Originally from Michigan, North Business Council communications chair Eric Tatro joined the US Navy as a 19-year-old and spent time in Japan and San Diego before attending San Francisco State University. He graduated in 2006 with a business degree in corporate finance and began working in the commercial real estate field for CBRE in 2007. By 2013, he and wife Cherise Lloyd had moved to Dallas for jobs in their fields. Their latest move was in 2016 to St. Johns. Tatro said that like many others, they came to this area for the great schools (they have two boys in elementary school), but also because his parents live in St. Augustine. This time, instead of working exclusively with commercial real estate, Tatro now helps people buy and sell homes in Julington Creek and surrounding areas.

Q: What do you consider to be your biggest challenge in your business?
A: I’m relatively new to the area, so my challenge is to get my business going. Real estate in this area is very competitive, but I’m trying to create my own brand or edge.

Q: What do you consider to be your edge?
A: I’ve decided to be very specialized and try to focus on Julington Creek Plantation and a few other local neighborhoods. I think it’s best to know a few neighborhoods really well. Also, as part of the North Business Council, I meet a lot of people and connect people to others as well as the community.

Q: What are your long term business goals?
A: I’d like to continue building what I’m building right now, which is a residential practice. I’d also like to remain involved with the community.

Q: Can you share a tidbit of advice as a realtor?
A: The market here is pretty much always good due to the schools and the quality of the neighborhoods. But some people still overprice their homes. My tip would be to get good information about pricing for your home. There are online sources, but a realtor can give you information about what has actually sold. It’s important to price your home correctly at the start.

Q: What is your position with the North Business Council of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce?
A: As the communications chair, I try to reach out to members and non-members and broadcast events and attract people to our programs. I also help put together events, such as our upcoming after hours event and ribbon cutting on Jan. 22, 2020 at Westminster Woods of World Golf Village. I also like to help members make connections. If anybody is interested in learning about the North Business Council, they can reach out to me. I’d be happy to talk or meet for coffee.

Q: What do you think is the best thing about being involved with the North Business Council?
A: For me, it’s being able to meet so many people in the area and also get plugged in with the bigger picture of what’s happening in St. Johns County via our guest speakers.

The North Business Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek. Visit www.sjcchamber.com for more information.

Photo courtesy Eric Tatro

Eric Tatro