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.