In this heartfelt episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, host 𝗕𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 is interviewed by longtime teammate 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 to discuss 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝘀 — a unique real estate concierge program designed to help seniors and families navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing and selling a home.

From decluttering decades of memories to coordinating repairs, donations, moving logistics, staging, utilities, and estate clean outs, Silver Keys was created to provide seniors with dignity, support, and peace of mind during major life transitions.

Bee shares:

🗝️ How the Silver Keys program was created

🗝️ Why downsizing is often emotionally overwhelming

🗝️ How seniors can prepare for moving later in life

🗝️ The importance of protecting elderly homeowners

🗝️ How the program helps families from start to finish

🗝️ Real stories of compassion, caregiving, and helping clients transition smoothly

If you or your family are facing:

- Downsizing

- Selling a longtime family home

- Moving to assisted living

- Decluttering years of belongings

- Estate transitions or probate situations

…this episode offers practical guidance and emotional reassurance.

🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

What the Silver Keys program is

Helping seniors sell homes stress-free

Decluttering and downsizing strategies

Managing estate cleanouts and transitions

Preparing a home for sale

Concierge real estate services

Helping elderly homeowners move with dignity

The emotional side of leaving a longtime home

How staging and curb appeal increase value

Current real estate market trends in DeLand, Florida

⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – What Silver Keys is & who it helps

00:43 – Introduction with Barbie Bates

01:20 – How Silver Keys was created

02:00 – Why downsizing becomes overwhelming

03:00 – Helping seniors organize decades of belongings

04:00 – Concierge support & customized moving plans

05:00 – Family involvement & sentimental belongings

06:00 – The meaning behind the name “Silver Keys”

07:00 – Home prep: repairs, staging & curb appeal

08:00 – Sending boxes & handling logistics

09:00 – Focusing on where you’re going next

10:00 – Downsizing seminars & the “dot system”

11:00 – Helping sellers maximize home value

12:00 – How Silver Keys pricing works

13:00 – Donating furniture & honoring memories

15:00 – Emotional attachment to belongings

16:00 – Estate sales: pros & cons

18:00 – Why having one trusted point of contact matters

19:00 – Protecting seniors from bad contractors & scams

21:00 – Going beyond transactions: helping clients emotionally

22:00 – Why the service also helps busy families

23:00 – “Golden Keys” & divorce transitions joke

24:00 – Why Silver Keys is different from traditional real estate

25:00 – What homes are selling best in today’s market

27:00 – Best upgrades before selling a home

29:00 – The Saint Joseph house-selling story

31:00 – Real estate, equity & full-circle wealth building

32:00 – Closing thoughts

In this powerful episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿, Head Football Coach at 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, former NFL player, and one of the most passionate leadership voices in college athletics.

Mike opens up about his journey from growing up in a single-parent household to becoming an NFL draft pick — and how adversity shaped the coach, father, and leader he is today.

This conversation goes far beyond football.

Together, Bee and Mike discuss:

- Building a winning culture through discipline and consistency

- Why great coaches focus on developing people first

- Leadership lessons from the NFL

- The mindset elite athletes share

- Why community support matters in college sports

- Raising resilient young men

- Fatherhood, faith, and purpose

- Growth mindset, adaptability, and avoiding complacency

Whether you're a football fan, entrepreneur, parent, coach, athlete, or leader — this episode is packed with wisdom about life, resilience, and building something meaningful.

🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

- Mike Jasper’s football journey from childhood to the NFL

- Being drafted from an NAIA school

- Lessons learned from adversity and failure

- Coaching philosophy & leadership principles

- Building culture inside a college football program

- Developing discipline and resilience in athletes

- Why consistency matters more than motivation

- Stetson Football’s rebuilding process

- The importance of community involvement in sports

- Parenting, fatherhood & competitive mindset

- Learning from legendary coaches like Tom Coughlin & Ron Rivera

- Growth mindset and continuous improvement

⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – Mike Jasper’s core coaching philosophy

00:26 – Introduction to Stetson Head Coach Mike Jasper

01:15 – Faith, family & football in that order

02:00 – More than football: arts, movies & personality

03:05 – Growing up in a single-parent household

03:50 – Starting football at age 4

04:16 – College football journey & adversity

05:09 – “House of God” turning point at Bethel University

06:00 – From NAIA football to the NFL Draft

07:00 – Mike’s coaching philosophy & leadership mindset

08:15 – Rebuilding Stetson Football culture

09:40 – Winning the locker room through consistency

10:25 – Creating adversity in practice to prepare athletes

12:11 – What the public misunderstands about football

13:00 – Why community support matters in college athletics

14:00 – Open practices & building fan culture

15:00 – Why Mike loves DeLand & Stetson

16:00 – Developing young men beyond football

17:13 – Family life, fatherhood & raising athletes

19:00 – Football safety & coaching evolution

20:00 – Competitive powerlifting & staying driven

22:00 – Why athletes make strong leaders

23:18 – Winning with integrity vs “winning at all costs”

25:00 – The business side of coaching college football

27:00 – Traits every successful athlete shares

29:00 – Why athletes struggle to “retire” from competition

30:15 – Legendary coaches Mike learned from

35:00 – Favorite books & leadership mindset

37:00 – Mike’s unforgettable NFL Draft moment

39:00 – Closing thoughts

In this unforgettable episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮 𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘀, owner of 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 & 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱, former criminal prosecutor, author, philanthropist, and global tea entrepreneur.

Lorna’s journey is anything but ordinary.

From growing up in Jamaica to becoming a prosecutor under Janet Reno… from leaving law to launch a record label… from financial loss to spiritual clarity… and ultimately building a thriving tea and wellness brand — Lorna shares how purpose, intuition, and resilience shaped her path.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨:

• Reinventing yourself after burnout
• Listening to intuition and trusting the process
• The global history and energy of tea
• Why tea is more than a beverage — it’s culture, meditation, and connection
• Healing after heartbreak (and writing Becoming Whole)
• Philanthropy in Africa through midwifery scholarships
• What “home” really means across cultures

If you’re interested in 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆𝘀, 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵, 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘆, 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, this conversation will stay with you.

🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

✅ Growing up in Jamaica & becoming a lawyer

✅ Working as a prosecutor in Miami

✅ Leaving law to launch a music label

✅ Losing $1.5 million — and finding clarity

✅ Moving to DeLand during COVID

✅ Building Desert Sage Lifestyle & Wellness

✅ The history of tea (Boston Tea Party, Opium Wars, global trade)

✅ Tea tasting & finding “your tea”

✅ Writing Becoming Whole after heartbreak

✅ Healing, grace, and reclaiming personal power

✅ Supporting maternal health in Africa

✅ Creating homes filled with meaning

⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – The elegance of American homes vs global lifestyle

00:23 – Introduction to Lorna Owens

00:51 – From Jamaica to nursing to law school

01:55 – Prosecutor under Janet Reno

02:15 – Leaving law to start a record label

03:00 – Losing $1.5 million & finding peace

03:50 – Trusting your intuition

05:40 – Returning to law with purpose

08:00 – Moving to DeLand during COVID

09:00 – Opening Desert Sage in Artisan Alley

10:00 – The meaning and energy of tea

12:00 – Tea history & global impact

15:00 – How to find “your tea”

16:22 – Tea tastings & flavor profiles

18:00 – The Boston Tea Party & Opium Wars

19:03 – Her African foundation & midwife scholarships

19:48 – Writing Becoming Whole

22:00 – Healing from heartbreak

24:00 – Giving yourself grace

26:00 – Listening to your inner voice

29:12 – Homes in America vs lifestyle abroad

31:00 – What makes a house feel like home

32:46 – Favorite snack & closing

In this episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, mortgage lender with Certified Mortgage Planners, mom of six, youth baseball coach, and founder of the nonprofit 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆.

