Laidlaw and the Dirty Dozen

Kris Laidlaw’s father, Scott Laidlaw, was a member of the Cowboys’ Dirty Dozen — the moniker given to the rookies who made the team in 1975. It became a group largely credited for helping advance the team to Super Bowl X.

In addition to Laidlaw, the group included iconic Cowboy players such as Hallof-Famer Randy White, threetime Pro-Bowler Bob Breunig and Pro-Bowler Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson.

The opportunity to open a Margaritaville in Panama City put Laidlaw back in close proximity with his childhood retreat. But his path changed as he began working for his family’s cabinet and countertop business.

“In that industry, you’re rubbing shoulders with builders, having conversations,” Laidlaw said. “Pretty soon, I started thinking, ‘Why don’t I just start selling houses?’”

That’s when fishing pal Bent entered the conversation.

“We met through our wives about 10 years ago,” Laidlaw said. “Chris got into real estate about a year and a half before me. We’d already become pretty tight, hanging out and pompano fishing quite a bit.”

“Communication through every aspect, throughout the entire process is paramount,” he said. “Keeping those you are working for completely updated and educated on the numbers so that their expectations are realistic is critical.”

Laidlaw’s three years of experience in the industry have treated him well.

“I had a year in which I sold 76 houses, and last year I sold 86 houses,” he said.

And his partnership with Bent has proven successful, too, their differences aiding their business.

“There are a lot of different nuances that go into why Chris and I work so well together,” he said. “Things like contracts, addendums, things that need to get signed, all the necessary paperwork, Chris is excellent in staying on top of all that.

And each has complementary knowledge of Florida’s panhandle.

“Chris is an expert in his area,” Laidlaw said. “He’s not just about paperwork. He knows Miramar Beach inside and out.

“We definitely have the yin and yang thing working for us. His strengths aren’t mine, and mine aren’t his. Combined, we work pretty awesomely together.”

With the natural beauty of Miramar Beach, Destin and 30A, location only adds to strengths for this real estate duo.

“Name five beaches more beautiful than those we have here. As far as investing goes, I think this area will be like Malibu someday. I really do.”

Sounds like Laidlaw is encouraging buyers to get in while the getting is good.

Never been to Margaritaville? Lucky for you, we have one right here in Destin! Come see why so many have fallen in love with Jimmy Buffet’s restaurant chain inspired by the island lifestyle he sings of in his songs. Who knows? They might even help you find your lost shaker of salt!

Margaritaville Destin is located in the HarborWalk Village at 76 Harbor Blvd. Check out some of the great events offered in the Destin area at DestinFlorida.com/events.

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Our tiki boats are great for an intimate, small group-oriented excursion around Destin Harbor. Specialty Tours are available upon request. We can take you on one of our suggested routes, or we can float about for your allotted time. With its ability to hold 16 passengers plus 2 crew members, it’s time for an exquisite aquatic excursion on our CRAB ISLAND TIKI BOAT!

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