From the Classroom to Closing Deals: Cherya Cavanaugh's Journey to Leading a Top Real Estate Team in St. Johns County
From the Classroom to Closing Deals: Cherya Cavanaugh's Journey to Leading a Top Real Estate Team in St. Johns County
In Northeast Florida real estate, the agents who last are the ones who lead with relationships, consistency, and community. Cherya Cavanaugh, now with Keller Williams St. Johns, is one of those rare leaders. This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/131.
Cherya didn’t start in real estate. Her journey began in Ocala, Florida, where she and her husband Tom were high school sweethearts turned business partners. After a successful teaching career, she transitioned into real estate, driven by her roots—her mother was a 40-year real estate powerhouse in Marion County.
The Cavanaugh Team has sold over 1,500 homes across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Nocatee. Their success isn’t about chasing commissions—it’s about mission, legacy, and servant leadership.
What Makes Cherya Different
Cherya brings structure, vision, and heart to real estate. As CEO of The Cavanaugh Team, she leads through coaching, collaboration, and personal development. “We often say that we utilize real estate to make magical moments around the Christmas tree,” Cherya shared.
She believes real estate is about memories, not just transactions. That’s why the team starts each year with a vision retreat, mapping out personal goals before business goals. They build from the inside out.
Quotes That Define Her Leadership
"Be careful what you ask for. Everybody wants a team. But are you ready to coach, train, recruit, manage, inspire, and protect the culture?"
"Your motivator has to be more than money. Are you driven by a mission or a commission?"
"We’ve learned how to triumph through tragedy. That’s the real test of leadership."
Local Market Expertise
Cherya knows Northeast Florida inside and out. From the early growth of Nocatee to today’s expansion in Nassau County, her team adapts quickly. "We're still welcoming 100 people a day to St. Johns County," she noted, referencing Chamber data. Her deep knowledge of Clay County and the Beaches allows her to guide both buyers and sellers across the region.
Her team recently helped a young JSO officer and his wife buy their first home in Yulee—a great example of expanding search criteria to meet budget and lifestyle needs.
Real Stories That Prove the Process Works
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Relocation with Resilience: After the 2008 crash left them without income, the Cavanaughs packed a U-Haul and moved back to Florida with five kids. Within a few years, they built a thriving team in Nocatee.
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From Teaching to Real Estate: Cherya taught high school horticulture before entering real estate full time. Her education background is evident in her coaching style and team training.
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Intentional Culture: The Cavanaugh Team shrank intentionally to grow stronger. "You have to go small to grow big," she said. Today, they only hire agents aligned with their mission and standards.
Northeast Florida Real Estate FAQs
Q: What makes NE Florida attractive to buyers?
A: Warm climate, top-rated schools in St. Johns County, coastal lifestyle, and tax advantages.
Q: Are relocation buyers common in Jacksonville and St. Augustine?
A: Yes. Many come from New York, California, and the Midwest for better schools and quality of life.
Q: How is new construction shaping the region?
A: Nocatee, Clay County, and Nassau County are all seeing rapid growth with new subdivisions and planned communities.
Q: What should I look for in a top real estate agent?
A: Local expertise, negotiation skills, leadership, and a track record of success in your desired area.
Work With Cherya Cavanaugh
Looking to buy or sell in St. Johns County, Nocatee, or Ponte Vedra? Want an agent who leads with heart and delivers results? Contact Cherya and the Cavanaugh Team today.
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Website: https://cavanaughteamfl.com/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherya-cavanaugh-b38b79258/
Episode link: tracyhayespodcast.com/131
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateExcellence
Related Episodes:
Angela Tharp Ep 201
Julia Amstead Ep 174
Drew Kazemba Ep 298
Top Agents: https://topjacksonvilleagents.com | https://topstaugustineagents.com
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