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 neglecting to do the same in their own lives. Cynthia and Steve break that cycle by sharing how they got started, what they’ve learned over decades of investing, and how real estate professionals can begin thinking like owners instead of just advisors.

Cynthia DeLuca shares her journey from buying her first rental property in 1999 to building a diverse portfolio that includes everything from single-family homes to apartment complexes and commercial properties — even tackling deals most people would run from. Steven J. David brings over five decades of experience as an investor, educator, and industry leader, having owned and managed more than 600 properties while teaching thousands of REALTORS® how to analyze and manage investment real estate.

Together, they discuss:

• What REI Week is and why it matters
• How real estate professionals can get started investing, even while working full-time
• Common mindset and fear barriers that hold agents back
• Practical steps to begin building long-term, generational wealth through real estate

If you’re in real estate and have ever thought, “I help everyone else build wealth — when do I start building mine?” this episode is for you.

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 constructs, modifies, and gifts mortgage-free homes to injured veterans, Gold Star families, and their loved ones—helping to remove financial burdens, restore independence, and create a stronger foundation for civilian life. Each home is thoughtfully designed to meet the physical and psychological needs of disabled veterans and their families, improving day-to-day quality of life and offering hope for a brighter future. It’s an inspiring conversation about service, impact, and giving back to those who have given so much.

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 breaks down key legislative topics and bills every Realtor should be aware of and actively advocating for to protect property rights, support homeownership, and serve clients more effectively. From Capitol Hill to the local level, this episode highlights how ECAR is working to ensure Realtors have a strong, informed voice in the legislative process.

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 ahead. The conversation also looks forward to one of ECAR’s biggest advocacy events -- Great American Realtor Days -- setting the stage for what’s next and why involvement has never been more important.

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 the change, what excites her most about stepping into this new lane, and how the move positions ECAR for long-term success. For many members, the AE role can feel mysterious, so Melissa breaks it down clearly, sharing what she actually does day to day and the meaningful ways members will feel the impact through improved efficiencies, enhanced services, and behind-the-scenes innovations already underway.

Drawing on her deep history of service within ECAR, Melissa reflects on the leadership experiences that prepared her for this moment, connecting her credibility and reputation to the responsibilities ahead. She also looks forward, outlining the biggest opportunities she sees for ECAR in 2026 and beyond—from technology and advocacy to culture, education, and innovation.

The episode closes with a heartfelt discussion about what she is most passionate about bringing to ECAR in this new role—her values, her leadership style, and her commitment to creating an association that truly elevates its members.

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. She reflects on how ECAR, the market, and the industry have evolved—and what has surprised her most along the way. From there, she looks ahead to 2026, sharing her vision, the big initiatives she hopes to champion, and how she plans to continue moving ECAR forward.

Listeners will also get a peek behind the curtain at the crucial but often unseen work ECAR does every day to protect, support, and empower its members. Cathy breaks down the advocacy efforts, education planning, legal protections, and technology decisions that REALTORS® rarely see but rely on constantly.

Rounding out the episode, Cathy offers practical insight on what REALTORS® should be preparing for as we approach 2026 and beyond, plus a heartfelt reflection on why her passion for leading ECAR remains as strong as ever.

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 Coast as one year winds down and another begins. Chad and Maria share what they’re looking forward to, why these events matter, and how they set the tone for the year ahead.

In this episode:

• A couple of standout happenings closing out December
• Early 2026 events you may want to mark on your calendar
• Local insights, personal takes, and a casual chat between your favorite hosts

Simple, fun, and straight to the point...consider this your short and sweet guide to the transition from 2025 to 2026 along the Emerald Coast.

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 partnership.

You’ll hear her heartfelt appreciation for the businesses that show up for our REALTORS®, our events, and our community all year long, plus a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026 -- from new opportunities to get involved to exciting ways affiliates will be highlighted and celebrated.

If you’re an affiliate, this episode is our love letter to you. And if you’re a member, it’s your reminder to connect with the people who help make ECAR stronger every day.

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 strategies they’re excited to bring back to ECAR
• Emerging trends shaping the future of real estate
• And of course… a little bit about the fun they had exploring Houston along the way

Whether you attended NAR NXT yourself or want to catch up on the highlights, this episode is packed with perspective, energy, and a look at what's next for the Emerald Coast.

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 estate.

Tune in for insights, laughter, and a look at how the Women’s Council is shaping the future of the industry—one strong relationship at a time.