"I enjoy helping people and building meaningful relationships. I've always been a people person; connecting with others has always been second nature to me."
These words, shared by Realtor Samantha Muscato, perfectly reflect the heart of her thriving career and her team’s mission. With two decades in the real estate industry, Samantha and her team stand out not only for their professional accomplishments but for their dedication to the local community and their ability to foster genuine connections.
Samantha’s introduction to real estate came at just 21 years old when she purchased her first double. At the time, she was working in the service industry as a waitress and bartender, but the experience of property ownership sparked a passion that would shape her future. "That’s what opened the door to real estate for me," she explained. “I started buying doubles and some commercial property, and then I just decided this was something I was interested in and could be good at.”
Now, Samantha leads The Muscato Team at Iconic Real Estate, a firm she co-founded in 2024. Her team is composed of four dynamic buyer agents: Patrick Baer, Maria Lampka, Corie Hughes, and Jennifer Sparcino; a full-time administrative assistant, Eryn Wells; and a marketing director, Julia Ruch. They’ve quickly made their mark in Western New York, closing 2024 with $25+ million in sales and ranking as the number one team in all of Tonawanda. They also earned recognition as one of Buffalo’s Top 15 teams by Real Producers.
But Samantha’s success is about more than just numbers. Her leadership style centers on mentorship and creating a collaborative, supportive environment for her team. "I really like to mentor people and give them a different outlook on real estate," she says. “My team is made up of all fairly newer agents, but they’re doing pretty stellar.”
Samantha’s deep roots in the community inform much of her work. Beyond selling houses, she’s dedicated to making her hometown a better place. She’s an active member of the Kiwanis Club and, through initiatives like COT Neighbors United, a grassroots group she founded, Samantha has spearheaded efforts to clean up playgrounds, revive the city’s historical home tour, and enhance public spaces. “We do work in communities all over the area, but we focus on Tonawanda,” she shares. She also serves as Vice President of the City of Tonawanda Local Development Corp., where she’s committed to helping local businesses thrive and revitalizing the downtown area. In 2022, she was honored as a Woman of Distinction in New York State’s 140th Assembly District.
The Muscato Team’s community involvement extends beyond Samantha’s personal initiatives. The team frequently organizes family-friendly events like coloring competitions and movie nights, and they’re always looking for ways to give back. "We’re very involved with our community,” Samantha emphasizes. “We do book swaps at the library and are always raising money for causes. It’s not just about real estate; it’s about being part of something bigger.”
In addition to her professional and community achievements, Samantha is a proud mom to her 17-year-old daughter, Kira, who is preparing to graduate high school and pursue dentistry. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and two dogs, hanging out with friends, and relaxing poolside during the summer months.
Samantha also highlights how close-knit her team is, a bond that extends beyond the office. "We’ve very close and do a lot of things together. We're always participating in team bonding activities." Whether it’s team outings, shared celebrations, or simply supporting one another during busy seasons, the camaraderie within The Muscato Team is easy to see. This strong connection translates into exceptional service for their clients, as everyone is aligned in their commitment to making the real estate process smooth and enjoyable.
Samantha’s journey is one of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the people around her. Her approach to real estate — one that values relationships over transactions — has not only earned her professional success but also the admiration of her clients and peers. “I always maintain friendships and bonds with my clients," she said. “It’s not about just selling them that first house. It’s really about getting to know them and building friendships."
Looking ahead, the Muscato Team is poised to continue making an impact — both in the real estate market and in their community. Whether helping families find their dream homes, or leading initiatives to beautify Tonawanda, Samantha and her team exemplify what it means to be true leaders and dedicated neighbors.