Getting to know the leaders of Greater Chattanooga Realtors offers valuable insights into the dedication and experience that drives our association forward. This week, we're spotlighting Steven Lamar, a realtor who has embraced leadership roles to better serve our industry and community. From early experiences in real estate to advocating for collaboration among members, their journey is a testament to the impact of service and engagement.
What did you do before transitioning into this profession? Growing up in a real estate family, I was involved in the business from a young age.
I remember stuffing envelopes and handing out business cards. By the time I was 16, I was getting gas money to install signs and refill flyer boxes (remember those?). After graduating from the University of Alabama (#RTR!), I returned to the Tennessee Valley and got my real estate license. While starting my practice, I continued my real estate education by obtaining designations (GRI, ABR and CRS). I also sold residential property as a buyer’s agent and handled on-site sales for a couple of new construction developments. When my wife got a job in Chattanooga, we moved here in 2014.
Why did you choose to serve the association in a leadership capacity? My motto is “you win in life by helping others.” Having served as a director before at another association, I wanted to be involved here in Chattanooga as soon as possible. The 2016 Leadership Academy opened many new doors here for me professionally. I served on several committees at the association while also working with Tennessee Realtors on the residential forms committee for the state. Now I serve on the Georgia Realtors forms committee along with my duties as the new MLS committee chair for our local association.
What would you like your fellow realtors to know that our association offers to its members? Education - a large portion of our classes are provided for free to our association members. I am immensely proud of the association’s efforts to elevate the professionalism of local realtors. By fostering the development of more knowledgeable agents and brokers, we benefit not only our region, but also beyond. The opportunities our association offers members to engage with each other beyond their transactions enhance the outcomes of their business for themselves and their clients.
What is your favorite part of being a realtor? I firmly believe in fostering collaboration among our members. This encompasses in-person training sessions, luncheons, social gatherings and broker open houses. By engaging in these activities, we enhance our businesses by building stronger relationships and communicating beyond mere day-to-day transactions. As realtors, we cannot afford to remain isolated in our offices. Our success hinges on our ability to interact with the community and each other. Cooperation is the cornerstone of our profession.
What is something your fellow realtors/members/association do in the community that you love and want others to know about? Our association is supported by grants from the national association to enhance our local communities. In the past, we have utilized these funds to construct community gardens, improve trailheads and engage in other initiatives. Our members actively contribute through various means, including volunteer hours and donations, in addition to their contributions in building, beautifying and educating our communities. We are actively involved in real estate matters and diligently monitor local authorities, supporting our commitment to safeguarding private property rights and promoting homeownership.
Have you read any recent books you want to share with others and why? I recently re-read a fantastic book called "Happy City," by Charles Montgomery. It’s a really well-written book that explores how we can improve the way we organize our cities to make them more social and trusting places, rather than isolated and fearful. Our families, friends and neighbors can all be safer, healthier and happier if we plan our urban growth carefully to focus on the important daily interactions we have with each other. It’s a great read and I highly recommend it for those days when you can’t get outside here in the beautiful Scenic City.
Through his dedication to leadership, education and community involvement, Steven exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose. We are grateful for his commitment to strengthening our association and ensuring that realtors remain trusted advocates for property rights and homeownership in the Chattanooga region. #ThatsWhoWeR