Fayette County has no shortage of amazing men doing amazing things and this year's four are no exception. Enjoy reading how some men are making Fayette County better in encouraging and inspiring ways.
Zeke Listenbee
Worship Arts Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church
By Pam Reid
There’s nothing more joyful to Zeke Listenbee than to serve people with music. Pastor Zeke, as he is lovingly referred to by his church family, is the current Worship Arts Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, overseeing all the singers, band members, and tech members for New Hope. “I’m a big proponent of raising up leaders and helping people develop their gifts.”
Zeke and his wife Cintia, with their three children, moved to Fayette County in March of 2022, and he believes there is something special about living here. “Living in Georgia, in the Atlanta area, has brought my creativity to a new level.” Inspired by watching his father on stage and at church, Zeke has had a love for music for almost 40 years. “Music is all I’ve ever done and I love every aspect of it.”
A six-time Grammy nominee, Zeke has worked with and played for some of the best artists in the industry. He is a Dove Award Winner for being a co-writer and vocal arranger for the traditional gospel song It is Well, featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jennifer Hudson, and Ricky Dillard. “My goal is to help people bring their musical dreams to reality.” His counsel for those aspiring to pursue music is simple: Discover your passion and remain dedicated to it. Two years ago he was requested to reimagine two songs from the Broadway musical The Color Purple. He created 6 versions of each song and the requesters loved it. The greatest compliment came from the original composer, “I really like what you did with my music.”
Steven Newton
Attorney, Steven Newton Law, Inc.
By Jennifer Conforti
Good attorneys are plentiful, but when you find one with an outstanding work ethic, integrity, and heart, that is noteworthy. Meet Steven Newton, a personal injury attorney in Peachtree City, who believes that if one acts with integrity, a fulfilling life will unfold. “It is rewarding to me to help my clients find a way to resolve their problems. If I can help them find closure to a bad situation, I’ve done my job." The desire to help others in a court of law was instilled early on. "I watched lawyer movies in the '90s and John Grisham is my favorite author, so I wanted to be an attorney at a young age.”
Steven loves being an attorney, but he's also the guy you'll find elbow-deep in supporting those in need. As a member of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, Steven volunteers performing various community projects. He believes wealth is to be shared and supports financially as a top sponsor of several organizations -- Two Sparrows Village, the Trilith Foundation, Hearts of Teal, and Southside Support to name a few. He's all about leveling the playing field, ensuring everyone gets a fair shot at justice, no matter their wallet size. “My mom and dad taught me what a good work ethic is, but also that it’s not just about work, it’s about giving back. I enjoy that I have the ability to assist and serve others.”
Steven is married to his favorite person on the planet, Ashley. “We’re partners in everything we do. She is too good for me.”
Jason Bass
Creator of Possibilities, Jason Hunter Design
By: Susan Walworth
Once a cheerleader for the NBA, Jason Bass now cheers for his community and its entrepreneurs. Although his cheerleading career ended with his last performance at the Beijing Olympics, Bass is not one to sit on the sidelines. Eager to plug in after moving from New Jersey to Georgia nine years ago, he attended a Fayette County Chamber event. “The business culture down here was just completely different,” he said. “Everybody was super friendly and welcoming and wanting to make connections,” Jason said.
Jason quickly found a way to give back to his new community. He and Tommy Ruth developed the idea for Night Market, which has become a favorite Peachtree City event.
As the owner of a digital marketing company, Jason Hunter Design, the Chamber’s 2022 small business of the year, Jason loves seeing his employees and business succeed. “Our whole purpose is helping other businesses grow,” he said. But through teaching at events such as Artpreneur and involvement in organizations including Start-Up Fayette and One Million Cups, Jason’s passion for helping others succeed is not limited to his clients. “I want to help and contribute as much as I can,” he said.
Jason and his wife, Katie, are the parents of three young children, Peyton, Ryan, and Dylan. Despite his busy family life, work, and community involvement, Jason still makes time for leisure. He enjoys running and training with a gymnast. He can’t imagine leaving this area. “I feel so deeply rooted in this community and everything that I've done around here that I don't see how I could possibly restart this anywhere else."
Stephen Walker, REALTOR®,
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Georgia Properties
By: Susan Walworth
It was a blind date with his future wife that lured Stephen Walker, a native of Smyrna, to Fayette County. Twenty-six years later, he’s still here, married to Michelle with two adult daughters, Elizabeth and Madeline. While his family is the joy of his life, Stephen has also built a successful real estate career and volunteered his talents to help those in need.
Early in his career, Stephen worked with Rich’s Department Store. But 24 years ago, he found his calling in real estate. “It’s been a blessing,” Stephen said. “It’s been so rewarding to help people have a part of the American dream of home ownership. I just love what I do.”
Stephen takes his career as a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Georgia Properties to the next level as a volunteer with the Georgia Association of Realtors®. He will serve as the organization’s president in 2025. Stephen is also a director for the National Association of Realtors® and a former president of the Fayette County Board of Realtors®. But Stephen’s heart for giving back extends far beyond real estate. With a music degree in vocal performance, he not only sings, but he also often uses his talent as an emcee for fundraisers and events for organizations including Bloom, The Joseph Sams School, and many others.
“I didn't move forward with that degree in singing, but I've been able to expand the gift that God has given me to minister to these nonprofit organizations,” Stephen said. “It’s an opportunity to be a blessing and to give back to the community.”