Steve Bailey Named 2025 Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year

Foley, AL – September 19, 2025 – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Steve Bailey as the 2025 Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year. Presented by Riviera Utilities, this prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate the true spirit of American free enterprise. Since 1976, the award has recognized leaders who embody innovation, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to their community.

Steve Bailey accepting the 2025 Walton M. Vines Person of the Year award from 2024 Winner, Doug Lipscomb

A Baldwin County native, Bailey’s story began on a dairy farm in 1968, where his passion for southern agriculture first took root. That passion led him to work at Southern Farm Supply and, in 1989, to take a bold leap of faith by founding Southern Ag Service Inc. He built the business from the ground up, selling and servicing irrigation systems and farm equipment for farmers across a wide stretch of the South—from Baldwin County to Selma and into Florida. His dedication and expertise earned him recognition as one of Reinke’s top dealers in the country, a testament to his hard work and commitment.

Bailey’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 1994, he partnered to form Sun Coast Builders, Inc., eventually becoming its sole owner. Over the years, if you’ve bowled at The Gulf Bowl in Foley or Eastern Shore Lanes, shopped for furniture at Malouf Furniture, or dined at Jesse’s on the Bay, you’ve experienced a space that Bailey helped create. Known as “the man behind the scenes,” he turned blueprints into reality, building the very places where our community gathers and thrives. Recently, he entrusted Sun Coast Builders to his long-time friend James Linton, ensuring the company’s strong foundation continues for years to come.

Yet Bailey’s true character extends far beyond his business accomplishments. For decades, he has been a pillar of support for countless organizations. In the early 1990s, he began cooking for the American Heart Association Rodeo, a tradition that grew into a 30-year commitment to the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Rodeo. His generosity in the kitchen has served thousands, but his vision has impacted countless more.

He was also a driving force behind the creation of St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, a dream that took eight years of dedicated fundraising and planning to make a reality. Today, as a board member of the Dream Center of Baldwin County since 2022, he is overseeing the construction of a 7,000-square-foot building—a project he secured as a donation to provide underprivileged youth with the holistic support they need to succeed.

Bailey also serves on the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals for the City of Foley and has been the Landowner Relations representative for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival since its inception. Whether building structures or building relationships, his dedication remains unwavering.

When not shaping the community, Bailey enjoys traveling with his wife, Katy, and visiting their six children and six (soon to be seven) grandchildren. He has built businesses, strengthened communities, and most importantly, nurtured a loving family.

This year’s Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Summit also featured an engaging panel discussion led by Jim Bibby, South Baldwin Chamber Board Chairman, who served as moderator and posed questions to the panelists. The discussion spotlighted business leaders making an impact in our region: Doug Lipscomb with RiverView Turf, Michelle McConnell with South Baldwin Social, and David Powell with Liongard — who is also the grandson of Walton M. Vines, for whom the event is named.

We were also thrilled to welcome students from our EPIC program to the Summit. These future leaders had the opportunity to learn about free enterprise firsthand, hear directly from our panel of speakers, and gain valuable insight into what free enterprise truly means.

The summit honoring Bailey was attended by over 100 business leaders and community members. The event was broadcast live by Clark Stewart of Radio Baldwin WHEP, and a recorded podcast is available online. A special thanks to Texas Roadhouse of Foley for providing the delicious catering.

“Steve Bailey exemplifies what the Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year represents,” said Travis Valentine, President/CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “He is a true builder, a tireless volunteer, and a humble heart who reminds us all that the greatest structures we can build are the ones that connect us to one another.”

For more information about the Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Award and to see a list of all winners, visit southbaldwinchamber.com/wmv-free-enterprise-summit.

View photos from the 2025 event