In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with ECAR’s Association Executive, Melissa Skoniecki, for an inside look at what’s ahead in 2026.

Melissa shares what she’s most excited about in the coming year, the strategic direction of the association, and how ECAR is continuing to elevate the value it delivers to its members. From new initiatives and professional development opportunities to advocacy efforts and member-focused programs, we cover what’s coming down the pipeline and how it all connects to supporting REALTORS® across the Emerald Coast.

If you’ve been wondering what ECAR has in store and how you can plug in, this episode offers clarity, vision, and plenty of reasons to be excited about the year ahead.

In this episode, we’re joined by Joe Capelotti — ECAR Board Assistant Treasurer, RPAC Chair, and host of 3 Beers and the REAL Truth for a down-to-earth conversation about RPAC and why it matters to every REALTOR®.

Joe helps break RPAC down in plain language, explaining what it is, how it works, and why having a seat at the table is critical when decisions are being made that impact our industry, our businesses, and our communities. We talk about how RPAC advocacy protects private property rights, supports REALTORS®, and ensures our voices are heard at the local, state, and national levels.

Most importantly, Joe shares why the only way to have that voice is by supporting RPAC and its mission — because advocacy doesn’t happen by accident.

If you’ve ever wondered what RPAC really does or why your investment matters, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Buchman and Sam Lapomardo to shine a spotlight on one of ECAR’s most meaningful initiatives — the CAMO Committee.

Lisa and Sam walk us through what CAMO stands for, why the committee exists, and how it serves as a powerful way for members to give back to our local community. From hands-on projects to impactful partnerships, they share what the committee does, how members can get involved, and some exciting highlights to look forward to in the months ahead.

If you’re passionate about service, connection, and making a real difference beyond real estate, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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.