Keys to the Emerald Coast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by two real estate legends, Cynthia DeLuca and Steven J. David , to talk about REI Week and why now is the time for real estate professionals to start building legacy wealth for themselves — not just their clients. Too often, agents, brokers, and industry professionals spend their careers helping others create wealth through real estate, while neglect...

Send us Fan Mail We’re kicking off 2026 with a fresh episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast ! Chad Nelson and Maria Howell reconnect to start the new year and waste no time diving into the action from the Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL. Maria breaks down what Mid-Winter is all about, why it matters to Realtors across the state, and how it helps shape priorities for the year ahe...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , Chad Nelson and Maria Howell are joined by Melissa Garza, ECAR’s Government Affairs Director, for an in-depth conversation on advocacy and the issues that matter most to Realtors. The discussion centers on Great American Realtor Days and why it’s such a critical opportunity for Realtors to engage directly with lawmakers. Melissa break...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , hosts Chad Nelson and Maria Howell keep it real and keep it local as they highlight just a handful of the key events wrapping up December 2025 and a few exciting things already on the books for January 2026. It’s a quick, easygoing year-end catch-up...perfect for anyone wanting to stay plugged into what’s happening around the Emerald...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , hosts Chad Nelson and Maria Howell sit down with Cathy Alley , ECAR’s 2025 President-Elect and Treasurer, for a candid conversation about leadership, progress, and the future of the real estate profession along the Emerald Coast. With more than ten years since her first presidency, Cathy brings a rare depth of perspective....

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , hosts Chad Nelson and Maria Howell sit down with Melissa Skoniecki , ECAR’s new Association Executive, for a conversation that sheds light on her transition, her leadership journey, and her vision for the future of the organization. Melissa opens up about her shift from President-Elect to Association Executive what motivated...

Send us Fan Mail Since this week is Thanksgiving, we want to drop an episode expressing our sincere gratitude to our Affiliate Members.  In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Tate , ECAR’s Affiliate & Events Coordinator, to shine a spotlight on the heartbeat of our association -- our Affiliate Members . Kim shares why ECAR truly couldn’t do what we do without their support, expertise, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , Maria and Chad sit down to recap their recent trip to NAR NXT in Houston, Texas . From high-impact sessions to inspiring conversations, they break down the most valuable insights gathered from real estate leaders across the country. Tune in as they share: Top takeaways from the sessions they attended Fresh ideas and practical strategi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , hosts Chad Nelson and President Maria Howell sit down with DeeDee Carr and Wanda Jackson to dive into the inspiring work of the Women’s Council of Realtors . From leadership development and professional growth to building lasting connections across the Emerald Coast, DeeDee and Wanda share their passion for empowering women in real es...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Co-Hosts Chad Nelson and Maria Howell sit down with the dynamic duo Shelby Baker and Nick Brown to chat all things Professional Development !  From wrapping up the year to peeking ahead at what’s in store for 2026, the crew dives into how education and career growth are evolving along the Emerald Coast. Expect laughs, insights, and a few “aha!” moments as we mix inspira...

Send us Fan Mail Inside ECAR’s Leadership Development Program In this episode, hosts Chad Nelson and Maria Howell sit down with Brandy Brown and Jason Miller for a lively and insightful conversation about ECAR’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) and what leadership really means at ECAR. From the origins and goals of LDP to personal stories of growth and lessons learned along the way, this episo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Garza , ECAR’s Government Affairs Director , for an inside look at how public policy and real estate intersect. Melissa shares how ECAR advocates for REALTORS® and property owners at the local, state, and national levels — ensuring that laws and regulations support a strong, fair housing market. From legislative updates to the importance of...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dana Topel , ECAR’s Property Management Director , to explore the ins and outs of property management in today’s market. Dana shares her insights on the challenges property managers face, how ECAR supports its members in navigating complex regulations, and the keys to building strong relationships between owners, tenants, and management teams. Whe...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Chad Nelson and Maria Howell sit down with Chris Wooten, ECAR’s Commercial Director , for a deep dive into the world of commercial real estate. They break down the key differences between traditional residential real estate and the commercial side of the industry, highlighting what makes each unique. Chris also shares insights on how to successfully navigate...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, your hosts -- President Maria Howell and ECAR's Marketing & Communications Coordinator Chad Nelson are joined by Katie Morse, Chair of the RE Bar Task Force , for an inside look at everything you need to know about RE Bar 2025 . We break down what the event is all about, what attendees can expect this year, and highlights from past conferences that made t...

Send us Fan Mail The inaugural Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) Podcast introduced the show as a new way to connect with members, share updates, and highlight opportunities. Hosted by Chad Nelson, ECAR's Marketing & Communications Coordinator, with guest Maria Howell , ECAR’s President, the episode explored Maria’s journey in real estate, ECAR’s mission and history, and why th...