Meet the Royal Destinations Team
Ali Byrnes
Ali is a Carolina girl who loves 30A a whole bunch. If you communicate with a dry sense of humor, you will probably be best friends. Her two labrador retrievers are her favorite things.
Favorite Restaurant: Restaurant Paradis
Best kept secret along 30A: Watching the sunset on the rooftop bar at Whiskey Bravo
Alternate Dream Job: Editor for a magazine (beauty product junkie over here).
Favorite Quote: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"- Mary Oliver
Bailey Kohan
Bailey is originally from Pennsylvania and has lived in Florida for the past 8 years. She’s a proud dog mom to a beautiful bulldog, named Maverick, and is also a proud girlfriend to a nurse. She truly loves working at Royal Destinations and being able to interact with people on a daily basis. It makes her heart happy to put a smile on people's faces.
Best Kept Secret on 30a: Travel in the fall! (Fewer crowds and amazing weather.)
Favorite Breakfast Spot: The Perfect Pig, hands down. (Order the french toast!)
Best Part of Royal Destinations: The people. I love them.
Favorite Quote: "God gives the toughest battles to his strongest soldiers".
Bob Stevenson
Bob is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State University, where he studied Business and Recreation & Park Management. He’s enjoyed a great career as a golf professional, allowing him to live all across the country. Walton County, Florida is his favorite place to be and he’s thrilled to be back and working with the great team at Royal Destinations.
Favorite place for a cocktail: Bud and Alley’s
Favorite Beach: Grayton
After Hours: with Melea, Rigs and Remi
Something others may not know about you: I was awarded a U.S. patent on a golf club.
Brian Moffatt
Brian moved his family to 30A from Jacksonville for what was supposed to be a brief diversion from the world of corporate finance. After settling here, they got hooked on the 30A lifestyle and Brian has since served as a portfolio manager for a large, privately held development group, as a hospitality consultant on several development projects, and helped launch The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. This background cultivated a passion for raising service expectations for both homeowners and guests along 30A, and he has spent the last six years dedicated to Royal Destinations with that as his primary goal.
Favorite Beach: Isn't that what's great about 30A -- that we even get to ask 'which beach'? It's the variety of beaches on 30A that is my favorite.
Best kept secret along 30A: Beach bonfires.
Best part of Royal Destinations: The team - every single person on this page.
Inspired By: Travel.
Caitlin Beer
Caitlin is a proud dog mom of two, a certified health and fitness junkie and the fiancé of a pilot in the Air Force. Caitlin is originally from St. Louis but says she’s “lucky enough to have moved to Florida 4 years ago”. Royal Destinations has quickly become more like family and she enjoys being a part of a company that is built on strong morals.
Favorite Restaurant: Borago Italian in Grayton Beach
Favorite Place for a Cocktail: Suring Deer in Seagrove Beach
Best Part of Royal Destinations: My favorite part of Royal Destinations has got to be the people who work here, it’s the glue that keeps our company thriving and strong.
Alternate Dream Job: Accountability Coach
Cynthia Brown
Cynthia is a Panama City Beach native. In her free time, you will find Cynthia spending time with her family, likely on the ballfield watching her grandson play baseball.
Favorite Restaurant: Seagrove Village Market
Favorite Non-Beach Activity: Attending sporting events to support my grandson, Landon.
Best Part of Royal Destinations: Every day is a new adventure and the people I work with make it fun!
Favorite Quote: “The struggle you're in today, is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”
David Conkle
David is originally from Pensacola, Florida. Outside of work he enjoys surfing, fishing, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite place for a cocktail: Bud and Alley's
Favorite Beach: Grayton Beach
Inspired By: My Father and Grandfather.
Favorite Quote: "The purpose of life is finding the largest burden you can bear and then bearing it." - Jordan Peterson
Emily Morris
Originally from the area, Emily grew up in an Air Force family, moving a bit when she was younger, but eventually found her way back to the beach. There’s nothing that she loves more than making sure everyone's vacation runs as smooth as possible in her hometown! (Have we mentioned that our concierge company puts on amazing beach bonfires?)
Favorite place for a cocktail: Shunk Gulley
Favorite Breakfast Spot: Black Bear Bread Co.
After Hours: Baking
Alternate Dream Job: Owning a bakery.
Heather Hosford
Heather is an experienced Director of Sales with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality and commodity industries. Skilled in business development, investment properties, ROI, negotiation, operations and commodity based pricing. Heather specializes in luxury destinations, premier property management and long-term partnerships.
