Let's Bee Real with Bee Powell

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⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀00:00 – Why shopping local truly matters00:35 – Introduction to Tracey Word01:27 – Owner of Pretty Little Things (14 years in business)02:07 – Serving as President of MainStreet DeLand03:10 – DeLand as Florida’s oldest continuous Main Street04:21 – What makes Downtown DeLand special05:27 – Hiring a new Executive Director after loss06:20 – 40th Anniversary Block Party07:13 – How to get involved with MainStreet DeLand08:38 – Tracey’s unexpected journey into retail10:42 – Creating a boutique shopping experience11:57 – The real meaning of “Shop Local”13:52 – The 2020 shutdown & getting creative15:00 – Facebook Lives, deliveries & selling through crisis17:00 – How 2020 changed business forever19:45 – Renting vs. owning in downtown DeLand22:23 – Considering a second location23:54 – Advice for opening a retail shop25:19 – Why social media isn’t optional26:14 – The romantic idea vs. reality of small business29:16 – Rating Downtown DeLand30:12 – Lightning round: favorite candy30:50 – Final thoughts

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⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – “Empty the tank” philosophy & intro banter00:20 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real with Donnie Pingaro00:47 – Donnie’s background & moving to Florida01:17 – How he fell into real estate by accident02:15 – Working on Fisher Island & discovering opportunity03:11 – From MBA to hospitality to real estate03:51 – First impressions of Fisher Island04:13 – Transitioning into luxury real estate04:47 – What makes Fisher Island so unique06:02 – Lifestyle, exclusivity & international residents07:04 – How Donnie earned trust as a young agent07:50 – Serving 3rd–5th home luxury clients08:24 – The boutique service mindset09:13 – Delivering high-end customer experiences10:06 – Hurricane response: being “first on the ferry”10:51 – Blank check deals explained12:26 – Why trust is everything in luxury real estate13:32 – Going above & beyond for clients14:25 – Relational vs. transactional business15:06 – Why customer experience matters more than ever15:53 – Responsiveness & communication standards16:36 – Technology overwhelm in real estate17:53 – The role of AI + recent industry litigation19:45 – Florida market cycles & future predictions21:12 – Micro-markets across Florida22:23 – Insurance challenges & overbuilding concerns23:52 – Why honesty and integrity guide the best agents25:08 – Stability, growth & post-COVID shifts26:20 – What buyers should watch for in new developments27:40 – The importance of trusted advisors29:21 – Handling market chaos & staying inspired30:33 – “Never waste a good crisis”31:40 – Lightning Round (candy bars, dream home must-haves, books & more)34:02 – Final thoughts & episode wrap-up

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⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Community talent & playful intro00:16 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real00:41 – Introducing guest Megan Cloudman00:59 – How Bee & Megan first met01:22 – Their long-term connection through school, business & horses01:43 – Who Megan is: family, passion, roots in DeLand02:14 – Raising teens in a community-focused environment02:49 – Life at the Cloudman house: horses, dogs, routines03:51 – How the family first got involved in DeLand04:19 – Service dogs & community engagement05:10 – How Chris Cloudman running for mayor affected their family05:40 – Youth involvement during the mayoral campaign06:20 – Megan stepping into philanthropic work06:46 – Homecoming float-building: a story of unity07:50 – How over 65 kids got involved08:13 – Why teens want to be part of something08:54 – Neighborhood Center toy drive & student involvement09:50 – The impact of kids handing gifts directly10:55 – Why leadership opportunities matter11:16 – How DeLand High’s leadership class works12:53 – Expanding youth involvement beyond SGA13:35 – Inviting youth into community organizations14:34 – Role of family-oriented clubs like Rotary Sunset15:24 – Teaching kids real community service through hands-on work16:01 – Why adults must model the behavior we want to see17:02 – A powerful example: student who engineered the float18:23 – Watching a teen’s confidence explode19:20 – Transportation challenges & how adults can help20:01 – Lightning Round: defining community20:20 – If DeLand had a mascot…21:11 – Local spots where Megan feels most connected22:26 – Dream home in three words23:23 – Favorite candy bar23:39 – Closing thoughts on shaping youth + community legacy

