by Dimitri C. Michalakis

Stephen G. Yeonas is president of the Yeonas Company, a major builder of new homes in the Washington D.C. area and a leader in real estate for over five decades. He was elected chairman of Leadership 100 last year, but has been a force in the organization for many years and has ambitious plans for the future of the organization, starting with its stated goal of reaching 1000 members and an endowment of $100 million by its thirtieth anniversary. And he says, as always, the goal for Leadership members is to inspire others by their example:” So many Greek Americans have achieved high levels of education and affluence, but it is their faith and Hellenic ideals that have formed their character and progress. It is our responsibility at Leadership 100 to demonstrate these ideals in our families and fellowship as well as the importance of leadership that includes philanthropy in support of our Church, our clergy, our community and our heritage.”

Are you on track to reach the Leadership 25th Anniversary Fund goal?

Paulette Poulos, Leadership 100 Executive Director (Interim) and the Membership Committee are on track and we are confident we will achieve our goal of 1000 members and $100 million in the Endowment prior to our 30th Anniversary celebration.

What are the challenges to reaching that goal?

The challenges are always the same, to find committed members to join us in our unique mission to advance Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America. So many Greek Americans have achieved high levels of education and affluence but it is their faith and Hellenic ideals that have formed their character and progress. It is our responsibility at Leadership 100 to demonstrate these ideals in our families and fellowship as well as the importance of leadership that includes philanthropy in support of our Church, our clergy, our community and our heritage. Paulette and her dedicated staff are the outstanding team that makes it possible to reach our goals.

What do you consider your achievements as chairman of Leadership?

1) We reached our goal of 64 new members by the 2009 conference.

2) We set a goal to have fellowship luncheons in each Metropolis for our members. The first was held this past year in Washington, DC.

3) We selected an outstanding group of members to serve on our Exec. Comm., Board of Trustees and chair our various committees.

4) With the guidance of Paulette Poulos, we have put programs in place to ensure we reach our goal of 1000 members.

5) By designating specific responsibilities under the excellent leadership of Paulette Poulos, we have ensured that the staff is effective in carrying out their respective responsibilities.

What were the challenges you faced?

We established a plan that would enable us to reach our goal of 64 new members by our 2009 conference. During our economic downturn we focused on our long term interest to avoid making decisions based on short term circumstances.

What do you think are the future challenges for any new leadership?

We have put in place a strategy that will enable us to achieve our long term goals. Developing the future leaders of the organization and recruiting more young members as well as having them assume leadership roles.

How did you get into the building business?

Necessity is the mother of invention. I was a salesman of a pre-manufactured product to builders. I guess I wasn’t a good salesman because I couldn’t get a builder on board so I bought three lots myself and became my own customer. After that I realized that pre-manufactured homes are limited and I went to hand built and designed homes. I bought lots in Northern Virginia, sold them quickly and just kept going!

What was the housing market like when you first started? What was the average price of a home? How much did it cost to build an average home then?

Very strong! All veterans returning from WWII were ready to purchase new homes. You could purchase a new home for under $15,000 - approx. $12 per square foot.

How many homes would you say your company has built over the decades?

Probably close to 10,000.

What were the toughest times? Does today's housing market compare?

1973-75.The tough times may be for different reasons, (i.e. excess inventory, speculation, or a credit crunch) but they share the same emotion: the fear that things will never be good again. This is fear you have to fight because each time the housing market has come back and always stronger. The same is true again. Believe me, housing will come back and be better than ever!

What is the excitement of the homebuilding business?

It is basic to the American dream, to the security of our families, to the building of our communities and ultimately, to the strength as a people and a nation. It has also been about innovation, giving the consumer a better home life, a better product or a better community to live in. For example, we were the first builder in the DC area to offer central air conditioning as a standard in all Yeonas homes. That’s right, believe it or not, air conditioning used to be an option. We were also the first builder to design a community with townhouses in Fairfax County, Virginia. In fact, we had to help the county draft the zoning ordinance necessary to be able to build a townhouse. These are the things that excited me.

Do you think today's home market will recover?

As I said before, yes, of course. In fact now is the time to consider buying. Think about it. During boom times houses are often bid up and in the fever buyers make rash decisions, but eventually the tide turns. However, now, a buyer can walk into a builder and carefully consider all their choices and buy at near bottom and with many incentives. On top of that, at interest rates that are remarkable in my lifetime.

How does a builder compete in today's market?

I feel the way to compete has always been the same, be first, act quickly and have plenty of ammunition. To compete, a builder has to be ahead of his competition by being the first to offer the most innovative products, have the best pricing, financing and locations.

What were your strengths as a builder? Were you a hands-on executive?

For me, it is to be a leader in the industry in providing better home at better values. Develop a strategy for building multiple communities at the same time and a goal of continuous improvement each year and a true adherence to customer service was the highest priority of the Yeonas Company. Yes, I was always hands on. I think my particular strength though was in understanding the talents and contributions of those I worked with, demanding the most from them and by giving my best to every project.

What made you get a law degree?

Law trains one to understand the very workings of society as a whole, of government and of business. I realized I needed broader training after my business education.

Where were you born and what was your first job?

I was born in Washington, DC and after school, I went into the Army.

What made you settle in Washington, DC? What part of Greece is your family from?

It was my father that settled in Washington, DC. He and my mother were from the town of Tripolis

How and where did you meet your wife? Is she in the business? Are your children?

Her family was a neighbor of ours and I played basketball with her brother. She is such a big part of my success – her support and encouragement is always there! She chose to build a family while I built houses. Now the home building business is owned by my son, son-in-law and daughter – Yeonas & Ellis LLC. I am very proud of them and proud of their children - our 5 grandchildren.

What made you spend so much of your life in community service, such as the Leadership 100?

We felt we were very fortunate to have the success in business that we wanted to take leadership roles in various community organizations to make a difference – not only through the Church with Leadership 100, but also with the Boy Scouts of America, United Way and various other service organizations.

Do you consider yourself a man of strong faith?

Yes. I am devoted to the Greek Orthodox Church but like everyone else it developed over time, seeing the examples of great men and women of faith, clergy and lay alike. It is one of the three treasures in life – faith, family and friends.

How much should religion be a part of a person's life today?

Religion, or rather, faith in God and love of the neighbor is central to our humanity. This life will end but we have an eternal home. Our religion and our heritage are all about eternal values.

How do you transmit that faith to your grandchildren, for example?

To lead by example and encourage participation in church and church activities.

Do you now consider yourself retired?

Quite the contrary. I’m involved with my children in their homebuilding business and make various investments in real estate and the stock market in addition to my responsibilities at Leadership 100.

What are your hobbies?

I love to read, audit classes, travel, as well as being with good friends and family.

Do you visit Greece often?

At least once a year.

Being in Washington, DC, do you consider yourself political?

I do! Politics are fascinating and worthy of great discussions. It will be interesting to watch the next 4 years unfold.

What do you want to be your legacy to your family and your community?

I want my children and grandchildren to appreciate their Greek heritage, find something that they feel passionate about and remember to always give back as well as maintain a reputation of the highest integrity with strong family values and desire to make a difference in the community and live a meaningful life.