Heather Lewis didn’t just grow up in the St. Louis metro area—she grew into it. With family roots in both Arnold and Chesterfield, and a career that’s touched every corner of the region, Heather has spent a lifetime investing in her community. Whether through business, volunteer service, or leadership roles, her mission has remained the same: show up, solve problems, and serve people well.

Her work ethic began to form early, shaped behind the counter of Bob’s Drive-In at just 12 years old. “That’s where I discovered a passion for serving others,” Heather recalls. By the late 1980s, that passion had carried her into a leadership role at Pizza Hut, where she led new-store openings and trained staff for the brand’s growing carry-out and delivery business.

A decade-long stint with Dunham & Smith Agencies followed, representing major brands like L’Oréal, Gatorade, and U.S. Tobacco. The work took her into military commissaries and PX/BX stores across the country, honing her ability to adapt, solve problems, and stay focused under pressure. “It was always about service—and doing the right thing,” she says.

That foundation prepared her well for what came next.

In 2006, Heather entered the real estate industry just as the market began to collapse. Most would have backed away. Heather leaned in.

Starting as a broker-owner, she pursued short sale certification and focused on helping families avoid foreclosure during one of the most turbulent times in housing market history. “I was driven to find alternative solutions to what could be a financially detrimental situation while protecting both their credit and dignity,” she explains.

Nearly 20 years later, Heather’s reputation remains rooted in that same approach—steady, skilled, and grounded in trust. Every new client relationship starts with what she calls a “meaningful conversation,” one focused not on pressure, but understanding.

She is now based at Gateway Real Estate under the leadership of broker Larry Palmer, a partnership she values deeply. “Larry is one of the smartest brokers I’ve ever worked with,” Heather says. “His mentorship and vision make Gateway a place where agents can truly thrive.”

From first-time buyers to multi-property investors, Heather takes pride in serving clients at every stage. “There’s no property too big or too small,” she says. “It’s about people, not just transactions.”

Heather’s commitment to others doesn’t stop at the closing table.

She has dedicated over a decade of service to the Southern Gateway Association of REALTORS®, serving as president, vice president, and chairing numerous committees. Her influence stretches statewide, including a four-year term on the Missouri Association of REALTORS® as an Ombudsman and Grievance Committee member.

She also served six years on the Board of Directors for a local credit union, including a term as supervisory chair. Whether supporting local schools or organizing housing resources, Heather sees service as a core part of who she is. “I’m never too busy to roll up my sleeves and help,” she says simply.

At home, Heather is a mother of seven and grandmother to 12. Her children’s achievements are a source of deep pride.

Her eldest daughter manages the property management division of Heather’s company, Renters 1st Choice. Her eldest son is a Mizzou graduate in accounting; her son Brian is a licensed private pilot. She beams when talking about Casey, a successful entrepreneur, and Kasja, who serves as a nurse with Mercy.

Her daughters Maddie and Sam recently followed in her footsteps by earning their real estate licenses. At home, she enjoys life with her fiancé Larry and her youngest daughter, who is entering her senior year of high school with ambitions as big as the family legacy.

With nearly two decades in real estate, Heather continues to draw on her early experiences—those first lessons in customer service, the resilience she built through market downturns, and the clarity she gained by always putting people first.

“The market will always change,” she says. “But if you’re grounded in service, you’ll always find a way to help.”