Stephen grew up in a small town in upstate NY, 60 miles south of Montreal, during a time, he notes, when if you worked hard you could own a house. He has been and continues to be enamored with Habitat for Humanity’s mission and he’s focused on helping make homeownership a reality for others despite significant current challenges.
While his professional training is that of a psychologist, Stephen built his career as a retailer, founding Restoration Hardware and serving as the company’s Chairman & CEO for over 20 years. During this time, he opened over 100 stores, building catalog and manufacturing divisions, and taking the company public. Seven years after the public offering Stephen resigned to take the position of CEO of Sundance for company founder Robert Redford, growing the business and profits substantively during his five years at the helm. After a stint in brand consulting, Stephen founded and ran Guideboat Co; the company was acquired in 2018, only five years post-commencement. Stephen has three children, six grandchildren, and lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Anja.