Standing at a crossroads, I saw two choices—one promised stability and comfort, while the other offered a chance to change everything.

 

For years, I had worked as a paramedic while selling real estate on the side, but I had hit a ceiling—financially and personally. The long shifts and toll of EMS were keeping me from my family. My boys, Jackson and Levi, were growing up fast, and I was starting to miss too many moments. I had to decide: stay in my comfort zone or bet on myself and pursue real estate full-time.

 

That drive to create something bigger for myself had always been there. I grew up in Atlanta, watching my parents work hard—my mom as a schoolteacher, my dad in a warehouse—but money was tight. Once, I had asked for something and was told, “We can’t afford that.” It never occurred to me that we didn’t have money—I just knew I had to figure out how to earn it myself. So, I gathered up all the used pencils in our house, went door to door, and sold them. Even then, I had the instinct to find solutions instead of accepting limitations.

 

Faith was another constant in my life. My grandfather was a pastor, my parents were worship leaders, and we were always in church. But it wasn’t until I was 16, in the middle of my mom’s battle with breast cancer, that faith became personal. I enrolled in a Christian homeschool program and finished in six months. By 18, I had completed a two-year Bible college program, where I met my wife, Ashley.

 

My goal was to find a way to serve people. In 2007, I got my real estate license just in time for the market to crash in 2008. My first son was born that same year. Not wanting my son to feel the financial insecurity I had while growing up, I needed a backup plan, and that’s when I pivoted to EMS. I saw an opportunity—I could serve my community, have steady income, and still try to keep real estate alive on the side.

 

For nearly a decade, I worked in emergency services while continuing in real estate, and in the middle of it all, Ashley and I decided to move to Pittsburgh in 2014. Her stepfather had taken over a small church here, and we felt called to help. The first three years were some of the hardest of our lives. But through that struggle, we grew—both as a couple and in our faith. The relationships we had been longing for finally opened up, and Pittsburgh started to feel like home.

 

With all that we had overcome, by 2016, I was ready to pursue real estate full time. My very first client asked me, “Are you a believer?” I told him yes, and he invited me to a leadership group breakfast the next morning. That breakfast introduced me to an organization that connected me with mentors, lifelong friends, and a faith-centered community I had been missing. It was a turning point, both personally and professionally.

 

I’ve been able to shape my business around what matters most: my faith, my family, and serving others. I see it as an opportunity and privilege to guide people through major life transitions. With the success I have had in real estate, I can help people in other ways too, supporting organizations like Mission Co. and staying involved with our church community as worship leaders. I also have time to truly be present with my family, something that I was missing in EMS.

 

Through it all, I’ve learned that stepping out in faith leads to greater impact—and I wouldn’t be here today if I had let fear hold me back.

 

My background in EMS taught me to stay calm under pressure, think quickly, and support people through high-stress situations—skills that directly translate to real estate. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions people make, and I approach it with the same level of care and attention that I did in emergency services. Clear communication, strong market knowledge, and a proactive mindset allow me to guide my clients with confidence, ensuring they feel informed and supported every step of the way.

 

The Pittsburgh market is unique, with complex tax structures, vastly different school districts, and neighborhoods that can feel worlds apart just 15 minutes down the road. I make it my priority to help every client understand these nuances so they can make the best decision for their families. Beyond that, I focus on building lasting relationships—most of my business now comes from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and service I provide. It is my goal to serve you through each chapter of your real estate journey as your REALTOR® for life.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dylan Stephens

REALTOR® | LIC# RSR002027

Mobile 412.613.5470

dylan@thestephensteampgh.com

thestephensteampgh.com