There was no telling when my next paycheck would come, but I was committed to changing my life. I knew that by taking a risk, I had the potential to create a fulfilling life professionally and personally. For 17 years I had run our family’s hotels—24/7, on-call for anything and everything. There was no balance. So, I closed that chapter and decided to try my hand at what I thought would be a more "stable job" in golf packaging. But I quickly realized that my past running hotels had ingrained in me a need for independence—something that job couldn’t offer. Instead of stability, I found myself with less control and more restrictions. By 2011, I knew it was time for a change.
I didn’t need motivation—I had plenty of that. What I needed was balance. I needed something that allowed me to work hard while still having a life outside of it. So, I took the leap, got my real estate license, and spent the next 11 months without a single paycheck. It was a deep hole to dig out of, but my wife, Ann, never wavered. She supported me through every challenge, every setback, and never once doubted that I’d make it work.
I’ve never been a stranger to hard work. When I was in college at Longwood, I got a call from my father telling me my student loan wouldn’t be renewed. I thought my time in school was over. But the next day, a letter arrived in my mailbox offering an opportunity—an ROTC scholarship. That summer, I was at Fort Knox, Kentucky doing ROTC.
From there, I served in the Army as part of the Chemical Corps. I was selected to lead the first-ever Dual-Purpose Chemical Company platoon, a new concept at the time. It was an incredible experience, but after losing three grandparents in four years while stationed in California, I knew I didn’t want a career that kept me away from family. I finished my service, stayed in the reserves, and in 1992, my family took over two hotels. My wife and I ran them together while raising twins, who, at five years old, were already bussing tables.
For nearly two decades, our lives revolved around the hotel business. No days off, no set schedule. It was a great experience, but it consumed everything. So, when we sold in 2006, I sought something new. When I finally moved into real estate in 2011, I worried I’d have to change who I was to fit in. But I quickly realized I didn’t need to change a thing. People appreciated that I was genuine, down-to-earth, and not afraid to be myself—goofy, honest, and completely real.
In 2012, I earned my broker’s license to show I was more than just another salesperson—I was someone they could trust. What I love most about this career is the people. Sure, money is great, but to truly be successful in real estate you need to care about the people you serve. Whether it’s a $100,000 home or a $2 million property, I treat every client the same. I focus on communication, follow-up, and making sure they feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
My success isn’t measured in sales—it’s in the relationships I’ve built, the trust I’ve earned with people in my community, and the life I’ve built with my family. My greatest accomplishment isn’t an award or a title; it’s being married to Ann for 40 years, raising great kids, and having a life I truly enjoy. I can be there for my family and stay involved in the community. Over the years, I’ve served on boards, chaired events, and participated in groups like Kiwanis and Meals on Wheels. Whether I’m helping a client with a difficult transaction or reading to kids at Bright Beginnings and seeing their faces light up with excitement, I’m driven by one thing: people.
With a people-first approach, I focus on clear, consistent communication, ensuring my clients always know what’s happening and what to expect next. Every email or text I send ends with, "Please let me know if you have any questions," because I never assume my clients understand every step—it's my job to make sure they do. I maintain complete confidentiality, keeping all details between me and the client. I guide, advise, and advocate for my clients, always putting their needs ahead of the deal.
If a client calls, I answer. If I say I’ll do something, I get it done. I take the time to understand my clients’ needs, priorities, and concerns so I can offer real solutions, not just sales pitches. My military background has taught me discipline, my hotel experience has given me a deep understanding of service, and my years in real estate have sharpened my ability to navigate complex negotiations and market dynamics. At the end of the day, I’m helping people take the next step in their lives, and that’s something I take seriously.
If a client calls, I answer. If I say I’ll do something, I get it done. I take the time to understand my clients’ needs, priorities, and concerns so I can offer real solutions, not just sales pitches. My military background has taught me discipline, my hotel experience has given me a deep understanding of service, and my years in real estate have sharpened my ability to navigate complex negotiations and market dynamics. At the end of the day, I’m helping people take the next step in their lives, and that’s something I take seriously.
Sincerely,
Steve Ewell
Associate Broker
757-603-2807
Steve@CBWilliamsburg.com
www.SteveEwellRealtor.com
Steve Ewell
Associate Broker
757-603-2807
Steve@CBWilliamsburg.com
www.SteveEwellRealtor.com