Steve Lewis said he was caught off guard when he learned he had been named Realtor of the Year by the Greater Owensboro REALTOR Association.
“It’s an honor,” Lewis said. “I really wasn’t expecting it, but it’s an honor to receive it. I’ve been in the business a little over 23 years, and it feels good to know the other realtors out there think highly of you.”
Lewis, a managing broker with BHG Realty and part of The Lewis Group alongside his wife, Tonya, was recognized during the association’s Feb. 24 general membership meeting. The award honors a realtor who demonstrates professionalism, strong business experience, and community service, organization leaders said.
Lewis said the selection process involves nominations and a review committee.
“You have to meet certain qualifications, like production, past experience, and service on local and state boards. I didn’t even know I had been nominated,” he said.
Lewis began his real estate career in 2003 after being laid off from AK Steel. Anticipating the layoff, he earned his real estate license earlier that spring and decided to give the profession a try.
“I didn’t realize I was a people person,” he said. “I started talking to people and had some pretty instant success. I was actually called back to AK Steel to work, but I decided I liked being my own boss. So I stayed with it.”
He acknowledged the risk involved in a commission-driven industry.
“If you don’t work, you’re not going to get paid,” Lewis said. “You have to get out there, hustle, and make sure people trust you. Our whole business is based on referrals. If you don’t do a good job, they’re not going to recommend you.”
Over the past two decades, Lewis has served in numerous leadership roles within the association, including president in 2013, principal director, MLS director, and annual director. He has also contributed to the PR, bylaws, and education committees and is a graduate of the Kentucky REALTORS Leadership Academy.
He said longevity in the business has allowed him to serve multiple generations of clients.
“I’ve helped some families across three generations now — the grandparents, their kids, and now their kids,” Lewis said. “It’s really a compliment to know they trust you enough to send their children to you.”
A lifelong Owensboro resident, Lewis said community involvement has always been important to him. He was part of the founding group and one of the first presidents of Aid the Homeless and has served on the Daviess County Parks board, Habitat for Humanity board, and the Family Resource Center board at Newton Parrish Elementary. He has also volunteered with Owensboro’s barbecue festival committee.
Lewis said family remains central to his life. He and Tonya share three children — Allison, Joe, and Alivia — and he has coached youth sports and supported Owensboro High School activities as a self-described “Cheer Dad.”
Today, Lewis continues to work full-time in real estate.
“I’m just a local agent,” he said. “My wife and I both do this full time, and we just love what we do.”
