Keys to the Emerald Coast

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...

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...