By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com
Born and raised in the Jacksonville area, Cole Slate is a long time resident of St. Johns. As a child, Slate resided in Julington Creek. Now a resident of RiverTown, he is still proud to live in the community that means so much to him. A graduate of Bartram Trail High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Florida, Slate remains heavily involved with both of his alma maters. Often attending games, offering sponsorships and volunteering, Slate enjoys giving back to the people and places he holds dear. Currently enjoying his work in Real Estate, Slate takes pride in helping old and new friends find their home in St. Johns. He met his fiance, Laura Lander, during a kickball tournament and the two will marry in May 2019. Slate is currently serving on the advisory board of Best Buddies International and is a long time volunteer for this organization that focuses primarily on special needs children.
- What do you enjoy most about living in St. Johns?
For me, it’s the community itself. A big part of my success is because of this community and others feel the same way. That’s why they come back and raise their families here. It’s a wonderful place to raise kids.
- St. Johns has changed a great deal over the years. What remains the same that made you want to come back to live and work here?
The area has changed so much, but it’s still the same type of people that live here. People are still doing what they did 20 years ago — they are enjoying each other and the community. The neighborhoods are what make my demographic want to come back and live here.
- What would you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far?
I’m just so appreciative and happy to be in a position to help out around Bartram Trail High School and with the Best Buddies organization. I’ve been with Best Buddies for 17 years. I’m also proud of my real estate team and the ability to help the community I love.
- What do you enjoy most about your work with the Best Buddies organization?
Just spending time with people involved. All kids have differences and shouldn’t be treated differently for it. A lot of them don’t realize they are different and they just want to be treated equally.
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I do spend a lot of my free time doing things at Bartram Trail High School. I enjoy being there and seeing everyone. I play Santa Claus at the faculty Christmas lunch every year and sponsor different things going on. Best Buddies is important to me as well, but in my spare time, I also enjoy just relaxing, watching sports and hanging out with friends.
Photo courtesy Cole Slate
Cole Slate with fiance Laura Lander.
