Business

Community mourns Crestview native and building industry leader Jeremy Stewart

Building Industry Association leader remembered for his advocacy, mentorship and community service. Stewart began as a scholarship recipient before rising to state leadership.

Jared Williams

Jeremy Stewart, a Crestview native and prominent figure in the local building industry, has passed away.

Stewart, who twice served as president of the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties (BIAOW), began his connection with the organization as a recipient of its scholarship program before returning as a builder member. He served as the BIAOW’s local president in 2011-2012 and again in 2020.

His leadership extended to the state level when he served as president of the Florida Home Builders Association in 2017. Stewart also contributed to local governance through his service on both the Planning Commission and Construction Board for Okaloosa County.

Fellow builder and BIAOW board member Jeri Toolan of Toolan Development remembered serving alongside Stewart since the early 2000s. “Jeremy has served our city, county and state selflessly. I don’t know of any position where he was compensated. He did it out of the goodness of his heart,” Toolan said.

She noted they earned their Green Builder Certification together “before being ‘green’ was cool” and praised his expertise. “Most people didn’t know how dang smart he was,” she said, adding that Stewart convinced her to return to the BIAOW board in 2023 when he told her, “Jeri, we need you!”

Jason Carducci, a past BIAOW president, also remembered Stewart as “a close friend and mentor” whose absence “will be deeply felt.” Carducci credited Stewart with opening his eyes “to the industry’s significance and the unwavering commitment required to safeguard its interests.”

The BIAOW described Stewart as “a passionate advocate for growth, mentorship, and education” who consistently championed the next generation of builders.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker, followed by a service at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will take place after the graveside service at Gum Creek Lodge in Baker.