𝙆𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣:

• Why 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
• How building equity creates long-term financial security
• What first-time buyers need to understand
• Reverse mortgages explained (and why they’ve made a comeback)
• Smart strategies for downsizers and right-sizers
• The real impact of buying vs. renting
• How real estate can change your family’s future

Beyond mortgages, Kristen opens up about balancing business and family, coaching youth baseball, and launching a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help talented kids afford competitive sports.

If you're a 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿, 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵-𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲, this episode delivers real-world insight and inspiration.

🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

✅ Mortgage industry insights from a 10-year lender

✅ Building generational wealth through real estate

✅ Why equity matters more than people realize

✅ Reverse mortgages: how they work today

✅ Downsizing and retirement mortgage strategies

✅ Working mom life & time-blocking strategies

✅ Youth sports leadership & community impact

✅ Launching a nonprofit (All Kids Can Play)

✅ Why real estate is a wealth-building tool

⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – Why homeownership builds generational wealth

00:40 – Introduction to Kristen Vance

01:18 – 10 years in the mortgage industry

02:02 – From restaurant management to mortgage lending

03:38 – Leadership lessons from hospitality

05:05 – Why Kristen loves DeLand

06:32 – Mom of six & family life

07:15 – Coaching youth baseball & sports leadership

08:00 – Work-life balance & time blocking

09:50 – Helping first-time homebuyers

10:36 – Generational wealth explained

11:38 – Renting vs. owning long-term

13:35 – Downsizing & right-sizing strategies

14:52 – Reverse mortgages explained

18:55 – Launching “All Kids Can Play” nonprofit

21:10 – The cost of competitive youth sports

23:05 – Vision for supporting young athletes

26:12 – Real estate as a wealth strategy

27:00 – Why local experts matter

29:38 – Final thoughts on investing & community

In this episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻, founder of 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, President of 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱, and one of the most influential community leaders in West Volusia.

With more than 30 years in the event industry, Joe shares what it truly takes to execute unforgettable events — from weddings and nonprofit fundraisers to large-scale destination productions. He explains why integrity, high standards, and word-of-mouth marketing built his business without traditional advertising.

But this conversation goes far beyond event planning.

𝙅𝙤𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤:

• The revitalization of Downtown DeLand
• Why “shop local” is critical for small business success
• Smart growth for entrepreneurs
• Balancing retail, office space, and community vibrancy
• Investing in youth leadership and programs like 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁
• How MainStreet DeLand became a model program in Florida

If you're a 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿, this episode is packed with real-world insight and inspiration.

🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

✅ How Joe Hearn built a successful event planning business through word of mouth

✅ Why standards matter more than marketing

✅ The responsibility of planning once-in-a-lifetime events

✅ Leadership during COVID and stepping into volunteer roles

✅ Serving as President of MainStreet DeLand

✅ Downtown DeLand’s award-winning Main Street program

✅ The importance of retail on the ground floor of downtown districts

✅ Smart growth advice for entrepreneurs

✅ Balancing rent increases with small business sustainability

✅ DeLand’s Got Talent & investing in youth confidence

⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – Why event planning is a huge responsibility

00:37 – Introduction to Joe Hearn

01:15 – Moving to DeLand 30 years ago

02:54 – Helping launch Gator’s Dockside

05:14 – Starting Joe Hearn Events

06:56 – Building a business with zero marketing

07:42 – Why word of mouth is the best advertising

08:54 – Serving on multiple boards & leadership roles

10:03 – Getting heavily involved during COVID

11:16 – Passion for investing in youth

12:15 – MainStreet DeLand & award-winning downtown model

14:31 – Balancing business & volunteer commitments

16:08 – What DeLand could improve for youth engagement

18:03 – Real estate challenges & rent increases downtown

20:15 – Why retail storefronts are essential to vibrancy

22:58 – Advice for aspiring event planners

24:13 – “Smart growth” for entrepreneurs

25:37 – DeLand’s Got Talent overview

27:00 – Bringing generations together through arts & entertainment

29:44 – Final thoughts on community pride

30:14 – Lightning round + favorite snack

In this episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱, owner of 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 in Downtown DeLand and former President of 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱, to talk about what it really takes to run a small retail business—and why shopping local matters more than ever.Tracey shares how she transitioned from criminal justice to boutique ownership, how Downtown DeLand became one of Florida’s oldest and most respected Main Street programs, and what small business owners learned during the challenges of 2020.

