The William C. Jennings Award stands as a testament to the legacy of William C. Jennings, Sr., a distinguished figure in Texas real estate who dedicated his career to leadership and excellence. The award honors individuals who embody their values, recognizing outstanding commercial real estate transactions that benefit clients, enhance community life, and drive economic development.Ultimately, the William C. Jennings Award serves as a prestigious platform to celebrate exceptional achievements in the field of commercial real estate, while simultaneously acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Texas REALTORS® to their communities.

The winner of the award will be featured in Texas REALTOR® magazine and be nominated for recognition at the national level.

William C. Jennings, Sr. served as president of the Fort Worth Board of REALTORS®, president of Texas REALTORS®, and served on the Executive Board of the National Association of REALTORS®. He founded the Commercial Investment Division of Texas REALTORS® and was appointed by the governor of Texas to be chairman of the Texas Real Estate Research Center. His career accomplishments were recognized when he received the REALTORS® statewide award for the commercial real estate transaction of the year, and a real estate professorship at the University of Texas at Austin was named in his honor. The William C. Jennings Award embodies his dedication to service and professional excellence.

View previous winners

Who can enter: All commercial brokers and agents who are members of Texas REALTORS®. Only transactions closed between January 1, 2024, through November 30, 2024, will be eligible for consideration.

Eligibility:

  • Any deal closed and completed within the past 3 years from the application submission date.
  • Active Texas REALTOR® member (team submissions allowed, with at least one member being an active Texas REALTOR®).
  • The deal must benefit the client, enhance the community’s quality of life, and contribute to the economic development of the applicant’s market.

Award Guidelines and Judging Rules

Application Requirements:

  • Narrative describing the deal and its impact.
  • User-friendly application format.
  • Evidence of improved communication with local associations.
  • Documentation of the deal’s impact on quality of life and community benefits.
  •  Documentation of the deal’s contribution to economic development.
  • Confirmation of the deal’s closure within the past 3 years.
  • Description of the applicant’s role in the project.
  • Before and after pictures of the project.
  • Confirmation that the team includes at least one Texas REALTOR® member.
  • One entry per Texas REALTOR®.

Judging Criteria:

  • Overall impact of the deal.
  • Creativity and innovation of the deal.
  • Sustainability of the deal.
  • Applicant’s role in the deal.
  • Quality of the application.

Award Winner Perks:

  • Plaque and recognition at the annual Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting Awards Luncheon.
  • Feature in a press release and on the Texas REALTORS® website.
  • Nomination for recognition at the national level.

The judging panel consists of:

  • Texas REALTORS® Commercial Committee Leadership.
  • The immediate past chair of the Texas REALTORS® Commercial Committee
  • Texas Realtors Association® Staff

Application Timeline:

  • Applications accepted from October 1st to December 1st.
  • Judging begins in December.
  • Winner notified in December and recognized at the annual Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting in February.

Past Winners

Year Recipient
2022  Imran Bhaidani 2021  Cesar Cepeda 2020  Alison Blalock 2019  Will Northern 2018 The Wheeler Group 2017 Heather Konopka Chavez 2016 Coy Garrett 2015 Jef Conn 2014 Mike Boyd 2013 no winner named 2012 Ken Wimberly 2011 David Glasscock 2010 Cody Harris 2009 no winner named 2008 Charlie Foxworth 2007 Frank H. Fitzgerald 2006 Brady Collier 2005 Richard Minker and Ted St. Clair Jr. 2004 John Talhelm and Kevin Erck 2003 John Maddux 2002 Stephen Fithian 2001 Scott Morse and Scott Jessen 2000 Conrad Bernard and Mike Boyd 1999 William E. Stonaker 1998 Robert F. Duncan Jr. 1997 Doug Jennings 1996 Jon Spellman & Jay Lucas 1995 Joe Adame 1994 Stewart O. Robinson & Stephen N. Montgomery 1993 Tom Stacy 1992 David Etzold 1991 Robert DeLancy 1990 Robert E. Knight 1989 John H. McCrocklin 1988 John H. McCrocklin 1987 Mark Sorrell 1986 Carey Cox 1985 R. Kelley Parker, III