Send us Fan Mail What can happen when you go from wondering what your association does for you to discovering everything it has to offer? In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Samantha Lapomardo, candidate for ECAR’s Niceville Area Director, to talk about the experiences that inspired her to get involved and eventually pursue a seat on the Board of Directors. From leadership development and community service to supporting fellow REALTOR...
Sep 9
23 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 for ECAR Assistant Treasurer, to talk about her journey through real estate, volunteer leadership, and years of service on ECAR’s Budget & Finance Committee. From why financial transparency and strong reserves matter to the relationships and opportu...
Sep 2
22 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 about her path through volunteerism and leadership. Sherrie shares how getting involved has strengthened her business, expanded her knowledge, and shaped her approach to serving ECAR’s members. From advocacy and association involvement to preparing for the years...
Aug 26
20 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 REALTOR® to active volunteer and now board candidate. Hear what inspired her to get involved, what she’s learned along the way, and why staying informed and having a voice in your association matters!
Aug 19
22 min
Send us Fan Mail 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.
Aug 12
23 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 a heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. Discover how one family's journey inspired a lasting impact on the Emerald Coast and why serving your community can be one of the greatest investments you'll ever ma...
Aug 5
20 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 that goes beyond the closing table. From building meaningful industry relationships to navigating some of the biggest challenges facing real estate today, Lydia shares insights every real estate professional should hear. Tune in to discover why the stro...
Jul 29
21 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 founder of Bailey Brigade. Michelle shares her journey from discovering the value of leadership and volunteerism to creating a nonprofit that is bringing hope, comfort, and support to local cancer patients and their families. Along the way, she reminds us that o...
Jul 22
22 min
Send us Fan Mail 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 to talk about today's lending landscape, common mortgage misconceptions, and the importance of building strong relationships in real estate. From practical advice for REALTORS® to fresh perspectives on helping buyers move forward with confidence, this co...
Jul 15
21 min
Send us Fan Mail 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, D.C. They share key takeaways, leadership insights, and the conversations shaping the future of the real estate industry and REALTOR® associations. But this episode is about more than leadership, it's also about gratitude. We take time to celebrate and say a heartfe...
Jul 8
26 min
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