Our Team

Kelly Barkwell

Owner / REALTOR®

Kelly Barkwell

Owner / REALTOR®

With over 11 years of experience in the world of real estate, Kelly Barkwell brings a dynamic blend of expertise, heart, and hustle to every transaction. Her journey began in luxury property management, where she worked closely with developers across Nashville and major Florida cities including Delray Beach, Downtown Orlando, and Miami – helping new apartment communities exceed their occupancy goals.

Her success in property management led her to South Florida’s top-rated Zillow brokerage, where she excelled as an Inside Sales Agent before moving into talent acquisition, recruiting and developing some of the area’s highest-performing real estate professionals. After obtaining her real estate license, Kelly hit the ground running, proudly achieving her first million-dollar sale in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Now a proud part-owner of Paradise Realty in Vero Beach, Kelly has quickly become a trusted name across Indian River County. She helps sellers, buyers, and both annual and seasonal renters find their own slice of paradise. According to the 2025 Indian River County MLS, Kelly ranks among the top 5 transaction agents in all of Vero Beach, a testament to her dedication and results-driven approach.

Kelly is known for her relationship-focused and detail-oriented style, ensuring every client feels cared for, informed, and confident from start to finish. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Kelly always dreamed of the sunny, beachside Florida lifestyle. After more than a decade living throughout the state, she’s now settled happily on Vero Beach’s barrier island with her husband, a third-generation Vero Beach native. Together, they also co-own Vista Plantation Golf Club, a cornerstone of the West Vero community.

Before real estate, Kelly spent over a decade as a professional country singer, performing nationwide and opening for major country recording artists. Her love for music taught her the power of connection, authenticity, and hard work – values she carries into every client relationship today.

Whether helping a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or relocating family, Kelly’s genuine passion for people and her community shines through in every deal. Your Florida dream home is closer than you think, let Kelly help you find it!

M. Robert
Chaffee

Broker

M. Robert Chaffee

Broker

With more than 35 years of experience in real estate development, investment properties, residential sales, and vacation rentals, Robert (“Rob”) Chaffee brings a well-rounded and seasoned perspective to every client relationship. Licensed in Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii throughout his career, Rob’s diverse background in both development and brokerage has equipped him with the expertise to guide clients confidently through any real estate need.

Rob began his real estate career as a Realtor Associate with Russ Lyon Realty in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1990 to 1993. He later became Co-Owner and Manager–Realtor Associate of Paradise Realty Corporation in Palm Beach, Florida, where he worked from 1993 to 2000. His career then led him to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he continued to expand his skill set as a Realtor Associate with Ainalani Properties from 2000 to 2005.

In 2006, Rob became Co-Owner and Manager–Realtor Associate of Diamond Head Estates, LLC in Honolulu, a role he continues to hold today.

Rob returned to Florida to deepen his leadership role in the brokerage industry, becoming Owner and Principal Broker of Vista Plantation Realty, LLC from 2011 to 2020. He then served as Principal Owner and Broker for Paradise Realty Corporation dba Vista Plantation Realty from 2020 to 2023. Today, he continues to lead the company as Principal Broker of Paradise Realty Corporation.

A consistent top producer, Rob was ranked #1 in condominium sales from 2021–2023 in Indian River Central County, a testament to his market knowledge, negotiation skill, and dedication to client success.

Whether assisting with a first home, an investment property, or a seasonal retreat, Rob is committed to helping clients find their own place in paradise along Florida’s beautiful Treasure Coast.

Paul E.
Sklansky

Associate Broker,
Of Counsel

Paul E. Sklansky

Associate Broker, Of Counsel

With more than 48 years of experience as a real estate broker, developer, attorney, and business professor, Paul Sklansky brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge and leadership to the real estate industry. His career spans executive roles with global corporations, high-end development projects across multiple states, and decades of brokerage and legal counsel work in Florida and Hawaii.

