Dec. 3, 2025

Steve Ladrido’s Rise in NE Florida Real Estate

From Car Lot to Coldwell Banker Leadership: Steve Ladrido’s Rise in NE Florida Real Estate

At Real Estate Excellence, we connect Northeast Florida buyers and sellers with the top agents making a difference in their communities. Few embody that mission like Steve Ladrido. Now the Vice President of Sales and Growth for the Schmidt Family of Companies (owners of Coldwell Banker Premier Florida), Steve brings relentless leadership and a people-first mindset to one of the most competitive markets in the state.

This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/44.

From Surfboards to Sales Boards

Steve’s journey isn’t your typical real estate story. Born in California and raised in Winter Haven, Florida, he went from detailing cars in high school to managing full-scale auto dealerships. By the time he left the automotive industry, he was one of Automotive News’ Top 40 Under 40. But in 2014, after a life-changing mountain hike in Colombia, he made a hard pivot to real estate.

"It created an opportunity for me to really self-reflect and say, you know, this is what life is about. It's about family, it's about doing things you love."

From day one, he treated real estate with the same intensity he brought to car sales. Within a year, Steve was already distinguishing himself at Coldwell Banker. By 2020, he was managing multiple offices. Today, he leads all Coldwell Banker Premier offices from Jacksonville to Ormond Beach.

Real Quotes. Real Leadership.

"The money's found me because I'm doing it for the passion."

"My job is to find the same thing in others that someone once saw in me."

"If we all help each other get better, then as an industry we get better."

These aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of how Steve leads and why agents across Northeast Florida look to him for mentorship.

Northeast Florida Focus

Steve knows this region inside and out. Since moving to St. Augustine in 2003, he’s watched it transform from a small beach town to one of Florida’s most sought-after markets. His team at Coldwell Banker Premier covers:

St. Augustine: Luxury, lifestyle, and coastal living
Nocatee and St. Johns County: Top schools, booming new construction, and family-focused growth
Ponte Vedra: High-end relocations, golf communities, and elite-level marketing

Whether you’re a buyer relocating from out of state or a seller needing micro-market guidance, Steve’s agents are trained to deliver.

Real Examples from the Episode

From Car Washer to Top Salesman: Steve literally washed cars by day and sold them by night until he rose to become a general sales manager. That same grit powers his real estate leadership.
Board Leadership: As President of the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Board of Realtors, Steve focused on education, engagement, and public perception. He pushed for relevant training like social media, contract law, and business planning【14†Steve Ladrido 44.txt†L18-L21】.
Building Culture: Steve leads from the front. He doesn’t recruit just to fill seats—he mentors agents who want to grow. "It's incredibly important that you're here because you want to be here."

Northeast Florida Real Estate FAQs

Q: What makes NE Florida a top relocation destination?
Strong schools, beach lifestyle, lower taxes, and high-quality new construction—especially in St. Johns County and Nocatee.

Q: Are out-of-state buyers common?
Yes. Many are relocating from high-cost states to Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, or St. Augustine for lifestyle and value.

Q: What’s the real value of a Realtor in today’s market?
Steve says it best: "If you're not providing a service, you have no value. You’re guiding someone through the biggest purchase of their life."

Q: What kind of leadership helps an agent grow?
Mentorship, accountability, and a culture of excellence. That’s what Coldwell Banker Premier is building under Steve’s leadership.

Ready to Work with a Leader?

If you’re buying or selling in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Nocatee, or Ponte Vedra, Coldwell Banker Premier under Steve Ladrido’s leadership is a powerhouse team to trust.

Connect with Steve:

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