founded in 1973 by Marv Needles. Marv relocated to Marco Island in 1969 from Ohio. After selling for the Deltona Corp. (the developer of Marco Island) for two years, he joined a general real estate firm and after a two year broker apprenticeship, started the firm which is today the Flagship Real Estate Group of Companies:; ERA Flagship Real Estate, Flagship Vacation Properties and Flagship Homes.

Flagship is Marco Island's oldest real estate firm and one of the longest standing in Collier County. After over 26 years serving Marco Island, Flagship has embarked on a venture into the Naples market. With offices in the South Naples area, Flagship is offering a full range of real estate services including sales and marketing, rentals (seasonal and annual), mortgages and new home construction.

Owner-broker, Marv Needles has led Flagship as an active participant within the Collier County community. He is Past President of the Rotary Club, YMCA, Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, Marco Island Association of Realtors and the Realtor of the Year Award, Honorary Paul Harris Fellow, was appointed by the governor to an advisory counsel to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and has served in several positions with the Florida Association of Realtors.