Favorite Restaurant: Summer Kitchen and Surfing Deer (tie)
Favorite place for a cocktail: Café Thirty-A. Everybody knows your name. It’s the “Cheers” of 30A!
Inspired By: My son inspires me to be his best role model.
Favorite Quote: “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.” -Jay Danzie
Helen Arndt
Originally from the Philippines, Helen moved to California in 1991 and made her way to Florida in 2003. In Helen’s free time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with her family.
Favorite Restaurant: Shunk Gulley
Favorite Non-Beach Activity: Shopping and spending time with her family
Alternate Dream Job: Queen, being able to rule over others
Favorite Quote: “You don't need someone to complete you, you only need someone to accept you completely.”
Jamie Caldwell
Jamie has been a local for about 10 years and couldn’t be happier to live here. He enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Restaurant: The Bay
Favorite Non Beach Activities: Duck hunting out in the bays behind my house.
Best Part of Royal Destinations: is I’m always doing something different each day, and getting to meet a lot of new faces.
Something others may not know about me is: I just started learning to play guitar, literally the other day.
Jennifer Moffatt
After graduating from the University of Florida—Go Gators!—and spending a couple of years working in Jacksonville, Jennifer moved to the Santa Rosa Beach. The original intention was that this would be a small detour but that was 15 years ago. That’s part of the fun in detours—sometimes you end up with something far better than if you would have stayed the course. The South Walton community is truly a unique and incredible area, and I feel very blessed to be a part of it.
Favorite Breakfast Spot: Black Bear Bread Co
Why do you love 30A?: Aside from its beautiful beaches, 30A really serves as a lifestyle.
After Hours: I have two boys, so there is never a dull (or free) moment!
Something others may not know about you: Being lucky enough to live in this area, 30A is a very hard act to follow, but I absolutely love to travel.
Favorite Quote: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” –Chinese Proverb
Jenny Lewis
Jenny is a true Floridian, growing up right here in the Florida panhandle and has a love for the beach life. There is true meaning to "there is no place like home" so it was an easy decision to raise her own family here along the beach. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, boating, running and spending time with her family.
Favorite place for a cocktail: Pescado
Why do you love 30A?: 30A has beautiful Coastal Dune Lakes, State Parks, Biking Trails as well as several beautiful communities.
After Hours: Catching a sunset on the beach with a glass of wine or listening to live music along 30A
Favorite Quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
John Giles
Originally from Gadsden, AL, John graduated from Auburn in 1999. He is married to Amy, and a father to twin 7 year old girls, Cooper and Riley. This year, John celebrates 19 years of living along 30A.
Favorite Restaurant: Paradis
Favorite place for a cocktail: Pescado
After Hours: Family
Favorite Quote: “Quick to listen, slow to speak.” -Andy Stanley
Josh Hudson
Josh (or Hudson, as the Royal Team affectionately calls him) loves to have fun, but is a man on a mission. He enjoys art, motorcycles, muscle cars, but most importantly, family. He works hard so his family can rest easy.
Favorite non-beach activity: Motorcycle rides along the beach
Favorite restaurant: Blue Mabel Smokehouse And Provisions
Pursuits: I have many, but my major love is and will always be the art of music. The constant state of creativity in art of any kind is something I will always go after.
Something others may not know about me: The reason I decided to pursue my career field is because I genuinely want help people tangibly fix problems or problem areas. Whether it’s advice on something or fixing something, it's just a way to put someone else before myself.
Kim Stiffler
Kim was raised in the Military for the most part of her life and had two of the most supportive parents that always strived to show her the true meaning of strength and foundation. Kim attributes her parents for the person she is today. They instilled many core values into her life, including being a determined & driven individual who truly cares about others and is always available to help with any situation.
Favorite Beach: Blue Mountain holds so many memories for me and to this day, I return to the same exact spot when I want to enjoy our beautiful beaches!!
Favorite Breakfast Spot: You can never go wrong with the Lobster Grits at Cracklins in Grayton Beach!!
Something others may not know about me: I will literally stop all traffic, even on the interstate to rescue a turtle!!
Favorite Quote: “Be the person who wakes up with purpose and intent...who shows up and never gives up. Be the person who believes anything is possible and is willing to work for it.”
Lindsay Woods
Originally from Georgia, Lindsay and her husband moved to the Emerald Coast in 2012. After a few years of coastal living, the two traded the sugar-white sand for the Virginia snow. After only a few snow-filled winters, the two packed up and made the move back to the beach! “If you’re lucky enough to live at the beach, you’re lucky enough.”
