Coastal Realty Services Leadership

Ty Whaley

CEO

I'm Ty, stepping in as the new CEO at Coastal Realty Services, a position that fills me with both immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility. My introduction to real estate started right here, with hands-on tasks like assembling for-sale signs, mowing lawns, pressure washing rental properties, and handling front desk duties. These early experiences laid the foundation for my understanding of our business and instilled in me the value of hard work.

Before returning as CEO, my career journey took me through various sectors, including technology, finance, and healthcare. I led Artificial Intelligence product strategy at 5/3 Bank and managed IT Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance, focusing on AI and other advanced technologies. My tenure at GE Aviation as a Senior Technical Product Manager, where I oversaw large dataset processing and analytics, honed my technical and leadership skills.

Now, as I take the helm at Coastal Realty Services, I'm not just excited about the future; I'm deeply honored to continue the legacy my grandparents built, and which my uncle and mother transformed into the organization it is today. Learning from their experiences, wisdom, and the values they've instilled in the business is something I look forward to every day. Their examples of leadership and commitment to our community are the benchmarks I aim to uphold and build upon.

Denise Bavarian

Owner

I first arrived in the Emerald Coast area in 1968 with my military family and immediately fell in love. Who couldn’t? I attended Oakland Heights Elementary, Bruner Middle School, and Fort Walton Beach High School. For higher education, I went to Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where I earned a Business Degree.

After graduation, I found myself immersed in the music industry on Music Row in Nashville, working in music publishing, artist booking, and management. After a move to St. Louis, MO, I returned to Fort Walton Beach in 1993 to join my family’s real estate business, and I've been here ever since.

Joe Capelotti

COO

I was born on December 10, 1964, in Hampton, Virginia, to Joseph and Rusty Capelotti. As a "military brat" to a young Airman just beginning his career in the United States Air Force, I had the opportunity to travel extensively as a child, living in locations such as Germany, Thailand, and Korea. My family eventually settled in Camp Springs, Maryland, where I attended school and graduated from Crossland Senior High.

Following in my father's footsteps, I enlisted in the United States Air Force as a non-commissioned officer in July 1983. I completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, and Jet Engine Mechanic Training at Chanute AFB, Illinois, before being assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. It was there, in 1984, that I met my wife, Lisa Black. We married in 1985 and soon welcomed our first child, Tyler.

Throughout my military career, I received assignments to various parts of the world, including Rhein Main Air Base, Germany, and Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, for Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite the time spent apart, my wife and I expanded our family by adopting a 13-year-old girl named Kara, completing our family.

In 2005, I began preparing for my second career by obtaining my real estate license, helping fellow military personnel and friends buy and sell homes under the brokerage of Coastal Realty Services. I retired honorably from the USAF in August 2009, after 26 years of service, and later took on the role of Maintenance Director for Coastal Realty Services and their 600+ rental program

In 2010, I was selected as the new Director of Property Management. I worked to expand the company within the real estate and property management sectors, growing the program to manage 850 doors and building a team of 8 people, including my son and daughter as newly licensed and active property managers. Personally, my wife and I took in our 13-year-old niece, Summer Black, in 2015, and we are currently navigating the adoption process once again.

In 2016, I became the Vice President of Sales for Coastal Realty Services, continuing to build successful teams and partnerships with other local agents. I volunteer weekly to lead the Ft. Walton Beach MLS Tour and have spent the past year working with the Professional Development Committee, creating "hands-on" training sessions for local Realtors called Workshop Wednesdays.

My dedication to the Realtor profession remains strong. I have completed the 100 series for my GRI and obtained my SRS designation. I have been working diligently with the ECAR Professional Development Committee to develop a course for new agents, aiming to enhance their proficiency and customer confidence. The YESS (Your ECAR Success Strategy) Designation course is set to begin in the first quarter of 2021. I also served as the Vice Chair of the ECAR Leadership Development Program, assisting in the creation of a Scholarship program for new agents.

In recognition of my commitment, I was selected as Vice President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors for 2021 and onward to President in 2023. I was also honored as the 2020 Ft. Walton Beach Realtor of the Year and the 2020 Emerald Coast Association Realtor of the Year. My respect and trust among my peers are evident, and I remain dedicated to strengthening the Realtor profession and enhancing community trust and awareness.

Tyler Capelotti

Director, Property Management/Sales Agent

I began my real estate career in 2010 as the Maintenance Director for Coastal Realty Services. In 2012, I earned my Sales Associate license and became a property manager. By December 2016, I was appointed Director of Property Management. Growing up as a military brat and living in the local area since 1994, I have an intimate knowledge of everything the Emerald Coast has to offer.

I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2005, where I met my wife at the age of 18. We are now the proud parents of two beautiful girls, Gianna Isabella and Mila Rose. In my free time, I love being with my family, whether we're enjoying the water or supporting our favorite sports teams. I am actively involved in the local community as a member of Beachside Community Church. Additionally, I recently completed a three-year term as the Property Management Director on the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Board of Realtors.

Bob Hudgens

As a seasoned professional in the real estate industry, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and a passion for excellence to every transaction. My journey in real estate began at a young age, where I immersed myself in the intricacies of the business from the ground up. From digging post holes in front yards to assisting in the setup of my parents' real estate office, I learned the value of hard work and dedication early on.

After completing my education at the University of Florida with a degree in Business Computer Science and furthering my studies at the University of West Florida to earn a Master's degree in Business Administration, I was equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in this dynamic field. In 1985, I obtained my salesperson's real estate license, followed by my broker's license, marking the beginning of a fulfilling career.

Throughout my career, I have been involved in every facet of general real estate brokerage, gaining invaluable insights and honing my expertise along the way. Additionally, my commitment to professional development led me to actively participate in local, state, and national Realtor association leadership and advocacy initiatives, advocating for the interests of both clients and fellow professionals.

Beyond the realm of real estate, I have a passion for aviation, indulging in the thrill of flying general aviation aircraft. Currently, I am dedicated to expanding my skills by pursuing my Instrument rating, embracing challenges with the same fervor that drives my success in the real estate arena.

With a blend of experience, education, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I am dedicated to exceeding your expectations and helping you achieve your real estate goals. Welcome to my journey—a journey rooted in integrity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to your success.