Steve Chayer was born and raised in Westbrook, Maine. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Detroit AOE-4, as an electrician from 1972-1975. After serving he attended Casco Bay Business College in Portland, ME.

He traveled to and lived in Anchorage, AK from 1977-1989 and started Chayer Painting Company employing 6-20 employees. There, he met Elizabeth Coyle and they were married in 1985 . Together they fished, hiked, socialized and built their respective businesses. They built a log cabin in Willow, Alaska which they still own and visit.

They moved to Seattle, Washington in 1989. Steve started Seattle Painting & Decorating Company and built the company to 60 employees and annual revenues of 1.8 million. A principal owner of American Dance Institute and the Shoreline Music School, he supports founder/director Elizabeth's greater Seattle expansion. Steve's focus is the school's business development, marketing and advertising.

They have two sons Andrew Chayer and Dennis Chayer.