Born in Manatee County and raised in Sarasota County, Glenn Stephens grew up around the local construction industry. He helped his father, a contractor, and admired his uncle, an architectural drafter. He eventually built a career in construction-related fields and now leads his own company.

Passionate about the United States Air Force (USAF), Stephens joined the USAF after graduating from high school. He served in an air cargo position at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, home of the C-5M Super Galaxy, the USAF’s largest aircraft.

“I did enjoy it,” said Stephens.

After an honorable discharge, Stephens returned to Sarasota and started his higher education in civil drafting. He attended Sarasota County Technical Institute (now Suncoast Technical College), where he learned AutoCAD design and drafting. His instructor was a civil engineer who helped him secure a drafting internship at a local engineering firm, which led to a drafting job with Sarasota County in 1990.

“The main reason why they (Sarasota County) hired me was to take them from their hand-drafting process in their mapping department to the computer world,” Stephens said. “I set up the base mounts for the county’s geographic information system.” 

While working full-time and raising his family, Stephens continued his education at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota). He attended evening classes at SCF’s campuses in Venice and Bradenton, including general education, engineering, and speech and literature, which were his two favorite classes.

“My choice for SCF was simple; it’s local, it’s in my backyard,” Stephens said. “The education was top-notch and what I needed for my job.”

Stephens graduated with an Associate in Arts degree from SCF in 1998. He was the first person in his family to attend college.

“Having my degree is an accomplishment,” Stephens said. “You become a better person and a better business owner.”

Stephens later designed and built his home with his wife, Lori Stephens Tomlinson, director, grants and scholarships, State College of Florida Foundation. He furthered his professional development and became a Florida-certified residential contractor, a Florida-certified roofing contractor and a Florida-licensed home inspector. He currently serves as president of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors’ Board of Directors.

Before launching G. Stephens & Associates, Stephens worked for a professional school for contractors. He traveled around the U.S. and taught the contractors about commercial building estimating and site development.

Today, Stephens manages client scheduling, performs home inspections and writes inspection reports, while Lori manages the accounting. He stays up to date on building codes, inspection points, legislative issues and technology, as well as teaches inspectors and contractors about home inspection performance. He is also developing and testing his home inspection software.

“What I like most about my job is helping people and the education,” Stephens said. “As home inspectors, we must understand what a building code does; it’s life safety, it’s protection of occupants.”

As a business leader, Stephens finds fulfillment in giving back to his profession and community.

“I love working with people in this community,” Stephens said. “Success is making sure that my clients have the information they need to successfully purchase a home or make sure the home is built in accordance with state standards and proper procedures.”

As an alumnus, Stephens values the opportunities to support education. He was one of the first instructors to teach the public works academy at Suncoast Technical College and has provided sponsorships and volunteer service to the State College of Florida Foundation.

“If you can give back to your alma mater, do so,” Stephens said. “It doesn’t have to be financial; it can be time, volunteering and helping out.”

Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Stephens enjoys boating in Sarasota Bay and spending time with his family. His son is newly married and works as an assistant football coach. His daughter works in marketing for an international company while raising her two children. He respects the strength of single moms like his daughter.

“I am truly grateful for my family,” Stephens said. “My daughter is my hero.”

In the future, Stephens hopes to reduce his work hours and travel abroad, with Europe and Central America at the top of his list.

“I’ve always been a fan of Dobermans, and I’d like to go to their birthplace in Apolda, Germany,” Stephens said. “I’d love to visit Ireland and Scotland from a historical and architectural perspective.”

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