By Lori Leath Smith
Local contractor Tom Stein had a hunch—he predicted there would be a need for quality and affordable site development in our area. That was more than 35 years ago when he had moved to Walton County to help found the community of Seaside located on then rural County Road 30a.
A good decision, I would say, with Seaside now a popular destination hailing worldwide attention and visitors. But seeing the need for development services further in our local counties, he formed Thomas Stein Inc. and has been running the business ever since.
Tom has worked many years in the landscaping field using a shovel or operating a tractor and has tons of experience in many needed roles to qualify him and his team for general contracting needs. His daughter, Sarah, also a licensed General Contractor in the state of Florida, manages the office in Freeport. Together they have assembled an experienced team that many local customers already know and trust for storm water solutions, water and sewer systems, landscaping grading and materials and site development.
Tom’s team finds and implements the most effective solutions to residential and commercial run off and standing water problems. “We install systems as well as retention ponds and piping to alleviate unwanted water from your property,” he says. His underground utility contractors are capable of installing water mains and services, water lines, fire hydrants, sewers, and more in both residential and commercial properties.
For landscaping, Tom says they stock, deliver and install materials to suit your roadway, masonry, sand or driveway needs whether residential or commercial.
And last, but not least, Tom’s team will review your plans and provide you with an economical and honest price for your project. In addition to his state-licensed general contractors, his team holds licenses in plumbing and underground utilities as well. So, they are capable of all aspects of site development including land clearing, demolition, cut and fill operations, pipe installation, storm water system installation, installing concrete curbs and sidewalks, roads, pavers and retaining walls. You can also order landscape materials by the truck load—everything from fill dirt, gravel, coral, crushed concrete, county approved white sand, inland shell, limestone, river rock, top soil and screenings.
Tom also serves as the code enforcement chairman for Walton County and has for many years. As true locals, Tom and his daughter know the area and have formed decades-long impactful and lasting relationships.
Tom and his wife, Janet, a long-time educator in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties, raised their children in Walton County and opened their corporate office in Freeport and an executive office in Santa Rosa Beach.
Tom says no detail for your job or project is too small and prides himself on his devotion to get the job done right the first time. “Our pricing is fair; we aren’t the low pricing guy, we’re the right guy,” he always says.
Located at 9323 U.S. Highway 331 South, Freeport, or 78B Ricker Ave., Santa Rosa Beach, contact Sarah at (850) 231-5115 or sarah@tsteininc.com. Or visit www.tsteininc.com.
