Papa Steve’s blue eyes light up as number 14 on the red team shoots and scores. “Goal!” he shouts, raising the hands of the giggling, little girl on his shoulders to cheer for her brother. Steve—or Papa as he known to his eight grandchildren—never misses a game. He’s as quick to offer encouragement and advice after a loss as he is to offer high-fives and hugs after a win. It’s just a small part of why Papa Steve has come to be loved and trusted not only among his ever-growing family—currently four children and eight grandchildren—but in the sun-washed Southern California communities they call home. When he’s not cheering on the sidelines, Steve volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, at Saddleback Church and for the Orange County Juvenile Probation Department. When asked, he attributes what he calls “Midwestern family values” to his Michigan upbringing, and he chalks up his sense of service to his days in the United States Marine Corps. PARADISE FOUND A Vietnam combat veteran, Steve was also stationed in Southern California in 1968 after returning stateside. He was enamored with the mild coastal climate and beauty of the surrounding mountains, often snowcapped in the winter, creating a surreal backdrop beyond the palm trees and rolling hills and canyons where he hiked. Orange County provided the perfect central location to San Diego and Los Angeles, and while on leave, Steve ventured to the cities and surrounding areas, immersing himself in the rich culture, natural beauty and myriad entertainment options. After experiencing all that the Southland had to offer, he knew he’d be back. GROWING WHAT YOU SOW A cornerstone of the team’s personal philosophy—whether it’s family, community or business—is that you get what you give. That’s why they find time to balance their commitments and focus on each, but never lose sight of the big picture. “It’s about building relationships,” Steve says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend, a family member, a client or any combination of the above. Once you plant that seed, it’s only going to grow if you nurture it. If you give it the attention it deserves, it’s going to weather the storms and bear fruit for many seasons to come.” This approach is the reason that many of the Widners’ clients not only continue to be clients, but become friends as well. WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER The Widner Team take a personal interest in clients’ wants and needs. They take the time to listen to and address questions and concerns throughout all stages of the transaction, whether you’re buying or selling. With a master’s degree and a background in mortgage underwriting, Krista’s education and experience combine with Steve’s creative thinking and business savvy honed over 35 award-winning years in the industry to create an invaluable wealth of resources when it comes to your investment. And with a skilled team focused on your business, you can take comfort in knowing you will always have direct and immediate access to someone dedicated to you, whether you’re ready to close a deal or simply ask a question. Specializing in everything from castles to condos, no transaction is too big or small to receive the personal attention it deserves from Orange County’s best real estate Team Welcome to the family.