For a quarter of a century, Williams Trew has shaped the Fort Worth real estate landscape with integrity, expertise, and a deep connection to the community it proudly serves. Co-founded in 2000 by Martha Williams, Joan Trew, and Marshall Boyd, the firm quickly became synonymous with personalized service, collaborative spirit, and exceptional market knowledge. Today, as it celebrates 25 years of success, Williams Trew continues to lead with the same client-focused values that sparked its founding, only now, on an even greater scale.
"Being part of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has always been an important part of how we stay connected to our business community," says Carolyn McCann, Sales Leader of Williams Trew. "It gives us the opportunity to build lasting relationships, contribute to the city’s growth, and reinforce our commitment to being a trusted local resource."
A Visionary Beginning
Martha Williams and Joan Trew weren’t just longtime colleagues, they were two of Fort Worth’s top-producing real estate agents when they founded Williams Trew in 2000. With a combined 44 years of experience, Trew with 23 years and Williams with 21, they were already deeply established in the city’s residential market. In 1999 alone, they sold more than 100 homes totaling over $50 million in sales volume.
But success alone wasn’t the goal. Together with fellow co-founder Marshall Boyd, they envisioned a company that could offer more personalized service in a boutique setting, one defined by collaboration, professionalism, and purpose.
“This is a dream that Joan and I have always had,” said Martha Williams in a 2000 interview. “To have our own company, to be able to offer more services in a smaller setting with more of a teamwork approach.”
Williams also credits Trew’s influence as essential to the company’s formation and success.
“When Marshall and I met about forming a new company, I said I’m not going to do it without Joan Trew,” Williams reflected. “She was the queen of the southwest side of Fort Worth … She was a machine, and I knew that she could make this company successful.”
At the time, they hoped to grow the firm to around 20 agents and serve Fort Worth, its surrounding counties, and rural ranch properties. They were equally passionate about serving clients at every life stage.
“We both enjoy first-time buyers as much as we enjoy the executive home buyer,” said Joan Trew. “And if home buyers are new to the area, we sell the city.”
The company quickly grew beyond their early expectations, building a name that would become synonymous with service, integrity, and excellence.
But for Williams and Trew, success wasn’t measured only by sales. It was about culture and community.
“I’m proud that we were able to create this environment where people want to come to work,” said Williams. “And one of the most important things for us over the past 25 years has been our involvement in the community.”
That community involvement has included support for organizations like The Cliburn, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Cook Children’s Medical Center, the Presbyterian Night Shelter, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank, a reflection of their personal commitment to Fort Worth’s well-being.
As Hunter Enis, chairman of the Fort Worth Business Executive of the Year selection committee, once said:
“They are real pioneers when it comes to women entrepreneurs. Not only have they demonstrated strong business judgment, but more importantly, uncompromising business ethics.”
Honoring a Legacy
Joan Trew, who passed away earlier this year, remains a beloved figure in Fort Worth real estate. Hundreds attended her funeral, a true testament to her legacy and the countless lives she impacted. Her charisma, commitment to clients, and mentorship helped shape not only the company but the community around it.
Martha Williams continues to be an active and influential leader in both real estate and civic life. Named among the top one percent of Realtors nationally, she remains hands-on in residential sales. Her community contributions are equally notable, having served on the boards of UT Southwestern Medical Foundation, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Country Day School, and the Van Cliburn Foundation. She also served as President of the Junior League of Fort Worth and was the founding president of the Fort Worth Professional Women’s Organization.
A Look at Williams Trew Today
Much has changed in 25 years, but Williams Trew’s commitment to service, collaboration, and results remains as strong as ever.
Today, Williams Trew is home to 125 experienced agents and operates three thriving offices, on Camp Bowie and South Hulen in Fort Worth, and a third in Parker County. It boasts leading market share in the majority of Fort Worth ZIP codes, reflecting both its reputation and results.
Its agents are known for working collaboratively, a hallmark of the culture established by Williams and Trew from the start. Many team members have been with the firm for 15 or 20 years, and six of the original agents from 2000 are still active and selling real estate today.
“What makes Williams Trew so special is that we still lead with relationships,” says Carolyn McCann, Sales Leader of Williams Trew. “Our agents are not only knowledgeable, they genuinely support one another. That kind of culture isn’t just rare, it’s foundational to our success.”
From off-market sales driven by internal networking to complex negotiations handled with integrity, the Williams Trew team is unified by a single goal: getting the best results for their clients and guiding every transaction to the closing table.
“Williams Trew is a perfect example of a company that honors its history while continuing to grow, innovate, and lead,” says Betsy Cameron, President of the Ebby Halliday Companies. “Their commitment to collaboration, community, and excellence makes them not only a vital part of our family, but a benchmark for the industry.”
Looking Ahead
Now a proud part of the Ebby Halliday Companies and HomeServices of America, Williams Trew is poised for continued impact in Fort Worth and beyond. With a team of agents who are not only deeply embedded in their communities but who also work together to deliver superior service, the next 25 years look as promising as the first.
From a visionary idea to a market leader, Williams Trew’s journey is one of resilience, heart, and an unwavering focus on the people it serves. Congratulations to Williams Trew Real Estate on 25 years of excellence!
Learn more at www.williamstrew.com