Keys to the Coast

Keys to the Coast

By: The Sandi Gentry Team

Language: en-us

Categories: Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Investing

Join The Sandi Gentry Team as we explore West Michigan’s lakeshore lifestyle—one story at a time. From expert real estate tips and market trends to community spotlights, design inspiration, and real life, this podcast is your key to it all along the West Michigan coast.

Episodes

Ep. 15- Coffee & Content Days: Meet Kendall, Our New Marketing Coordinator📱🌟
Dec 11, 2025

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, Mckensie introduces the newest powerhouse on the Sandi Gentry Team — Kendall Stratton, our new Social Media + Marketing Coordinator. With her beauty, wellness, and marketing background, aesthetic eye, and ability to bring strategy to the chaos, Kendall is already transforming the way we show up online.

Together, Mckensie and Kendall dive into:
 ✨ Kendall’s journey from the beauty and wellness industry to real estate marketing
 ✨ How storytelling ties both industries together
 ✨ The fun (and occasional chaos) of content days
✨ Social media trends to watch in 2026
✨...

Duration: 00:10:22
Ep. 14- Turkey Talk with Mckensie, Kelly & Tyler🦃
Dec 03, 2025

🎙️ Thanksgiving Special-Turkey Talk- Keys to the Coast Podcast

In this light-hearted episode of Keys to the Coast, the crew gathers around the mic for a warm, funny, and nostalgia-filled conversation that feels just like sitting around the holiday table with friends.

From playful debates over whether the turkey really deserved its national-bird status (sorry, eagle), to swapping stories about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, the episode is packed with humor and heart.

The hosts also dive into:

🦃 Costco vs. Sam’s Club — the great holiday-prep showdown
Local coffee c...

Duration: 00:14:54
Ep. 14- Turkey Talk with Mckensie, Kelly & Tyler🦃
Dec 03, 2025

🎙️ Thanksgiving Special-Turkey Talk- Keys to the Coast Podcast

In this light-hearted episode of Keys to the Coast, the crew gathers around the mic for a warm, funny, and nostalgia-filled conversation that feels just like sitting around the holiday table with friends.

From playful debates over whether the turkey really deserved its national-bird status (sorry, eagle), to swapping stories about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, the episode is packed with humor and heart.

The hosts also dive into:

🦃 Costco vs. Sam’s Club — the great holiday-prep showdown
Local coffee c...

Duration: 00:14:54
Ep. 13- Coffee Chats ☕️ with Kensie, Kelly & Sandi
Nov 14, 2025

In this cozy coffee-chat episode of Keys to the Coast, Kensie, Sandi, and Kelly catch up on life, real estate, and all things West Michigan. They dive into what’s happening in today’s market—from shifting buyer behavior to the reality behind rate changes—while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from their busy fall season.

The trio also highlights their favorite local spots, seasonal traditions, and the charm of West Michigan as the holidays approach. From pumpkin patches to the Sparkle Kickoff in Spring Lake, this episode blends real estate insight with hometown warmth.

A feel-good mix of m...

Duration: 00:14:51
Ep. 12- Behind the Scenes of Real Estate Title with Julio Ramos📋
Aug 28, 2025

🎙️ Show Notes – Episode 12 of Keys to the Coast

Title: Behind the Scenes of Real Estate Title with Julio Ramos

When it comes to buying or selling a home, one step often feels like a mystery: title. What is it? Why do you need it? And what happens if there’s an issue?

In this episode, Kensie sits down with Julio Ramos, Title Officer with Chicago Title, to demystify the world of real estate title. Julio shares his personal journey into the industry, explains what title really means, and answe...

Duration: 00:47:10
Ep. 11- Real Estate after Retirement with Bill Van Lopik
Aug 21, 2025

🎙️ Episode 10 – “New Chapters & Community Roots with Bill Van Lopik”

Keys to the Coast Podcast | Hosted by Mckensie Gentry

🔑 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Mckensie sits down with someone who embodies what it means to serve — both in real estate and in life. Meet Bill Van Lopik: a former client turned real estate agent, a community leader, and a perfect example that it’s never too late to start something new.

After a successful career and retirement, Bill chose to dive into the world of real estate and is now a licensed...

Duration: 00:13:08
Ep. 10- Designing a Life You Love with Kristin McNeil of Anne Rae Designs✨
Aug 14, 2025

In this episode, Mckensie sits down with renowned interior designer Kristin McNeil, founder of Anne Rae Designs. With features in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, The NY Times, and more, Kristin has made her mark across the country — and now calls West Michigan home.

Together, they talk about:
 ✨ Kristin’s journey into design (and her move from California to Grand Haven)
 ✨ The mission and growth of Anne Rae Designs
 ✨ Behind-the-scenes of her personal home remodel downtown Grand Haven
 ✨ Current design trends she’s loving (and the ones she’s leaving behi...

Duration: 00:22:21
Ep. 9- Anchored in Celebration: A Look Back at Coast Guard Festival Week⚓️🇺🇸
Aug 07, 2025

This week on Keys to the Coast, we’re diving into the magic that is Coast Guard Festival—and what a week it was! From hosting our 400+ person client appreciation party, to handing out 7,000 t-shirts at the parade, to sponsoring the street dance with Brena… our team was all in.

Join Kensie and Sandi as they relive their favorite moments of the week—Sandi’s unforgettable ride on the Coast Guard ship, the joy of connecting with our community, and the incredible pride we feel calling Grand Haven Coast Guar...

