After 33 years as a teacher in Owensboro Public Schools, Tonya Lewis has ventured into the real estate realm with her husband Steve to form Keller Williams Elite Realty, Tonya Lewis. Steve boasts over 2 decades of experience in the industry, while Tonya brings the same level of enthusiasm she possessed in the classroom to their clients.
Lewis retired from OPS last May and launched the new business in August.
“It was our dream to go into business together when I retired,” Lewis said. “It’s an adjustment to go from teaching to real estate, but I like the business, and I’ve always been interested in it. Learning a new career at this age is different, but I’ve always been around it with Steve.”
The couple specializes in residential listings but will occasionally dip into the commercial side. Lewis said working for Keller Williams has been amazing and the ongoing training opportunities are wonderful.
As a broker, Lewis said Steve brings a wealth of experience to the business, especially with problem-solving and reaching compromises. She, on the other hand, leans heavily on her communication and people skills.
“Everything I needed as a teacher, I’m able to convert to this profession,” she said. “We’re still discovering our roles. It didn’t take long to realize how much we complement each other.”
The duo has been a part of the Owensboro community for their entire lives.
“The community has been very supportive, especially fellow realtors,” she said. “I feel like I was able to contribute to the community through teaching all those years, and now, I’ll have former students who can lean on me as adults.”
The two remain heavily involved in the community with various nonprofits and outreach opportunities. To learn more about the business or to inquire about their services, find them on Facebook here.
“This is just another opportunity to give back to the community we really care about,” Lewis said. “We want to continue serving and volunteering in the community to help it grow. We both love Owensboro and have never had a desire to leave.”
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
