Steven Fischer, a Savannah native, has been a prominent figure in the real estate industry for
over three decades. With an impressive list of accolades and achievements, he has established
himself as a successful REALTOR®, community leader, and advocate for the profession. Steven's unwavering commitment to his clients, his industry, and his community has earned him
numerous awards and recognition throughout his career.
Early Life
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Steven enjoyed a close-knit family upbringing. Growing
up in a loving household with three siblings and a large extended family, he experienced the joy
of a supportive community. Steven attended Benedictine Military School, which instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and determination, qualities that would shape his future endeavors. “The bond we had was stronger than a college fraternity,” he says. He learned to work hard and keep his grades up. “It definitely prepared me for a lot of things in life,” he reflects.
He fondly recalls his childhood as a time of outdoor activities, sports, and close family bonds,
free from the distractions of technology and focused on enjoying life's simple pleasures. A self-described “river rat,” he enjoyed boating and jet skiing. “Savannah gives you an opportunity for a great life,” he says.
Finding His Passion
Like many young individuals, Steven's career aspirations evolved over time. While considering
various paths, he drew inspiration from his father, who had dedicated his life to sales and
helping others. Steven initially ventured into banking and US Lines Shipping Company at the
Georgia Port Authority, where he continued to work in accounting.
“I’m a very outgoing person,” he explains. “I’m very extroverted. Pushing papers around at my
desk all day long just wasn’t for me.” Encouraged by his successful older brother in Florida, he
embarked on a real estate career that would lead him back to his beloved hometown of
Savannah.
Since joining the real estate profession in 1986, Steven found his niche. He went to work with
Ben Farmer Realty for 11 years, managing the company for a while. He then moved onto ERA,
where he purchased half of the company on December 18, 1996. Steven recalls the date fondly.
He kept his ownership interest until 2020. That’s when he transferred his shares back to his
business partner, Linda Kelly, to have more time with his family.

“I didn’t have many more years with my kids before they would be out of college and possibly
far away,” reflects Steven. “I didn’t want to FaceTime with them the rest of my life.” It was the
right move for him.  He has time to attend more club volleyball tournaments and to travel. “I wanted more free time and I’m very happy,” he comments. “I loved managing and owning a company for 25 years, but I’m very happy where I am today. He recalls his dad always said, “A great salesman can out earn a great manager any day of the week.” He adds, “I’ve been juggling a lot of things for many years and just took one thing off my plate.”
A Leader in Real Estate
This Real Producer has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence and industry
leadership. As a full-time real estate agent, he specializes in both residential and commercial
properties, and holds distinguished designations such as Certified Residential Brokerage
Manager (CRB) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Steven has been an active member of the Savannah Area Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, and National Association of
Realtors, serving in various leadership roles.
Throughout his career, Steven has garnered numerous accolades, including being named
Realtor of the Year for the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) in 1995, making him the
youngest person to receive this honor. He has also been recognized for his continuous
membership in the prestigious Distinguished Sales Society since 1988. Steven's contributions
extend beyond his local association, as he has served on and chaired various committees at the state and national levels. His involvement includes positions such as President of the GAR in 2009 and Region 5 Vice President of the National Association of Realtors in 2018.
Through the years, he has weathered storms in the market. Steven explains, “Since becoming a
Realtor, he has endured high interest rates, the bubble bursting, and high and low inventory.
Even during 2008, I told my agents, ‘If you want to succeed, follow me. Failure is not an option.
I have a family to support. I might have to work harder, longer, and smarter, but I will succeed
because of my determination and faith that I will get through it.” A go-getter, Steven doesn’t
quit, even when faced with the biggest challenge of his life – COVID-19.
Overcoming Obstacles
“I almost died in 2021,” says Steven. “In January 2021, I walked into the hospital – I have no
memory of it – and I was put in Intensive Care immediately.” He lost consciousness and was
intubated and on a ventilator a few days later.
“I had COVID, and I had no preexisting conditions. They did not know why I had such a high
level of the virus in my system. I was not responding to anything,” he reflects. “They told my
wife to prepare my children that I was not going to make it.
He fell into a coma and underwent an innovative medical procedure called extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (ECMO). “If it didn’t work, I would die,” he says. “I was raised to believe
in miracles and the power of prayer. I just never expected God to use a miracle for me.” After
being on ECMO for 6-7 days, Steven started to get better.
“I was the first person to survive ECMO in our region with COVID. When they brought me out of
the coma, I did not wake up,” he says. They did a brain scan, which was labeled as “abnormal”
with “no brain activity.” Steven says, “Four days later, I started talking.” His muscles had all
atrophied. “I was basically paralyzed and could only move my neck. I had to go through physical
therapy and occupational therapy.”
People around the nation and the world prayed for him. He surpassed all expectations. “I ended
up coming out of the hospital in 68 days,” he says with a heart of gratitude. Within 10 days of
his discharge, he could walk with a cane and drive.
Steven overcame the odds, miraculously emerging with a renewed appreciation for every day
of his life. This life-altering experience reinforced his belief in the power of faith, gratitude, and
the importance of cherishing loved ones. Ironically, it was the best year of his life in real estate.
“Life is short,” says Steven. “Every day is a gift.” He takes time to relax, de-stress, and enjoy life
every single day. Traveling, scuba diving, and rooting for the University of Georgia Bulldogs are
some of his favorite pastimes. “I’ve been to three out of four national championships,” he says.
Steven is grateful for his family, who have made him what he is today. “They were immigrants,
and my family is very important to me,” he says. “My great grandfather came to Ellis Island
from Lebanon, and he was 104 when he died. When he came here, he took off his turban and
put on a Western hat. The United States was his country now. He was very happy to make it
here to offer a better life for him and his family in 1907.” They faithfully flew the American flag
every day. Steven has a love of his country because of his great grandfather, which runs deep in
his veins.
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, Steven remains focused on making a positive impact in both his career and
personal life. He aims to continue serving and supporting the real estate industry while guiding
and providing for his family. Steven's dedication extends beyond his professional pursuits, as he
actively engages in his community and volunteers for various organizations, including being a
Director of the Southside YMCA for years, displaying his unwavering commitment to giving
back. He is currently the President of the St. Vincent’s Athletic Association, where his youngest
attends. “I am also very involved in the local, state, and national Realtor Associations,” he adds.
He also serves as President of the Georgia Real Estate Benefits Group, which offers healthcare
to real estate agents in several states.

“I want to stay involved and remain a positive force and a leader in the industry,” he says. “If
you believe in something, you need to serve.”
Dedicated to Real Estate
Steven Fischer's remarkable journey as a REALTOR® and community leader is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for his profession. Throughout his career, he has achieved numerous accolades, served in leadership roles, and made a lasting impact on the real estate industry. From his early days in Savannah to his battle with COVID-19, Steven's personal triumphs have shaped his perspective on life, emphasizing the importance of faith, gratitude, and cherishing loved ones. As he continues his journey, Steven remains committed to making a positive impact, both professionally and personally, and his contributions will continue to inspire and uplift those around him.