Keys to the Emerald Coast

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , Association Executive Melissa Skoniecki joins Maria to recap their experience at the National Association of REALTORS®' Leadership Meeting (RLM) in Washington, D.C. They share key takeaways, leadership insights, and the conversations shaping the future of the real estate industry and REALTOR® associations. But this episod...

Send us Fan Mail What does strong leadership look like in today's real estate market? In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with ECAR Vice President Rachel Simerly to talk about her journey in real estate, her passion for serving fellow REALTORS®, and her vision for the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®. Rachel shares insights on leadership, industry trends, the valu...

Send us Fan Mail For years, Movement Mortgage has been more than an ECAR Affiliate Member, they've been a true partner in supporting REALTORS® and strengthening our local real estate community.  In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay and Kelsey from Movement Mortgage to talk about the partnership between Movement and ECAR, including their significant investment in our Leadership Developmen...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with ECAR  President-Elect Kimberlie Griggs . Kimberlie shares her story, lessons learned throughout her leadership journey, and her passion for serving REALTORS® across the the panhandle. We talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the importance of member engagement, and what excites her most about the future of the A...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chad and Maria sit down with Sherrie Salas, ECAR’s Board of Directors Treasurer, to talk about her journey into leadership and the important role she plays in helping guide the Association. Sherrie stepped into leadership at ECAR and has never looked back. Her heart for her clients, her commitment to the Association, and her dedication to serving as Treasurer cont...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chad and Maria sit down with Ashley Bowen of Emerald Coast Title Services to talk about who she is, the work ECTS does, and the important role title services play in the real estate process. Ashley shares insight into how Emerald Coast Title Services support REALTORS®, buyers, sellers, and the broader real estate community by helping ensure smooth, professional cl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Ben Ward to talk about the role of an Ombudsman and how this important resource supports professionalism, communication, and conflict resolution within the real estate industry. Ben helps unpack what an Ombudsman does, when members should consider using the service, and how it can help resolve concerns before they become formal complaints. Whether...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Michele Fransen for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and the people-centered work happening throughout the Emerald Coast real estate community. Michele shares her perspective, experiences, and lessons learned along the way, offering insight into what it means to stay engaged, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact in b...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with Heather Vaughn, recent Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduate, highly engaged ECAR member, and proud recipient of the Presidential Award. Heather shares her journey, what drives her involvement, and the impact the Association has had on her professional and personal growth. With Chad out sick, Maria H...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , Maria Howell sits down with Taylor Labno, ECAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) Chair, for a lively conversation about what’s ahead for one of the Association’s most energetic groups. Taylor shares what makes YPN such a valuable space for connection, growth, and leadership, along with a preview of some exciting upcoming events you...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with North Walton Area Director Brandy Brown to hear her story -- both personally and professionally -- and what led her into leadership within ECAR. Brandy shares a grounded perspective of what’s really happening in North Walton, from the biggest opportunities for growth to what makes this area stand apart from the rest of the county.  We dive into ho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we’re joined by Chrissy Hartley, Fort Walton Beach Area Director and a dedicated leader within our local real estate community. Chrissy shares her perspective on the Fort Walton Beach market, the value of staying connected at the local level, and how involvement in the association helps elevate both agents and the industry as a whole....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with Robbie Truax, Area Director of Property Management, to hear her story and explore the vital role property management plays in our local real estate landscape. Robbie shares her journey into the industry, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and what it takes to successfully manage properties in today’s market....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with Tammy Summers, Niceville Area Director, to talk about what makes this community so special. Tammy shares her perspective on the growth, character, and opportunities in the Niceville area, along with insights from her role supporting local REALTORS® and strengthening the real estate community. From market trends to the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with Nick Brown—Navarre Area Director, Professional Development Committee Chair, and Managing Broker with Coldwell Banker in Niceville and Navarre. Nick wears a lot of hats, and in this conversation, he brings insight from every one of them. We dive into what’s happening in the Navarre market, the importance of professiona...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chad and Maria are joined by Melinda Vazquez and Kimberlie Griggs to introduce ECAR’s newly formed Foundation, an exciting step forward in how we give back to our communities. The Foundation creates a more focused and structured approach to philanthropy, making it easier than ever for ECAR members to get involved and make a meaningful impact. From initiatives like...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Maria and Chad sit down with Bonnie Hall, ECAR’s Destin Area Director, to take a closer look at one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Known for its sugar-white beaches and emerald waters, Destin has long been a favorite vacation spot but what’s driving so many people to turn their visits into permanent roots? Bonnie shares insight into what mak...

Send us Fan Mail What’s really happening in the Miramar Beach market ? In this episode, we sit down with Miramar Beach Area Director Wanda Jackson to get an inside look at one of the Emerald Coast’s most dynamic real estate areas. Wanda shares her perspective on current market conditions, how pricing and inventory are shaping agent strategies, and the unique factors that make Miramar Beach such a...

Send us Fan Mail South Walton continues to be one of the most talked about markets along the Emerald Coast -- and in this episode, we’re diving deep into what’s really happening. We sit down with South Walton Area Director Sabine Robertson to talk all things South Walton: the incredible growth, the challenges agents are navigating, and the realities behind current housing prices. Sabine shares ins...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the ECAR Podcast, Chad & Maria sit down with ECAR’s Commercial Director, Tim Collins, for a conversation that starts on the volleyball court and moves into the world of commercial real estate along the Emerald Coast. After a quick warm-up talking about volleyball and life around the area, Tim dives into what’s happening in the local commercial market. Tim sh...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 21 of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with ECAR Crestview Area Director Jason Miller to talk all things Crestview. From the area’s strengths and challenges to ongoing revitalization efforts, standout features, and what the future may hold, this episode offers a well-rounded look at one of our region’s fastest-growing communities. Jason shares valuable insight in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with ECAR’s Association Executive, Melissa Skoniecki, for an inside look at what’s ahead in 2026. Melissa shares what she’s most excited about in the coming year, the strategic direction of the association, and how ECAR is continuing to elevate the value it delivers to its members. From new initiatives and professional dev...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Joe Capelotti — ECAR Board Assistant Treasurer, RPAC Chair, and host of 3 Beers and the REAL Truth   for a down-to-earth conversation about RPAC and why it matters to every REALTOR®. Joe helps break RPAC down in plain language, explaining what it is, how it works, and why having a seat at the table is critical when decisions are being made that imp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Buchman and Sam Lapomardo to shine a spotlight on one of ECAR’s most meaningful initiatives — the CAMO Committee . Lisa and Sam walk us through what CAMO stands for, why the committee exists, and how it serves as a powerful way for members to give back to our local community. From hands-on projects to impactful partnerships, they share what t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with Chrissy Hartley to talk about the powerful mission behind Building Homes for Heroes and ECAR’s role in supporting it. This dedicated committee and task force works tirelessly to raise funds for veterans and active-duty military members in need of assistance right here in our community. Building Homes for Heroes constr...