Building the Future

Fred Williams Homebuilder may have had a great year, but the best is yet to come.

As the Sales and Marketing Director for Fred Williams New Home Sales, Stevie Williams is not only the present, but the future of this family-owned business. One that has successfully helped families fulfill their dream of home ownership for more than 30 years.

For Stevie, having a career in the building industry was almost preordained. In fact, it's in her blood. Both her parents, two of her brothers and he brother-in-law - all have chosen some facet of real estate as their life's work.

Ever mindful of the future, Stevie chose to pursue a degree in real estate business, earning her B.A. from Georgia State University in 2006. "I felt that degree would provide me with a solid foundation of the principles required to run any successful business," she says.

After graduation, Stevie moved home and began training for her new role. Over the years, she has learned the family business by working in many areas of the company, from conducting market research to coordinating realtor partners to serving as a new home sales consultant.

Wanting to test her limits a year after graduation, Stevie embarked on a three-month sabbatical by participating in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). A rigorous and life-changing organization, NOLS takes people on remote wilderness expeditions, teaching technical outdoor skills, leadership and environmental ethics. It was an incredible experience that helped shape the person she is today.

"I wanted to challenge myself mentally and physically," says Stevie. "I wanted to discover my passions and what I wanted out of life. Every day was a struggle and an adventure. It was scary climbing mountains and hiking in the wilderness of Mexico. I did things I never thought I would do."

When Stevie returned to the United States she went back to work for her family's company, Fred Williams Homebuilder. She thought her experiences would better prepare her for her future, but it took her far beyond her original goal. Working with varying personalities in high stress situations helped her develop the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive world of real estate.

"I learned how far I can push myself and how much I can accomplish," Stevie says. "Most importantly, I learned what it takes to be a leader. That experience taught me various skills I'll need to lead Fred Williams Homebuilder into the next generation."

Already a proven leader, Stevie serves as the Chairperson for the Sales and Marketing Council of the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah, Chairperson for the Savannah Board of Realtor's Cultural Diversity Committee and Secretary for the Women's Council of Realtors. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah.

In 2009, Stevie was named Member of the Year by the Women's Council of Realtors. A true rising star, she also received one of five Silver Awards for Sales Manager of the Year from the National Association of Home Builders.

Though Fred and Janice Williams are surely beaming with pride, Stevie is incredibly proud of her parents as well. She is grateful for the role models she continually strives to emulate.

"My mom is my mentor. She has a devoted clientele that bought from her their second, third and even fourth homes," says Stevie. "My mom is brilliant, especially when it comes to sales and finance. She was the mastermind behind the program 'Buy My House, I'll Buy Yours' which was successful for many years in our market."

Stevie has equal admiration for her father.

"My dad is an extremely personable, humble and intelligent man," Stevie says. "He taught me how to see challenges, not problems, and how to manage difficult situations with wisdom and composure."

When asked where she sees herself five years from now, Stevie laughingly replies, "Wearing a hard hat!" And, like all the other hats a real estate developer and homebuilder must wear, it fits her perfectly. Now Stevie eagerly looks forward to learning more about the other side of the business - land development and construction of new homes.

Perhaps Stevie's father, Fred, sums it up best.

"Stevie not only has great people skills, she also possesses analytical and technical skills," says Fred. "Those qualities allow her to move easily from sales to homebuilding and vise versa, which are entirely different mindsets. Both her mom and I know that Stevie will continue our company's vision and mission of providing families with the opportunity to achieve their dream of home ownership. It is a family tradition that makes us proud."