From bales of marijuana washing up on the beach to a $105 million deal with the Kuwait royal family, Buddy Darby has seen it all.In this episode, we dive deep into the untold story of Kiawah Island’s transformation — hurricanes, high-stakes land deals, Ryder Cup glory, and a bold leap from South Carolina to the Caribbean.If you’ve ever wondered how one of America’s most exclusive coastal communities came to be, this conversation pulls back the curtain.Buddy Darby Podcast – The Story Behind Kiawah Island’s TransformationChapters:0:00 – Robert’s Introduction – Setting the stage for today’s conversation with Buddy Darby.1:45 – [Intro segment]2:00 – Meet Buddy Darby – His first memory of Kiawah, including the wild early days when bales of marijuana were washing up on the beach.2:40 – Family Legacy in Real Estate – How Buddy’s grandfather, JC Long, purchased all undeveloped land on Sullivan’s Island, shaping the family’s deep roots in Lowcountry development.3:15 – A Landmark Purchase – In 1988, The Beach Company buys Kiawah Island from the Kuwait royal family, marking the beginning of a new era.13:00 – Validation from Big Buyers – A single buyer acquires six beachfront lots, confirming the vision and boosting investor confidence.14:45 – The Ryder Cup Comes to Kiawah – International spotlight and excitement for the island.15:00 – Hurricane Hugo Hits (1989) – The storm’s impact and the resilience it demanded from developers and residents.17:00 – Turtle Point & Osprey Beach Expansion – Continuing to grow despite challenges.19:00 – Commitment to the Master Plan – Why they never strayed from the original development blueprint.19:15 – Designing with Nature – Blending architecture and environment to preserve Kiawah’s beauty.24:00 – Fire at the Beach Club – The Robert Stern Beach Club opens… then burns down just 21 days later, sparking a rebuild.25:00 – Welcoming the First Members – The Beach Club begins its legacy as a cornerstone of the Kiawah experience.26:00 – LSP3 Project – A pivotal development phase.27:00 – The River Course Vision – Inspired by Shinnecock, with Tom Fazio leading the design, and how the River Club came to life.30:00 – Cassique Course Development – Old English influences, the work of Voysey, and design contributions from Peter Bentel and Stan Gibson.34:00 – Friendship with Tom Watson – Bonding at Harbour Town Country Club, with Charlie Arrington’s influence.35:45 – Naming Cassique – Buddy’s suggestion was initially met with skepticism but ultimately stuck, honoring the Native American chief who traded along the coast.41:00 – The Freshfields Story – How a coin flip decided the fate of Kiawah’s main village.43:00 – Protecting Property Values Through Good Retail – Extensive research and a team of seven architects create the successful Freshfields Village.45:15 – Bill Goodwin Arrives at Kiawah – Visiting the island to open The Sanctuary resort.47:00 – Bidding on The Sanctuary – Buddy recalls trying to buy the Sanctuary at auction, only to be outbid by Bill Goodwin.49:30 – A New Chapter: St. Kitts – Buddy exits Kiawah to develop Christophe Harbour, a 2,500-acre luxury project in the Caribbean.52:00 – Little Bear Island Conservation Easement (1998) – Preserving land valued at $45M for future generations.54:30 – Low Density, High Value – How fewer homes enhance the experience, protect the environment, and increase property values.57:00 – Gratitude for the Journey – Buddy reflects on the positive feedback and community pride in the Kiawah project.59:00 – Hopes for the Future – Buddy shares his vision for Kiawah’s continued growth and preservation.