From creative Facebook Live sales and candle deliveries during shutdowns to building a people-first retail experience, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, community leaders, and anyone who believes in supporting local business.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:

- Small business ownership

- Women entrepreneurs

- Historic downtown revitalization

- Shop local movements

- Community-driven growth

…𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 ✅What makes Downtown DeLand a “Model Main Street” ✅The impact of MainStreet DeLand’s 40-year legacy ✅The realities of owning a boutique retail store ✅Why social media is essential for small business owners ✅Creative pivots during the 2020 shutdown ✅Supporting other local businesses (and keeping money in the community) ✅Renting vs. owning commercial property downtown ✅Growing a retail brand without losing personal connection ✅Advice for aspiring shop owners

⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – Why shopping local truly matters

00:35 – Introduction to Tracey Word

01:27 – Owner of Pretty Little Things (14 years in business)

02:07 – Serving as President of MainStreet DeLand

03:10 – DeLand as Florida’s oldest continuous Main Street

04:21 – What makes Downtown DeLand special

05:27 – Hiring a new Executive Director after loss

06:20 – 40th Anniversary Block Party

07:13 – How to get involved with MainStreet DeLand

08:38 – Tracey’s unexpected journey into retail

10:42 – Creating a boutique shopping experience

11:57 – The real meaning of “Shop Local”

13:52 – The 2020 shutdown & getting creative

15:00 – Facebook Lives, deliveries & selling through crisis

17:00 – How 2020 changed business forever

19:45 – Renting vs. owning in downtown DeLand

22:23 – Considering a second location

23:54 – Advice for opening a retail shop

25:19 – Why social media isn’t optional

26:14 – The romantic idea vs. reality of small business

29:16 – Rating Downtown DeLand

30:12 – Lightning round: favorite candy

30:50 – Final thoughts

Join host Bee Powell as she interviews Donnie Pingaro, a respected luxury real estate leader with a fascinating journey from restaurant management to becoming one of the most well-connected real estate professionals on Fisher Island—one of the most exclusive communities in the world.

Donnie shares how he unintentionally stepped into real estate, built a boutique brokerage known for its white-glove experience, and mastered serving high-net-worth clients through trust, hustle, and extraordinary customer care. From blank-check offers to hurricane response, Donnie reveals what true concierge-level real estate looks like.

They also dive deep into the shifting Florida real estate market, the rise of technology and AI, industry-wide legal changes, and why personal connection still matters more than ever.

If you're in real estate, luxury sales, customer experience, or curious about Fisher Island’s exclusive market, this is a must-watch episode.

🔍 Topics Covered ✅ Donnie Pingaro’s journey into real estate

✅ What makes Fisher Island unlike any other community

✅ How to deliver true boutique, white-glove service

✅ Building long-term relationships with luxury clients

✅ “Blank check deals” & ultra-high-end negotiations

✅ Hurricane response + going above & beyond for clients

✅ Real estate cycles and Florida market predictions

✅ AI, technology overload & how agents can adapt

✅ Boutique brokerage culture and leadership

✅ Why personal connection beats automation

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – “Empty the tank” philosophy & intro banter

00:20 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real with Donnie Pingaro

