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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
49 episodes
Counting on Leadership with Lisa Norton
What happens when you dip your toe back into volunteering and suddenly find yourself running for leadership?In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Lisa Norton, candidate...
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A Seat at the Table with Sherrie Salas
What does it really mean to step up and lead?In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Sherrie Salas, ECAR’s current Treasurer and incoming Vice President, to talk abou...
'Tis the Season to Meet Jolley
It’s election season at ECAR! In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Melissa Jolley, candidate for ECAR’s Niceville Area Director, to talk about her journey from new ...
Let's Talk RPAC with Cindy Burge & Melissa Strange
What does RPAC actually do for REALTORS®? Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki are joined by Cindy Burge and Melissa Strange to talk advocacy, RPAC’s impact, and ways members can get involved.
Serving Beyond the Sale
What does it mean to leave a legacy that extends far beyond real estate?In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with longtime REALTOR® and community leader Linde Bowman for...
The Key to Protecting Your Closings w/ Lydia Pelegrina
What does it take to protect a real estate transaction in today's market?In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Lydia Pelegrina of McNeese Title for a conversation th...
The Heart Behind the Bailey Brigade
Sometimes the greatest acts of service are born from life's hardest moments.In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Michelle Bailey—REALTOR®, past ECAR President, longtime volunteer leader, and founde...
Mortgage Insights with Mallory Fotiades from CrossCountry Mortgage
What does it really take to help buyers succeed in today's market? Hint: It's about much more than interest rates. In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Mallory Fotiades of CrossCountry Mortgage
RLM Recap & A Fond Farewell
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, ...
International Real Estate w/ ECAR Vice President Rachel Simerly
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 ser...
Let's talk Movement Mortgage w/ Lindsey and Kelsey
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...
Let's Talk w/ President-Elect Kimberlie Griggs
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...
Lets talk $$$, Stewardship, and Leadership w/ Sherrie Salas
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...
Emerald Coast Title Services w/ Ashley Bowen
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...
Lets Talk Ombudsman w/ Ben Ward
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 Ombudsm...
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...