Young’s Suncoast is celebrating! On this day 75 years ago, the owner and co-founder of Young’s Realty, LLC., David Bodenhamer was born into this world, destined to accomplish greatness and inspire a legacy that would have an impact on the Alabama Gulf Coast for years to come. Little did O.L. and Ginny Bodenhamer know that moving their then 3-year-old son from Stuttgart, Arkansas to Foley Alabama, they would one day be sharing him with an entire area that would come to rely on him for decades.
David took south Baldwin County by storm during his teenage years. Foley High School had no idea they would have David Bodenhamer’s name etched in their history books and on display to this day. David developed his love of sports at an early age, playing basketball and baseball throughout his school years. After his graduation in 1967, David attended Troy University, where he majored in education with a focus on history.
After graduating from Troy, David taught and coached at schools such as Fort Dale Academy in Greenville, Alabama and McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama. During the summer months in Gulf Shores, David worked alongside his high school friend, Gerald King, at Gerald’s family motel, Young’s by the Sea. It was in those moments when he would feel his true calling, which was serving people and developing accommodations to allow more visitors to enjoy the beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
After much thought, David decided to leave his coaching and education career behind and move to Gulf Shores permanently with his wife Patti. It was in 1975, when David and Gerald officially opened Sea-N-Suds Restaurant. The menu consisted of just 3 items: boiled shrimp, oysters on the half shell, and David’s grandmother’s famous gumbo. Since its early days, Sea-N-Suds has been an iconic staple along the Alabama Coast, with people from around the world craving their delectable food and southern hospitality.
In 1980, David saw a need for more lodging options as the popularity of Gulf Shores grew and captivated more visitors. David and Gerald knew it was time to take a chance on real estate development in Gulf Shores. Together they launched plans for one of the first condominiums in the area, Island Shores, which was completed in the early 80s. Young’s Realty had been established 5 years earlier and was in full swing. David and Gerald continued to develop the island, completing the Island Sunrise condo, Island Winds West and Boardwalk by 1985. All four projects are still standing and welcoming guests to Gulf Shores’ sugar white beaches.
David, his wife Patti and young daughter Jordan, were full time residents and active in the local community. Young’s Realty was thriving, and tourism was increasing faster than anticipated. David understood the importance of smart development while maintaining a family friendly paradise. It was then David started his political journey, being elected to a seat on the City Council where he served for 2 terms. In 1988, David ran for local office and was elected Mayor of Gulf Shores. He served the city in that role until 2005. As mayor, David was instrumental in the growth and enrichment of the community for both residents and visitors. During his administration he executed plans for Gulf Shores High School, Gulf Shores Sportsplex, and a recreation center which was ultimately named David L. Bodenhamer Center, as a tribute to his dedicated leadership.
In September 2004, during David’s 15th year as mayor, the unimaginable happened when Hurricane Ivan swept through and devastated the coast. The community had not seen this level of destruction since Frederic in 1979. A 14-foot storm surge and 120+ mph winds left the community, homes, and businesses in shambles. David worked tirelessly with local, State, and Federal Government assistance to get the city back on its feet and bring Gulf Shores back to life. Finally in 2005, after years of dedicated service, David left the world of politics behind to focus on his businesses.
Early that same year, David and Gerald were approached with a new business opportunity. During a lunch meeting, Travis Julian, a managing partner at Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, proposed the two companies join forces and recover from Hurricane Ivan together. On January 1, 2006, the merger between the two companies was complete and Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals began as a united front, under one name. The new brand offered property management services, association management, short term vacation rentals, long term rentals, and was a full-service real estate firm. Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals continued to build on the legacy that started in 1963, at a sleepy beachside motel named Young’s by the Sea.
On any given day you can find David sitting at his desk working to fulfil his lifelong goal of making the Alabama Gulf Coast one of the most travelled-to places in the world. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his grandson Easton, cruising around in one of his prized classic vehicles, and enjoying the company of friends he’s made along the way.
Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, along with Sea-N-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar, as well as the City of Gulf Shores, would not be what they are today without David’s influence. So, as he celebrates 75 years, we would like you to join us in wishing David Bodenhamer a Happy Birthday and express our immense gratitude for everything he has done for our company, the local community and everyone around the world who holds the Alabama Gulf Coast near and dear to their hearts.
