Cole Slate on Leading With Impact in St. Johns County Real Estate

Cole Slate on Leading With Impact in St. Johns County Real Estate

In Northeast Florida real estate, true leadership goes beyond production numbers. It means putting your community first, mentoring agents, and building systems that leave a legacy. Cole Slate, now the broker of Keller Williams St. Johns, has been doing exactly that. Episode 100 of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast captures Cole’s unique journey from basketball coaching to real estate leadership. This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/100.

From Coaching Courts to Real Estate Calls

Cole Slate’s path to real estate didn’t start in sales. It started on the basketball court, coaching at Creekside and Liberty Pines Academy. With a degree in Family and Community Sciences from the University of Florida, his background in leadership, service, and education laid the foundation for how he operates as a broker today.

His early years in real estate weren’t perfect—he failed the licensing exam three times before passing on his fourth. But he had grit, and that resilience built a career grounded in consistency, mentorship, and authentic connection.

"You’ve got to be the concierge, the mayor of your community... People call me all the time for recommendations, and I’m happy to help. That’s how you build trust."

The Impact App: Volunteering Meets Tech

One of the standout pieces from this episode is Cole’s creation of the Impact app—a mobile platform that connects volunteers with local nonprofits and logs service hours. It’s more than a tool; it’s an extension of Cole’s brand and belief that great agents should be engaged citizens. The app includes a future volunteer scoring system, GoFundMe-style fundraising, and plans to integrate with school service programs. Cole has already secured support from University of Florida faculty.

"We're trying to build a score algorithm... eventually I want ImpactU to be something students can include on their resume."

St. Johns, Nocatee, and the Power of Local

Cole was raised in St. Johns County and graduated from Bartram Trail High School. He lived through the school migration boom that still drives families to the area.

"In 1998, my family did what people are still doing today: we moved to St. Johns County for the schools."

This firsthand knowledge makes him a go-to resource for buyers navigating Nocatee, St. Augustine, and St. Johns County. He understands the growth, the school zones, the builder patterns, and the community dynamics because he’s lived it.

Three Real-World Lessons from Cole

1. Brand Yourself Authentically: Cole’s wrapped truck, koozies, and "spotted contest" campaigns became part of his brand. It wasn’t marketing fluff—it was Cole being Cole, and the market responded.

2. Leverage Mentorship: Cole credits mentors like Christina Welch and Ray Rivera for shaping his leadership style. He continues to model this by supporting agents under his brokerage with structure and high expectations.

3. Relationships Over Transactions: Cole’s concierge-style networking is built on trust. From recommending local businesses to resolving new construction issues fast through builder relationships, he delivers above and beyond.

FAQ — Buying and Selling in St. Johns County

Q: What makes St. Johns County a top choice for families?
A: The A-rated schools, planned communities like Nocatee, and safe neighborhoods draw relocating families from all over the country.

Q: How involved should my agent be with local builders?
A: Very. As Cole explains, having strong builder relationships can resolve issues quickly and create better outcomes for clients.

Q: Is local knowledge really that important in Northeast Florida?
A: Yes. Micro-markets like Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine require agents who understand zoning, schools, and inventory shifts.

Q: What should new agents look for in a brokerage?
A: According to Cole, leadership, mentorship, and culture matter more than commission splits. Find the right environment, then do the work.

Want a Broker Who Walks the Talk?

Cole Slate is now leading agents at Keller Williams St. Johns. If you’re buying or selling in Northeast Florida, or you’re an agent ready to grow, reach out to Cole directly.

Connect with Cole Slate:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slategroup.realestate/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlateGroup.RealEstate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleslate/
Episode link: https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/100
YouTube: https://youtu.be/cEcUmkJvmco

Internal REE Episodes You Might Like:
Julia Almstead — Ep 128
Shannon Messina — Ep 286
Veronica Wilen — Ep 257

Explore more top agents: TopJacksonvilleAgents.com
Explore St. Augustine experts: TopStAugustineAgents.com

Hashtags

#RealEstateExcellencePodcast #RealEstateExcellence #TracyHayes #TopRealtorsFlorida #TopAgentsFlorida #NEFloridaRealEstate #StJohnsCountyRealEstate #NocateeRealtor #PonteVedraRealtor #StAugustineRealtor #FloridaRealtor #RealEstateLeadership #RealEstateMindset #CommunityFocusedAgent #AgentBranding