Description:In this episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Joshua Hays, founder of New York Ave, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in business: the REAL difference between branding, marketing, and advertising—and why most business owners get it wrong.Joshua shares his journey from childhood entrepreneur to leading one of Central Florida’s most respected marketing agencies. Together, Bee and Joshua dive into branding values, community impact, AI’s disruption of the marketing industry, and how small businesses can stay connected to their audience in a noisy digital world.If you're a business owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or local community leader, this conversation is full of practical insights on brand identity, strategy, consistency, and the future of digital marketing.🔍 Topics Covered✅ Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising✅ Why core values matter more than logos✅ The biggest marketing mistakes business owners make✅ How AI is transforming the marketing world✅ Staying creative and inspired in a changing industry✅ Why local businesses fuel local communities✅ How consistency builds customer connection✅ Real-world brand success examples⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Favorite colors banter00:15 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real00:22 – Introduction of guest Joshua Hays00:48 – Josh’s background in entrepreneurship & marketing01:50 – Why Josh loves building teams02:51 – Childhood inspirations + core values03:45 – Integrity in marketing04:29 – Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising explained06:17 – Real estate branding and the meaning behind colors07:07 – Bee’s yellow brand identity07:48 – Color psychology + brand meaning08:56 – Biggest marketing mistakes business owners make10:12 – Why business owners spread themselves too thin11:03 – What brand success really looks like12:27 – Building authentic connection with your audience13:35 – Staying consistent in a noisy digital world14:17 – The rapid evolution of tech + AI15:22 – How Josh uses AI for strategy & creativity16:10 – What keeps Josh creative17:59 – Supporting the local community through local business19:16 – Why “shop local” matters20:11 – Local branding vs national brands21:11 – Lightning round: fun questions22:13 – Favorite candy bar (and a surprise!)22:29 – Marketing pet peeves22:56 – Dream home vibes23:25 – The billboard question23:54 – What business owners misunderstand about branding24:19 – Finish the sentence: “The best marketing is…”24:36 – Closing thoughts with Bee Powell

Discover how the DeBary Foundation is impacting DeBary, Florida through community projects, local partnerships, and a mission to make the city stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. In this episode, Bee Powell interviews Jim Old, Chairman of the Board, who shares his journey from Navy fighter pilot to dedicated community leader.Jim breaks down why the foundation was created, how it operates independently from the city, and what upcoming initiatives—like the Veterans Brick Project and Alexander Island enhancements—mean for residents. If you’re interested in community development, nonprofit leadership, volunteer opportunities, or DeBary’s growth, this conversation gives you insight and inspiration.Topics CoveredWhat the DeBary Foundation doesHow community foundations support local growthThe vision for DeBary’s futureWhy volunteering mattersUpcoming projects in DeBary, FLInsights from former Navy fighter pilot turned community leaderHow residents can get involvedTimestamps00:00 – Fun intro + event banter00:21 – Welcome to the show00:54 – Jim’s role at the DeBary Foundation01:07 – Who Jim is beyond the foundation01:40 – Getting involved through the Citizens Academy02:44 – Why giving back matters to Jim03:37 – Jim’s leadership style04:25 – Independent nonprofit vs. city government05:36 – What independence means for donors06:16 – Community-driven decision-making06:55 – The Veterans Brick Project07:54 – Veteran partnerships and support08:52 – Funding, grants, and donations10:06 – The workload behind the foundation12:23 – Why communities need volunteers14:25 – Rotary Clubs & being hands-on16:08 – What makes vibrant communities valuable17:08 – Building real connections in a digital age18:06 – Jim’s vision for the foundation’s legacy18:54 – Alexander Island plans19:44 – The cardboard regatta idea20:23 – Fun questions (roller coasters + wave pools)22:31 – Authenticity & “being real”23:57 – Favorite candy bar24:09 – Closing thoughts

Let's Bee Real is a monthly podcast from Realtor and Broker, Bee Powell--a seasoned expert when it comes to buying, selling, and managing homes and properties. In each episode, she interviews local guides, influencers, and leaders in the Central Florida community that provides helpful insight for potential homebuyers, investors, and even residents of places like Volusia County, Seminole County, Flagler County, Orange County, and Brevard County.