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What does strong leadership look like in today's real estate market? In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with ECAR Vice President Rachel Simerly to talk about her journey in real estate, her passion for serving fellow REALTORS®, and her vision for the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®.

Rachel shares insights on leadership, industry trends, the value of professional involvement, and why investing in your local association can make a lasting impact on your business and your community. Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned broker, or simply interested in the future of real estate along the Emerald Coast, this conversation offers practical takeaways and an inside look at the people leading our profession.

Tune in to hear:

• Rachel's path to becoming ECAR Vice President
• The importance of REALTOR® advocacy and engagement
• Current opportunities and challenges facing the industry
• Advice for agents looking to grow their careers and get involved
• Rachel's perspective on the future of real estate on the Emerald Coast

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For years, Movement Mortgage has been more than an ECAR Affiliate Member, they've been a true partner in supporting REALTORS® and strengthening our local real estate community.

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay and Kelsey from Movement Mortgage to talk about the partnership between Movement and ECAR, including their significant investment in our Leadership Development Program and many other initiatives that help our members grow and succeed.

We also dive into what sets Movement Mortgage apart in today's lending landscape, how their team supports buyers and real estate professionals throughout the transaction process, and why they've become a trusted, one-stop resource for mortgage solutions across our area.

Whether you're a REALTOR® looking for a reliable lending partner or a homebuyer navigating the mortgage process, this conversation offers valuable insights into the people, programs, and commitment that make Movement Mortgage such an important part of the ECAR family.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with ECAR President-Elect Kimberlie Griggs. Kimberlie shares her story, lessons learned throughout her leadership journey, and her passion for serving REALTORS® across the the panhandle. We talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the importance of member engagement, and what excites her most about the future of the Association. It's an honest, insightful discussion filled with leadership wisdom and practical takeaways.

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In this episode, Chad and Maria sit down with Sherrie Salas, ECAR’s Board of Directors Treasurer, to talk about her journey into leadership and the important role she plays in helping guide the Association.

Sherrie stepped into leadership at ECAR and has never looked back. Her heart for her clients, her commitment to the Association, and her dedication to serving as Treasurer continue to shine through in everything she does.

During the conversation, Sherrie shares what the Treasurer role involves, why financial stewardship matters, and how ECAR works to strategically and responsibly manage member dues. From budgeting and planning to making sure resources are used wisely, this episode highlights how thoughtful financial leadership allows ECAR to provide meaningful programs, services, advocacy, and support for its members.

It’s a conversation about service, responsibility, leadership, and the care it takes to help move the Association forward.

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In this episode, Chad and Maria sit down with Ashley Bowen of Emerald Coast Title Services to talk about who she is, the work ECTS does, and the important role title services play in the real estate process.

Ashley shares insight into how Emerald Coast Title Services support REALTORS®, buyers, sellers, and the broader real estate community by helping ensure smooth, professional closings. The conversation also highlights the long-standing relationship between ECAR and Emerald Coast Title Service, and why strong partnerships with trusted industry professionals are so valuable to members and the customers they serve.

From title work to closing support to community connection, this episode is a great reminder that real estate is a team effort — and relationships matter.

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In this episode, we sit down with Ben Ward to talk about the role of an Ombudsman and how this important resource supports professionalism, communication, and conflict resolution within the real estate industry. Ben helps unpack what an Ombudsman does, when members should consider using the service, and how it can help resolve concerns before they become formal complaints.

Whether you are a new REALTOR® or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical insight into how the Ombudsman program can protect relationships, encourage productive conversations, and strengthen trust across the industry.

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In this episode, we sit down with Michele Fransen for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and the people-centered work happening throughout the Emerald Coast real estate community. Michele shares her perspective, experiences, and lessons learned along the way, offering insight into what it means to stay engaged, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact in both business and community.

Whether you know Michele personally or are hearing from her for the first time, this conversation highlights the heart behind her work and the value of showing up with intention, professionalism, and care.

Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation with Michele Fransen.

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In this heartfelt episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Heather Vaughn, recent Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduate, highly engaged ECAR member, and proud recipient of the Presidential Award. Heather shares her journey, what drives her involvement, and the impact the Association has had on her professional and personal growth.

With Chad out sick, Maria Howell holds down the fort as host and brings a thoughtful/steady presence to this meaningful conversation. Together, they dive into leadership, service, and the value of showing up and staying connected within the Realtor community.

Whether you’re an active member or just getting plugged in, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a genuine look at what makes ECAR such a strong and supportive network.