In this episode of Deeds of Trust, Steve sits down with 2025 RALSC Good Neighbor Award winner Kristie Baumgartner for a conversation that goes far beyond real estate.

Kristie shares the inspiration behind her Paws & Claws Adopt-a-thon and how her passion for helping animals has grown into meaningful community impact. From organizing adoption efforts to connecting with local families, her work is a reminder that REALTORS® play an important role not just in housing, but in strengthening the communities they serve.

The episode also offers a glimpse into Kristie’s life behind the scenes—balancing a busy real estate career with being a mom, all while staying committed to causes close to her heart.

It’s a genuine and inspiring conversation about service, connection, and what it truly means to be a Good Neighbor.

Spreading the Love: Community Over Competition

In this Season 3 premiere episode of Deeds of Trust, host Steve McDonald sits down with Brittany Knight and Emily Conte to talk about the inspiration behind the Spread the Love Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive and the deeper purpose driving it forward.

What began as a simple idea — collecting peanut butter and jelly for local families — has grown into a powerful example of collaboration in action. Brittany and Emily share the real need they saw in the community, what motivated them to step up, and how choosing “Community Over Competition” has helped unite REALTORS®, businesses, and neighbors around a shared mission.

Listeners will hear how service creates connection, how small acts can make a big impact, and why putting community first strengthens both relationships and results.

💜 Collaboration. Compassion. Community.
 Tune in for a conversation that reminds us why giving back matters.

Money Matters: CPA Tax Talk for REALTORS®

In this episode, host Steve McDonald sits down with Denise Calderon, a respected Certified Public Accountant and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in tax strategy, nonprofit finance, and small business advising.

From building an award-winning CPA firm to serving as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner in Minneola, she shares how her journey has been shaped by a commitment to integrity, service, and practical leadership. Listeners will hear how she helps clients not just file returns but truly understand and take control of their financial lives.

She also opens up about stepping into public service as a candidate for mayor, offering a unique perspective on how financial literacy, ethics, and community leadership intersect to build stronger neighborhoods.

📊 Strategy. Service. Impact.
Tune in now for a conversation that blends financial wisdom with real community vision.

Charting the Course: Leadership, Vision, and the Florida Waterway Cleanup

In this episode, host Steve McDonald sits down with Jeff Fagan, President of StellarMLS and driving force behind the Cleanup Florida Waterways initiative.

From his formative years at Virginia Tech to leading one of the largest MLS organizations in the country, Jeff shares how his journey shaped his leadership style and long-term vision for the real estate industry. He also offers valuable insight into the current market landscape, and how collaboration and innovation are key to navigating what’s ahead.

Plus, Jeff opens up about his passion project — Cleanup Florida Waterways — and how a simple idea grew into a powerful movement across the state, uniting REALTORS®, community leaders, and volunteers in the fight for Florida’s environmental future.

🌊 Leadership. Legacy. Purpose.
 Tune in now for an inspiring and forward-thinking conversation.

Tune in as host Steve McDonald and special guest host Mark Dyer, RALSC President-Elect, sit down with Brittney Boscana—2024 RALSC Good Neighbor Award recipient and the inspiring force behind Lake Quest, a community event supporting Lake Cares Food Pantry.

In this heartfelt episode, Brittney shares how her Lake County roots shaped her passion for service, the story behind Lake Quest, and what drives her to make a lasting impact.

Listen now and discover how one REALTOR® is making waves in the community—one quest at a time.

In this episode, host Steve McDonald sits down with two powerhouse women whose stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Lake and Sumter Counties—Lori Davis and Shayna Grunewald.

From childhood memories growing up in the heart of our communities to building a thriving home healthcare business, Lori and Shayna open up about what it means to serve, uplift, and stay connected to your roots. We also dive into their own podcast journey—why they started it, how they keep it real, and what fuels their mission to make a difference beyond the microphone.

This episode is packed with laughter, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at two women who embody trust, compassion, and local pride. Whether you're a REALTOR®, a small business owner, or just someone who loves a good story, this one’s for you.

Tune in now and get inspired by the voices shaping our community!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Roland Nuñez, a passionate advocate for equitable education and community empowerment. Dr. Nuñez shares his journey and expertise on expanding educational access, innovative leadership strategies, and his deep-rooted impact within the Hispanic community. From personal stories to actionable insights, this conversation is packed with inspiration for educators, leaders, and changemakers alike.

Tune in to discover how trust, leadership, and cultural connection can drive meaningful change.

We’re back with Season 2 of Deeds of Trust, and we’re kicking things off with an episode packed with expert legal insights! Join us as we sit down with Merideth Nagel, Esq., a powerhouse in real estate law, to break down the key legal issues every industry professional should know.

In this episode, Merideth shares her top legal tips and common pitfalls to avoid. This episode is a must-listen!

In our final episode of 2024, we’re closing out the year in style! Join us as EJ, Steve, and our Producer and Audio Engineer, Val, take the mic to reflect on the journey so far. This episode is all about connection—get to know the voices (and minds) behind Deeds of Trust. We’re sharing personal insights, and a few laughs as we celebrate the milestones of the past year and look ahead to what’s next. Tune in, get inspired, and join the conversation!

In this heartwarming episode of Deeds of Trust, we shine a spotlight on the incredible work of Lake Cares Food Pantry, a vital lifeline for families in Lake County, Florida. Join us for an inspiring conversation with special guest Ruthie Haffner, who shares the mission of Lake Cares and the profound impact they have on the community, especially during the holiday season. 

Discover how this organization goes beyond providing food to deliver hope, dignity, and support to those in need. Learn how the holidays amplify the challenges faced by many and how Lake Cares is stepping up to meet these needs with compassion and purpose.