Tell A Members Business Story: American Veteran Properties Inc.
The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce has more than 500 amazing members. They each add a great amount of value to Liberty County and the surrounding area. Every member brings something special to our chamber family, and we want to take time to highlight our members by telling their business story. This week we are highlighting American Veteran Properties Inc.
Could you tell us about yourself?
Originally from Boston, Eric Lukkarinen first arrived in Liberty County as a soldier in the Army and immediately fell in love with the beauty of coastal Georgia. “After service, I got my real estate license, and I now enjoy serving our military community. I’ve served on the Hinesville Board of Realtors as a director for about 10 years, was President in 2010 and also Realtor of the Year in 2007,” he said.
What made you start American Veteran Properties?
Eric realized after the recession in 2007 that the military community needed more awareness in home buying. “Roughly 90% of those homes lost in foreclosure were VA loans. So, in response, I developed a full-service real estate company that is fully focused on serving our military community,” he said.
“We teach first time home buyers responsible home buying skills and advance skills that can build wealth in real estate. We become true business partners with our property owners in the property management department working together with tenants and landlords to bring great quality of life. We’re experts in helping our military community making great real estate decisions,” Eric said.
When you’re not working, where in Liberty County do you like to spend your time?
The Sunbury Crab Company is Eric’s favorite place to unwind, which he says has one of the best steaks in southeast Georgia and views of St. Catherines Island that help him forget the stresses of the day. He also enjoys shooting with his 11 year-old son, who is a competition shooter with the Scholastic Action Shooting Program at 17 South, Rod and Gun. “You’ll generally find me there 3-4 times a week and definitely on Thursdays for club dinners,” he said.
What is an interesting fact about American Veteran Properties people might not know?
Unlike other real estate companies, the agents working for American Veteran Properties Inc. are all former military and dependent spouses. Eric said, “We know the stress of PCS and have experienced all of it. We are true advocates working hard with our First District Congressman Buddy Carter to increase our military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to include utilities and other home related expenses. These cost increases will lower the burden on our community and help them find suitable housing off post.”
What made you decide to join the Chamber and what value have you gained from your Membership?
“Just like we’re the advocates for our military in real estate, we need advocates for our business. The Chamber is our advocate that gives us an advantage over our competition. They give us a voice in the broader community, because we can’t do this on our own, we need support. The Chamber helps us build the bonds and relationships we need to get the job done,” he said.
What advice do you have for new business owners?
“New business owners need to do their homework and learn all the laws in their fields. Become the professional the public deserves and strive to always be the best. You can’t take days off. Don’t become an absentee business owner and always answer your phone,” he said.
Where can we reach American Veteran Properties?
You can reach American Veteran Properties Inc. at 912-385-300 or their website.
