Keys to the Emerald Coast
Unlocking success, one conversation at a time
Welcome to Keys to the Emerald Coast, the official podcast of Emerald Coast Association of Realtors®. Each episode, we’ll unlock the latest news, market insights, advocacy updates, and upcoming events that matter to you, our members. Whether you’re a seasoned Realtor or new to the industry, we share tips, conversations, and success stories to help you thrive in this ever-changing market. From the sugar-white beaches to the quiet countryside, we’re bringing the entire Emerald Coast real estate community together, one key at a time.
Episodes
34 episodes
Member Highlight -- Michele Fransen
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, experie...
Member Spotlight w/ Heather Vaughn
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 he...
Lets Talk YPN w/ Taylor Labno
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.
Lets Talk North Walton w/ Brandy Brown
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 i...
Let's Talk FWB w/ Chrissy Hartley
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...
Property Management w/ Robbie Truax
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 ...
All things Niceville w/ Tammy Summers
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 i...
Let's Talk Navarre w/ Nick Brown
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 hat...
The Foundation with Melinda Vazquez & Kimberlie Griggs
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 str...
Lets Talk Destin w/ Destin Area Director, Bonnie Hall
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 bee...
Miramar Beach w/ Area Director Wanda Jackson
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 share...
South Walton w/ Area Director Sabine Robertson
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 ...
Let's Talk Volleyball?!?! Actually, Commercial RE w/ Tim Collins
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.<...
Let's Talk Crestview w/ Jason Miller (Crestview Area Director)
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, a...
Looking ahead to 2026 w/ Association Executive, Melissa Skoniecki
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 stra...
Let's talk RPAC with Joe Capelotti
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®.
Lets Talk CAMO with Lisa Buchman & Sam Lampomardo
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 commi...
Talking with legends of the game about building Legacy Wealth
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
Building Homes for Heroes w/ Chrissy Hartley
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 ...
Great America Realtor Days w/ Melissa Garza
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 discu...
FR MidWinter Meetings with Maria Howell and Chad Nelson
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, ...
A New Leadership Era at ECAR with Melissa Skoniecki
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, h...
A Decade of Leadership & The Road to 2026 with Cathy Alley
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...
Wrapping Up 2025 w/ Chad Nelson & Maria Howell
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 alread...
All things Affiliates w/ Kimberly Tate
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...