When Steve Surprenant walked away from his job at GE Healthcare for the fourth and final time at the end of 2024, it wasn’t because he ran out of energy. On the contrary, Steve simply had too many other interests to explore.
“I officially retired for the last time after 38 years with GE,” Steve said. “They kept calling me back, first to teach, then for special projects. I was happy to help, but eventually, I had to say no. I had other things going on that I really wanted to pursue.”
After a fulfilling career working on state-of-the-art positron emission tomography (PET) scanners used to detect cancer, Steve had every reason to rest. Instead, he launched himself into a wide array of activities that bring joy to others and deep satisfaction to his own life.
From poolside to the pinnacle of NCAA swim officiating
One of Steve’s biggest passions is officiating swimming events. His involvement in the sport goes back decades, to his days as a lifeguard and swim instructor. It wasn’t until his daughter started competing that he stepped into an officiating role.
“I started by helping with her club swim meets and just kept going,” he explained. “Over the years, I moved up through club, high school, small college and eventually the Big Ten. I’ve officiated at 11 NCAA championships, including eight at the Division I level.”
Steve doesn’t take the opportunity lightly. He loves the energy and competition of the meets, as well as the opportunity to be near world-class athletes.
“These are swimmers who go on to compete in the Olympics,” Steve said. “I’ve had the chance to officiate at two Olympic Trials. To be standing over a swimmer’s lane as they break a world record is an incredible experience.”
While officiating at the actual Olympic Games may be out of reach due to age limits, Steve remains grateful for what he’s been able to do.
“I’m 71, and most USA Swimming officials are in my age range,” he noted. “They only take two U.S. officials to the Olympics, so it’s pretty competitive. But being part of the NCAA and trials is more than enough for me.”
Creating joy with balloons and face paint
Steve’s retirement also gave him time to join his wife, Julie, in a business that brings smiles to hundreds of children. What began as a healing distraction for her turned into a full-fledged entertainment venture.
“Julie had retired and broken her knee during a bike ride,” Steve recalled. “She was stuck at home recovering, and I told her she needed something to do. She said, ‘I’m an artist, so maybe I’ll try face painting.’”
Starting at church events, Julie’s face painting quickly gained attention. As demand grew, clients began asking for additional services, like balloon twisting. Rather than keep hiring someone else, Steve stepped in.
“I said, I’m an engineer. I can figure this out,” he laughed. “I built my own balloon inflating equipment and started practicing. We went to seminars, watched videos and learned from other balloon artists.”
Now the couple travels to events, parties and even campgrounds to offer their unique services.
“One campground said they’d never seen so many kids show up for something,” Steve said. “They invited us back and even paid for our campsite. We’ve been returning every October for their Halloween celebration. It’s a lot of fun.”
He particularly enjoys one balloon design that always delights young boys.
“My favorite is the lightsaber,” Steve said. “I twist it so it makes noise when they swing it. There’s no actual sound device inside, rather the way it is twisted makes noise, but it blows their minds.”
Riding the open road in a home on wheels
Retirement also gave Steve and Julie the flexibility to embrace RV living. What began with rented trailers evolved into full ownership of a well-equipped travel trailer that now serves as their seasonal home.
“We started RVing about eight years ago,” Steve said. “At first, we rented trailers to see if we liked it. We did, so we bought one. Then Julie said she wanted more space, so I found another one that fit our needs perfectly.”
Their new travel trailer includes more room in the kitchen and bedroom and fits snugly into their storage space with only an inch to spare.
“We’ve taken it to Texas, Colorado, Utah’s Arches National Park, Florida and Branson,” Steve said. “This year we’re heading to Colorado for a family reunion, and we already have plans for Arizona in 2027.”
More than the scenery, it’s the people they meet along the way that make RVing so rewarding.
“We’ve made incredible friends,” Steve noted. “And a big part of that is thanks to pickleball.”
Pickleball: a passion for play and service
Three years ago, Steve picked up a paddle and quickly fell in love with pickleball. It didn’t take long before he started officiating those tournaments as well.
“My wife and I started playing for fun, but I soon got involved as an official,” he said. “Now we plan our travels around places with pickleball courts.”
Officiating at tournaments led Steve to an unexpected new job. While working at an event in Chicago, another referee asked about his background. When Steve mentioned his engineering experience, the man offered him a unique opportunity.
“He runs a pickleball sound mitigation company,” Steve said. “They assess noise levels at courts and make recommendations to reduce the sound. I had no idea that a strong pickleball smash can hit 108 decibels, which is almost jet engine level.”
Steve now helps assess courts for cities, homeowners associations, and recreational centers. He uses his technical knowledge to offer practical solutions, like acoustic fencing and quieter paddles or balls.
“It’s a niche market, but it’s growing,” he added. “I never imagined combining engineering and pickleball, but here I am.”
Mentoring the next generation at church
Through it all, Steve remains active in his faith community. After attending several churches over the years, he and Julie found a new spiritual home at Doxa Church in Madison, Wis.
“We started going there during COVID because they were still meeting in person,” Steve explained. “At first, we felt a little old compared to everyone else, but the pastor said they had been praying for more mature adults. That made us feel really welcomed.”
Now, Steve is going through the elder-in-training program and has been mentoring younger men.
“It’s a real honor,” he said. “Too often, churches set older people aside. But there’s so much value in having seasoned individuals involved in leadership and mentoring. It’s rewarding to help others grow in their faith.”
Living with purpose through teaching and learning
If there’s a philosophy that guides Steve’s life after 50, it’s simple: teach one thing and learn one thing every day.
“I’ve been trying to live that for the past 15 years,” he said. “It keeps my mind sharp and my heart humble. I don’t want to stop learning, and I want to share what I’ve learned to help others.”
Whether he’s officiating a swim meet, entertaining children, assessing noise levels or mentoring at church, Steve approaches each day with intention.
“I’m almost 71, and I still find something new to learn every day,” he said. “That’s what keeps life exciting.”
Looking back, Steve said his only regret is spending too much time focused on work early in his career.
“Before I became a Christian, I was all about climbing the ladder,” he said. “I missed out on spending time with my wife and daughter. But, once I shifted from striving to be the best to being content where I was, everything changed.”
Today, Steve enjoys a close relationship with his daughter and adores his granddaughter, who stays active in theater, dance and Girl Scouts.
“She definitely gets a lot of our attention,” he said.
For others over 50 wondering what comes next, Steve offers this advice: “Start small. Find something you enjoy. Be willing to learn. And most of all, share what you’ve learned. That’s how you stay engaged and fulfilled.”
Steve may have retired from GE, but in every other area of his life, he’s just getting started at bringing good things to life.
For more information
People can connect with Steve in several ways, including:
- Website = www.paintmyface.net
- Email = slsurp1@gmail.com
- Facebook = www.facebook.com/steve.surprenant.1
- LinkedIn = www.linkedin.com/in/steve-surprenant-81ba1b20
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.