00:47 – Donnie’s background & moving to Florida

01:17 – How he fell into real estate by accident

02:15 – Working on Fisher Island & discovering opportunity

03:11 – From MBA to hospitality to real estate

03:51 – First impressions of Fisher Island

04:13 – Transitioning into luxury real estate

04:47 – What makes Fisher Island so unique

06:02 – Lifestyle, exclusivity & international residents

07:04 – How Donnie earned trust as a young agent

07:50 – Serving 3rd–5th home luxury clients

08:24 – The boutique service mindset

09:13 – Delivering high-end customer experiences

10:06 – Hurricane response: being “first on the ferry”

10:51 – Blank check deals explained

12:26 – Why trust is everything in luxury real estate

13:32 – Going above & beyond for clients

14:25 – Relational vs. transactional business

15:06 – Why customer experience matters more than ever

15:53 – Responsiveness & communication standards

16:36 – Technology overwhelm in real estate

17:53 – The role of AI + recent industry litigation

19:45 – Florida market cycles & future predictions

21:12 – Micro-markets across Florida

22:23 – Insurance challenges & overbuilding concerns

23:52 – Why honesty and integrity guide the best agents

25:08 – Stability, growth & post-COVID shifts

26:20 – What buyers should watch for in new developments

27:40 – The importance of trusted advisors

29:21 – Handling market chaos & staying inspired

30:33 – “Never waste a good crisis”

31:40 – Lightning Round (candy bars, dream home must-haves, books & more)

34:02 – Final thoughts & episode wrap-up

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Megan Cloudman, a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and longtime DeLand resident. Together, they explore what it truly means to empower the next generation, how youth leadership builds stronger communities, and why adults must intentionally create space for teens to step into meaningful roles.

Megan shares powerful stories—from high school float-building that brought 65+ students together, to service projects that sparked confidence and belonging in unexpected kids. She also opens up about her family’s deep roots in DeLand, her husband’s journey to becoming mayor, and how their household’s commitment to service has shaped countless young lives.

If you care about youth empowerment, community building, leadership development, DeLand involvement, or fostering opportunities for teens, this is an episode you won’t forget.

🔍 Topics Covered

✅ Why youth empowerment is essential in every community

✅ How DeLand families can involve kids in leadership

✅ The impact of service projects on confidence & belonging

✅ The role of parents and community leaders in youth development

✅ How extracurricular activities shape identity

✅ The importance of modeling servant leadership

✅ Real stories of teens stepping up in powerful ways

✅ How the Cloudman family’s involvement influences the community

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Community talent & playful intro

00:16 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real

00:41 – Introducing guest Megan Cloudman

00:59 – How Bee & Megan first met

01:22 – Their long-term connection through school, business & horses

01:43 – Who Megan is: family, passion, roots in DeLand

02:14 – Raising teens in a community-focused environment

02:49 – Life at the Cloudman house: horses, dogs, routines

03:51 – How the family first got involved in DeLand

04:19 – Service dogs & community engagement

05:10 – How Chris Cloudman running for mayor affected their family

05:40 – Youth involvement during the mayoral campaign

06:20 – Megan stepping into philanthropic work

06:46 – Homecoming float-building: a story of unity

07:50 – How over 65 kids got involved

08:13 – Why teens want to be part of something

08:54 – Neighborhood Center toy drive & student involvement

09:50 – The impact of kids handing gifts directly

10:55 – Why leadership opportunities matter

11:16 – How DeLand High’s leadership class works

12:53 – Expanding youth involvement beyond SGA

13:35 – Inviting youth into community organizations

14:34 – Role of family-oriented clubs like Rotary Sunset

15:24 – Teaching kids real community service through hands-on work

16:01 – Why adults must model the behavior we want to see

17:02 – A powerful example: student who engineered the float

18:23 – Watching a teen’s confidence explode

19:20 – Transportation challenges & how adults can help

20:01 – Lightning Round: defining community

20:20 – If DeLand had a mascot…

21:11 – Local spots where Megan feels most connected

22:26 – Dream home in three words

23:23 – Favorite candy bar

23:39 – Closing thoughts on shaping youth + community legacy

Description:

In this episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Joshua Hays, founder of New York Ave, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in business: the REAL difference between branding, marketing, and advertising—and why most business owners get it wrong.