Favorite Breakfast Spot: Black Bear Bread Co.
Favorite Beach: Rosemary Beach
After Hours: Likely on the water somewhere with my husband.
Favorite Quote: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Maci Vickers
Originally from South Georgia, Maci always dreamed of living at the beach. When she was offered the opportunity to join the Royal Destinations team, it didn't take her much time to realize moving to the beach was the best decision. Being able to live and work on 30A is a daily adventure “that I wouldn't trade for anything”!
Favorite Beach: Grayton Beach
I love 30A because: There's no place like it.
Best Part of Royal Destinations: We’re a work family that shows unconditional support and cares about each other.
My inspiration: My nephew and my only goal is to make him proud.
Marissa Bracken
Marissa has always enjoyed making people happy and has a love for hospitality. After earning a degree in Hospitality Management from FSU and working in the restaurant industry, she had an opportunity to serve people in the vacation rental business. She immediately fell in love with the 30A area and the quick pace of property management.
Favorite Breakfast: Black Bear Bread Company
Favorite Beach: Watersound Beach
Best Part of Royal Destinations: The team. Everyone is so great to work with!!
Alternate Dream Job: I’d run an animal shelter.
Matt Parenzan
Matt’s greatest accomplishments are being married to his wife and raising their 9 arrows. He loves Jesus, people, building things and the beach.
Favorite Beach: Grayton
Best kept secret along 30A: Not telling, then it wouldn’t be a secret
Best part of Royal Destinations: The people
Favorite Quote: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35
Merle Lemon
After Merle retired from law enforcement, he and his wife, Mary, moved to South Walton five years ago. We've known for decades these beaches are the best in the country.
Favorite Restaurant: Johnny McTighe's Irish Pub
Favorite Beach: Blue Mountain Beach
Alternate Dream Job: Dog Catcher
Favorite Quote: “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” George Orwell
Nicole Herndon
Nicole is a Grayton Beach girl from New York!
Favorite Restaurant: Chanticleer
Favorite place for a cocktail: Bud & Alley’s!!
Dream Job: Owning a cafe/bakery.
Favorite Quote: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
Shane Shoumaker
Shane wears many different hats throughout the week. Having an extensive background in retail sales and service leadership, as well as finance, Shane draws from those experiences to help support home owners in caring for their homes and to help facilitate an amazing vacation experience for guests. Shane is also an active member of his church, serving as an elder and a worship leader (minus the skinny jeans and beanie).
Favorite Breakfast Spot: Big Bad Breakfast or Black Bear
Favorite non-beach activity: Camping with the family
After Hours: Dating my beautiful wife and being the best “daddy” I can be!
Favorite Quote: “He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30
Shawna Jacoby
Shawna is originally from Mandeville, Louisiana and is celebrating 18 years of coastal living this year! After moving to the area in 2001, Shawna met her husband, who was raised in the area and decided to stay forever. After hours, Shawna loves spending time outdoors with her “boys" (her husband, son and their standard poodle, Asher Bear).
Favorite Restaurant: Stinky’s Fish Camp
Favorite non-beach activity: Strolling through the farmers market at Seaside with a mimosa or frozen rose' on Saturdays!
Alternate Dream Job: Is it too late to be a doctor?
Favorite Quote: “And of these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Corinthians 13:13
Tim McKendry
Originally from the west coast, Tim moved to the gulf coast in 1988. He joined the Royal Destinations maintenance team and absolutely loves it.
Favorite Restaurant: My favorite place to eat is the Cowgirl Kitchen there pork tacos are amazing.
Favorite Non Beach Activities: In my spare time I love to fish and play golf.
Inspired By: I am inspired by my father he taught me to work hard and never be a quitter if you fall get back up.
Something other might not know about me: Others probably don't about when I was younger I was quite an athlete especially playing baseball. And I was a baseball coach in little league for 15 years.
Timothy Reynolds
Tim came to our area in 1969 as a teenager. In 1975 he entered the U.S. Air Force and proudly served for twenty years. Tim began a career in Property and Vacation Rental Management after acquiring an Associates Degree in Real Estate Management and has worked in numerous positions associated with this career field over the past 24 years.
Favorite Restaurant: Angelina's
Favorite non-beach activity: Nature Walks
After Hours: Spends time with family and friends
Something others may not know about you: Worked with Presidential Aircraft Fleet Operations Andrews AFB at the pleasure of President Reagan & President Bush 1983-1990.
Favorite Quote: “The right person at the right place and at the right time can make the difference between success and failure.”
