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Coastal Realty Services Leadership

Picture of Tyler Whaley

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.

Picture of Denise Hudgens Bavarian

Denise Bavarian

Owner

Originally arriving in the Emerald Coast area in 1968 with her military family, Denise immediately fell in love. Who couldn’t? Having moved through the public schools of Oakland Heights Elementary, Bruner Middle School, and Fort Walton Beach High School, Denise pursued higher education at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Once she completed her Business Degree, Denise found herself in the middle of the music business on Music Row in Nashville, working in music publishing and artist booking and management. After a move to St. Louis, MO, she returned to Fort Walton Beach in 1993 to work in her family’s real estate business, where she has been ever since.

  • Real Estate Broker
  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
  • Certified Residential Broker (CRB)
  • Member of ECAR Board of Realtors MLS Tour   Director
  • Member of Women's Council of Realtors
  • Member of National Association of Realtors
  • Eglin AFB Ceremonial Band Manager  Christian Symphonic Band
  • Belmont University Alumni Nashville, TN
Picture of Joe Capelotti

Joe Capelotti

COO

Born December 10 1964 in Hampton, Virginia, to Joseph and Rusty Capelotti, Joe began his life as a “military brat” to a very young Airman who had just begun his career in the United States Air Force. Joe had the opportunity to travel as a child to numerous different locations such as Germany, Thailand and Korea. His family settled down in Camp Springs, Maryland and he attended school there and graduated from Crossland Senior High. In order to pursue in his fathers footsteps as a United States Air Force as a non-commissioned officer, he enlisted in July 1983. Joe attended his basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas and his Jet Engine Mechanic Training at Chanute AFB, Illinois and then was assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina Soon after moving there, met his wife, Lisa Black, in 1984. They were married in 1985 and had their first child, Tyler soon after.

Joe and his family spent some time apart during his career as he received assignments to various parts of the world to include Rhein Main Air Base, Germany and Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq for Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time apart however they did have the opportunity to increase their family size by adopting a 13 year old girl, Kara and making their family complete.

In 2005 Joe took the steps to set up his 2nd career by obtaining his real estate license and began helping his fellow military counter-parts, friends in purchasing and selling their homes under the brokerage of Coastal Realty Services. Joe's military career came to an honorable close in Aug of 2009 when he officially retired from the USAF after 26 years and later took on a position as the Maintenance Director for the same company and their 600+ rental program.

In 2010, Joe was selected to become the new Director of Property Management and began the task of building a bigger company within the real estate realm and the property management division. He revamped and aided in building the program to a total of 850 doors managed along with a team of 8 people to include his son and daughter as newly licensed and active property managers. Meanwhile, personally, Joe and his wife had taken in their 13 year old niece also since 2015, Summer Black, and are currently navigating the adoption ropes once again.

In 2016 Joe took on the position as Vice President of Sales for the same company and is continuing to help build successful teams and partnerships with other local agents within the community. He volunteers weekly to lead the Ft Walton Beach MLS Tour and has spent the last year working within the Professional Development Committee helping to build “hands-on” training sessions for local Realtors appropriately called WorkShop Wednesdays.

Joe has not let his dedication to the Realtor profession sit idle. He continues working his personal development by completing the 100 series for his GRI and has completed the requirements to carry his SRS designation. He has currently been working diligently with the ECAR Professional Development Committee to lead the development of a course geared towards new agents in helping them move closer to becoming proficient and ensuring their customers confidence in the Realtor community remains high and the new agents success is solidified as much as possible. The YESS (Your ECAR Success Strategy) Designation course is on track to begin in the first quarter of 2021. He also was the Vice Chair of the ECAR Leadership Development Program where he assisted his class in the development of a Scholarship program for new agents that qualify and are selected by a judging panel to become agents in the area. Joe's commitment to ensuring the Realtor Profession as well as his local associations ability to strengthen their community awareness and trust is unsurpassed and on display daily within his Realtor family. His high respect and trust amongst his peers is always evident. This was also highly evident with his selection as Vice President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors for calendar year 2021 and onward to President in 2023 as well as his selection for the 2020 Ft Walton Beach Realtor of the Year and 2020 Emerald Coast Association Realtor of the Year awards.

Picture of Tyler Capelotti

Tyler Capelotti

Director, Property Management/Sales Agent

I began my Real Estate career in 2010 as the Maintenance Director for Coastal Realty Services. Once I received my Sales Associate license, I became a property manager in 2012 and I then became the Director of Property Management in Dec of 2016. I graduated from University of Central Florida in 2005, which is where I met my better half, Kimmie. We are the proud parents of Gianna Isabella and we attend Beachside Community Church in Fort Walton Beach. I spend most of my free time enjoying the company of my family, whether that be on or near the water and supporting our favorite sports teams. I grew up as a ‘military brat’ and have been in the local area since 1994, so I’m very familiar with what the Emerald Coast has to offer. I am actively involved in my local community as an avid supporter of Relay for Life and Toys for Tots. I am also a member of the Emerald Coast Association Realtors Board of Realtors as the Property Management Director. I am currently in pursuit of my Brokers Associate license.

Picture of Robert Hudgens

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.

  • Florida Real Estate Broker
  • Florida Association of REALTORS, 2006 Secretary
  • Florida Association of REALTORS, 2008 Treasurer
  • Florida Association of Realtors Director
  • Florida District 9 Vice President National Association of Realtors Director
  • Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Past President 2001
  • Emerald Coast Association of Realtors  Secretary/Treasurer 2 years
  • University of Florida, Computer Science Business Administration
  • University of Florida, Masters of Business Administration