How Downtown DeLand Became a Model Main Street | Tracey Word Interview

Homeownership & Generational Wealth: Kristen Vance on Mortgages, Reverse Loans & Building Equity

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

Investing in Youth & Revitalizing Downtown DeLand | Joe Hearn Interview

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

How Downtown DeLand Became a Model Main Street | Tracey Word Interview

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

Inside Luxury Real Estate: Donnie Pingaro on Fisher Island, Customer Experience & Market Shifts | Bee Powell

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

How DeLand Is Shaping Its Youth: Interview with Community Advocate Megan Cloudman

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