Joshua shares his journey from childhood entrepreneur to leading one of Central Florida’s most respected marketing agencies. Together, Bee and Joshua dive into branding values, community impact, AI’s disruption of the marketing industry, and how small businesses can stay connected to their audience in a noisy digital world.

If you're a business owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or local community leader, this conversation is full of practical insights on brand identity, strategy, consistency, and the future of digital marketing.

🔍 Topics Covered

✅ Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising

✅ Why core values matter more than logos

✅ The biggest marketing mistakes business owners make

✅ How AI is transforming the marketing world

✅ Staying creative and inspired in a changing industry

✅ Why local businesses fuel local communities

✅ How consistency builds customer connection

✅ Real-world brand success examples

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Favorite colors banter

00:15 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real

00:22 – Introduction of guest Joshua Hays

00:48 – Josh’s background in entrepreneurship & marketing

01:50 – Why Josh loves building teams

02:51 – Childhood inspirations + core values

03:45 – Integrity in marketing

04:29 – Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising explained

06:17 – Real estate branding and the meaning behind colors

07:07 – Bee’s yellow brand identity

07:48 – Color psychology + brand meaning

08:56 – Biggest marketing mistakes business owners make

10:12 – Why business owners spread themselves too thin

11:03 – What brand success really looks like

12:27 – Building authentic connection with your audience

13:35 – Staying consistent in a noisy digital world

14:17 – The rapid evolution of tech + AI

15:22 – How Josh uses AI for strategy & creativity

16:10 – What keeps Josh creative

17:59 – Supporting the local community through local business

19:16 – Why “shop local” matters

20:11 – Local branding vs national brands

21:11 – Lightning round: fun questions

22:13 – Favorite candy bar (and a surprise!)

22:29 – Marketing pet peeves

22:56 – Dream home vibes

23:25 – The billboard question

23:54 – What business owners misunderstand about branding

24:19 – Finish the sentence: “The best marketing is…”

24:36 – Closing thoughts with Bee Powell

Discover how the DeBary Foundation is impacting DeBary, Florida through community projects, local partnerships, and a mission to make the city stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. In this episode, Bee Powell interviews Jim Old, Chairman of the Board, who shares his journey from Navy fighter pilot to dedicated community leader.

Jim breaks down why the foundation was created, how it operates independently from the city, and what upcoming initiatives—like the Veterans Brick Project and Alexander Island enhancements—mean for residents. If you’re interested in community development, nonprofit leadership, volunteer opportunities, or DeBary’s growth, this conversation gives you insight and inspiration.

Topics Covered

• What the DeBary Foundation does
• How community foundations support local growth
• The vision for DeBary’s future
• Why volunteering matters
• Upcoming projects in DeBary, FL
• Insights from former Navy fighter pilot turned community leader
• How residents can get involved

Timestamps

00:00 – Fun intro + event banter

00:21 – Welcome to the show

00:54 – Jim’s role at the DeBary Foundation

01:07 – Who Jim is beyond the foundation

01:40 – Getting involved through the Citizens Academy

02:44 – Why giving back matters to Jim

03:37 – Jim’s leadership style

04:25 – Independent nonprofit vs. city government

05:36 – What independence means for donors

06:16 – Community-driven decision-making

06:55 – The Veterans Brick Project

07:54 – Veteran partnerships and support

08:52 – Funding, grants, and donations

10:06 – The workload behind the foundation

12:23 – Why communities need volunteers

14:25 – Rotary Clubs & being hands-on

16:08 – What makes vibrant communities valuable

17:08 – Building real connections in a digital age

18:06 – Jim’s vision for the foundation’s legacy

18:54 – Alexander Island plans

19:44 – The cardboard regatta idea

20:23 – Fun questions (roller coasters + wave pools)

22:31 – Authenticity & “being real”

23:57 – Favorite candy bar

24:09 – Closing thoughts