Paul previously served as Vice President and General Counsel for ExxonMobil’s real estate division, where he also acted as broker for the company’s subsidiaries throughout Virginia, Arizona, and Florida. During this time, he was involved in several major master-planned communities and luxury developments, including Sailfish Point and River Bridge in Florida, as well as Red Mountain Ranch and Desert Mountain in Arizona.

In Hawaii, Paul was the Principal Broker and Co-Owner of Diamond Head Estates in Honolulu, where he also worked as a builder and developer of condominium properties.

In Florida, Paul has served in key brokerage and advisory capacities for more than three decades. He operated as Co-Owner, Associate Broker, and Counsel for Paradise Realty Corporation in Palm Beach from 1993 to 2023. He also continued his leadership as Associate Broker and Counsel for Vista Plantation Realty, LLC in Vero Beach from 2012 to 2020. Today, Paul remains an integral part of the organization as Associate Broker and Counsel for Paradise Realty Corporation in Vero Beach, Florida.

With a career distinguished by executive-level experience, regulatory expertise, and hands-on development insight, Paul offers clients an unparalleled combination of strategic guidance, market knowledge, and professional integrity.

Jolee
Schmalz

REALTOR®/Office
Administrator

Jolee Schmalz

REALTOR®/Office Administrator

Unmatched experience, professionalism, and grace define Jolee’s contribution to Paradise Realty. Licensed since 1990, Jolee has been a valued part of the Paradise Realty family for the past 18 years. During this time, she has served in multiple roles that highlight both her real estate expertise and exceptional administrative leadership. While actively selling real estate, Jolee was a consistent top-producing agent, specializing in oceanside and riverfront homes, two of Vero Beach’s most sought-after lifestyles. Today, she leads Paradise Realty’s property management division, overseeing both annual and seasonal rentals. Her commitment to excellence allows her to consistently exceed occupancy goals and deliver a seamless experience for property owners and tenants alike. Born and raised “Down the Shore” in New Jersey, Jolee now enjoys life on Vero Beach’s beautiful barrier island, bringing her coastal roots and warm, welcoming personality to every interaction. Known for her professionalism, refined communication style, and elegant approach, Jolee is a trusted resource for clients and a cornerstone of the Paradise Realty team.

Charlene
Butts

Client Experience
Coordinator

Charlene Butts

Client Experience Coordinator

With a career deeply rooted in customer care, Charlene has always shined brightest when helping others. Joining Paradise Realty in 2018, Charlene has been a valuable part of the team ever since, consistently excelling in her customer service role. She warmly welcomes all clients upon arrival, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. A true people person, Charlene thrives on building connections, sharing a warm smile, and making every interaction meaningful. She takes great pride in guiding clients through their needs with care, compassion, and confidence, ensuring they always feel supported and understood. Born in Massachusetts, Charlene is a proud mom of two daughters and grandmother to four wonderful granddaughters. After several years in Virginia, she made Florida her home in 2016. In her spare time, you’ll often find her reading a good book or enjoying a lively game of BINGO. Charlene’s genuine heart and dedication to exceptional service make her an invaluable part of the Paradise Realty team.

Ready To Find Your Dream Home?

The Vero Beach real estate market is unique, and you deserve a team that understands its nuances. Paradise Realty provides accurate pricing guidance, strategic marketing, and thoughtful recommendations tailored to your needs. Whether buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to help you make confident, well-informed decisions.

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Our Team

Kelly Barkwell

Owner / REALTOR®

M. RobertChaffee

Broker

Paul E.Sklansky

Associate Broker,Of Counsel

JoleeSchmalz

REALTOR®/OfficeAdministrator

CharleneButts

Client ExperienceCoordinator

Ready To Find Your Dream Home?

M. Robert
Chaffee

Paul E.
Sklansky

Associate Broker,
Of Counsel

Jolee
Schmalz

REALTOR®/Office
Administrator

Charlene
Butts

Client Experience
Coordinator