As told to Shaun Ryan
A Ponte Vedra native, Steve Horner has been a golf enthusiast for most of his life and had a successful career with the PGA TOUR. These days, he is devoting his professional time to a business he recently purchased, Home Ability Store.
Tell us about Home Ability Store and your role there as CEO.
Home Ability Store is North Florida's leading resource for accessibility and mobility solutions. Our key areas of focus are power mobility (think scooters and wheelchairs), stair lifts, lift/sleep chairs, walking aids, ramps, auto lifts and bathroom safety. I lead a team that is very dedicated to improving the lives of the people we serve. Our mindset is to fully understand our customers' unique circumstances and then identify solutions to help.
How long have you had that position?
I purchased this business May 1. Definitely interesting times to be getting into a new business venture, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
By far the knowledge that a customer's life is being improved by the services and products we offer. No one comes to us without a need, so when we provide solutions, things get better for them immediately!
Tell us about your education and career path. What led you to the career you now have?
After college I became a golf professional at the Oak Bridge Club. Then, I had a very rewarding 30-year career at the PGA TOUR and retired at the end of 2018. I served under three commissioners and held a variety of positions. It was truly a dream come true for a local boy like me to have such a great career with one of the community's leading organizations.
Many people who live in the Ponte Vedra area moved here from elsewhere. How long have you been a local resident?
I never moved from anywhere! I've always been here. Went to school at PVPV and Fletcher High — there was no Nease or PVHS! — and Ponte Vedra has always been my home. During my TOUR career, I traveled extensively and saw many places all over the world. In my opinion there is no better place than Ponte Vedra.
What do you like best about residing in this community?
Although this community has grown exponentially during my lifetime, it's still a "small town." We have it all going for us: weather, nature, recreation and wonderful people. I've been blessed to raise my family here.
In your free time, what kinds of activities, hobbies or volunteer opportunities do you participate in? What draws you to these?
I've played golf almost my entire life and am active at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. I am also the president of the First Coast Auburn Club and the head golf coach at Nease High School. From a charitable perspective, I've volunteered at Beaches Mission House — me, my wife Shay, son Cameron and daughter Abby all volunteered together as servers — and support Habijax. I'm 56 years old, my kids are adults now, and I love finally doing the things I've always wanted to do — help people!
NOTE: Home Ability Store is located at 7660 Philips Highway, Suite 4, Jacksonville.
