Steve has spent nearly three decades serving as a youth and family pastor. During those years he worked closely with students, parents, and ministry leaders and saw firsthand how powerful shared experiences can be in building relationships and community. He also noticed that many leaders wanted to create those kinds of environments but lacked the tools and resources to do it well.

That insight led Steve to begin creating practical solutions.

He is the creator of 9 Square in the Air, a group game now used by thousands of churches, camps, and schools around the world to help people connect through fun, competition, and shared experience.

Steve is also the founder of Engage Family Ministries, where he equips parents with practical tools to navigate modern challenges such as technology, anxiety, and raising resilient kids in today’s culture. Through The Best Group Games and The Best Playgrounds, he helps organizations discover games, recreation equipment, and playground solutions that bring people together.

Family has always been central to Steve’s life and work. Steve and his wife Sara homeschooled their four daughters, building a family culture where learning, faith, and everyday life happen together.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys traveling with his family, reading widely, playing board games, and grilling or smoking meat for friends and family. He is also a longtime Star Wars and Marvel fan. The Otey family shares their home with their lovable Labrador Retreiver, Willow.