Born and raised in Oconee County, John Powell started in real estate 45 years ago when he got a job as a boat driver for the fledgeling Keowee Key development. Through a series of events, John eventually became a salesman in that development then went off to start his own company with Deryl Keese. In 1974, when Keese and Powell Real Estate opened their doors, Oconee County had but 40,000 people and a few scattered towns. Through the next 9 yea...