Duration: 00:10:24
Ep. 8 Balance, Business & Community: A Conversation with Wildflower Yoga Studio’s Delanie Fredricks🌊🧘🏼‍♀️
Jul 17, 2025

🎙️ Episode 8: Rooted on the Lakeshore — The Wildflower Yoga StoryGuest: Delanie Fredricks, Owner of Wildflower Yoga Studio


In this inspiring episode, Kensie sits down with local business owner and yoga instructor Delanie Fredricks, the founder of Wildflower Yoga Studio. What began as a vision for a calm, welcoming space has blossomed into a thriving studio rooted in connection, community, and coastal mindfulness.
Delanie shares her personal journey to the lakeshore, what inspired her to open a yoga studio, and the recent leap into a brand new space. From navigating the realities of small business ownership to cultiva...

Duration: 00:27:38
Ep. 7- The Spring & Summer Real Estate Myth🌸☀️—Busted or Backed? with Kelly Radel
Jul 10, 2025

🎙️ Episode Title: The Spring & Summer Real Estate Myth🌸☀️—Busted or Backed? 

📍 Podcast: Keys to the Coast with Kensie & Kelly

Episode Summary:

Spring is the season everyone talks about in real estate—but is it really the best time to buy or sell?

In this episode, Kensie and Kelly break down:

Why spring gets all the hype in real estateWhat the data actually shows about spring salesPros and cons for both buyers and sellersReal advice on how to win in a competitive seasonWhether this spring is the right time fo...

Duration: 00:18:55
Ep.6- 💸The Secrets to Winning a Bidding War (Without Overpaying) with Sandi Gentry
Jul 03, 2025

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, Mckensie and Sandi discuss the challenges buyers face in competitive real estate markets, particularly during bidding wars. They provide valuable tips on how to make offers stand out without exceeding budgets, emphasizing the importance of pre-approval, flexible timelines, and effective communication with sellers. The conversation also touches on the seller's perspective, highlighting the significance of pricing strategies and the role of communication in managing multiple offers.

Takeaways

Winning a bid without blowing your budget is possible.Getting pre-approved shows seriousness to sellers.The highest offer isn't...

Duration: 00:18:04
Ep. 5- Balancing Careers, Family & Sanity ✨ with Hannah Barnard
Jun 05, 2025

Being a full-time realtor, mom, wife, and human isn’t easy—but somehow, we’re doing it… one coffee and calendar reminder at a time. In this episode we sit down with fellow agent and close friend, Hannah, for a real (and funny) conversation about what it actually looks like to balance career, family, and real life.

From behind-the-scenes mom fails to honest talk about boundaries, burnout, and redefining success, this episode is for anyone trying to do it all—and wondering if they're the only one dropping balls along the way.

In this episode:

Hannah’s...

Duration: 00:29:05
EP. 4- Big Wins & Big Lessons with Tyler Cook
May 29, 2025

🎙 Episode 4 – Big Wins, Big Lessons with Tyler Cook

In this episode, Kensie sits down with her brother-in-law and fellow real estate agent, Tyler Cook, for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of the real estate journey. From deals that almost fell apart to surprising wins, Tyler shares what he’s learned through it all.

🔑 Inside this episode:

Tyler’s path into real estate and what drew him to the industryA few stories of lessons learned in the industry, with some laughsA heartwarming win that reminded him why he loves...

Duration: 00:25:12
EP. 3- Market Minute: What’s Really Happening in West Michigan Real Estate?📈 Kelly Radel
May 22, 2025

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, host Kensie and real estate expert Kelly Radel discuss the current state of the West Michigan real estate market.

 
They explore market trends, buyer demand, and provide valuable advice for both buyers and sellers.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics, the impact of equity on home sales, and the significance of accurate pricing in today's market. They also touch on community events and the excitement of closing deals, emphasizing the emotional aspects of buying and selling homes.

Takeaways Duration: 00:26:06

EP. 2- Hidden Gems 🏕️ 🌅⁠ of West Michigan with Sarah Wood
May 15, 2025

We're diving into the best hidden gems in West Michigan — and introducing the amazing Sarah Wood, our executive assistant and right hand! 🙌⁠

From secret trails to cozy campsites and the dreamiest sunset beaches, Sarah shares her top picks and some local knowledge you won’t want to miss. 🌲🌅⁠

🌿 Hidden hikes:
• Owasippe Trail (Twin Lake): owasippeadventure.com/trails
• Kitchel Lindquist Dunes (Grand Haven): klhdunespreserve.org/trail-information

🥾 Favorite hike:
• Saugatuck Dunes South Loop (5.5 miles): Michigan DNR Info

🏕️ Camping favorites:
• Nordhouse Dunes: USDA Site | Michigan Water Trails Info Duration: 00:15:20

Ep.1- Keys to the Coast Introduction✨
May 08, 2025

In the inaugural episode of the Keys to the Coast podcast, Mckensie and Sandi Gentry introduce their real estate team and share their passion for the West Michigan community, and why we created Keys to the Coast. We discuss our backgrounds in real estate, the importance of client relationships, and the evolution of the team over the years. 

The episode emphasizes the heart of real estate beyond transactions, focusing on the stories and connections that make their work meaningful. Listeners can expect insights into real estate tips, home design trends, a close look into our real lives a...

Duration: 00:14:46
Keys to the Coast with The Sandi Gentry Team- Introduction🎙️
Apr 17, 2025

Introducing.... Keys to the Coast with The Sandi Gentry Team.


A local West Michigan Podcast Bringing you the people, places, and properties that make our beautiful West Michigan coast home.


Welcome to Keys to the Coast with The Sandi Gentry Team, join us as we explore West Michigan’s lakeshore lifestyle—one story at a time. From expert real estate tips and market trends to community spotlights, design inspiration, and a deep dive into real life, this podcast is your key to it all along the West Michigan coast.

Let's Dive in!<

Duration: 00:00:29