Real Estate 2025: BALLARD, STEPHEN B.

Working from home, Ballard and his sister, Brenda, founded S.B. Ballard Construction by completing small projects for the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and minor renovations for their neighbors.

Over the course of the past 40 years, Ballard has served as a project manager, superintendent, estimator, carpenter and laborer. As CEO of S.B. Ballard Construction, he oversees all construction operations and corporate functions, including strategic planning, project management, estimating, business development, corporate communications, safety and quality. In 2023, Jason Armstrong succeeded Ballard as president.

In January, the company finished Aviva Pembroke, a Virginia Beach senior living community with more than 150 residential units, as well as a spa, aquatic center and fitness center.

Also in January, the developers of the forthcoming $750 million Norfolk casino announced their construction team; Ballard Construction and Mississippi’s Yates Construction, which built Rivers Casino Portsmouth, are teaming up again. Construction began in February.

Ballard is a member of the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Concrete Institute and the American Society of Concrete Contractors.Return to the full list of this category’s recipients.

Return to the full list of this category’s recipients.