Three of his four grown children, Kim, Michelle and Joey, will continue working in real estate. His son, Steve, works in the landscaping business.

Ward started his career in 1960 running the companies owned by his aunt, Erie H. Meyer, who passed away at 93 in 2001. She and her husband, George C. Meyer, helped build and establish the city of Gulf Shores. The companies were Meyer Properties, Inc., Gulf Shores Realty Corporation, Gulf Land Development, Sea Mist and The George C. Meyer Foundation.

Ward sold his interest in Meyer Real Estate in 1981 to concentrate on development, and opened Wade Ward Real Estate. Ward has developed more than 40 subdivisions including Wedgewood, Gulf Shores Golf Club Estates, Laguna Key, Heritage Woods, Cypress Park, 200 Clubhouse and Uptown on 20th Avenue.