Teresa Williamson, President, Roberts Brothers, Inc.

The first non-family member to lead the residential real estate giant talks local market trends, her career path and how the company gives back. 

photography by Kevin Zhou 

When Teresa Williamson and her husband, Tim, decided to return home to Mobile after spending two years in Oklahoma pursuing a business venture, the housing market was facing significant challenges. The U.S. real estate industry was poised for a downturn. Between 2007 and 2010, the U.S. housing bubble burst, with the American subprime mortgage crisis creating financial ripples felt across the globe. Like many homeowners during that period, the Williamsons found themselves navigating an extended home sale while managing the process from another state.

“Our competition was new construction, so it was somewhat of a struggle to sell that property while we were living afar,” Williamson recalled. The experience gave her a firsthand understanding of the uncertainty and emotions many consumers face during a real estate transaction. After nearly two years on the market, the home eventually sold, allowing the couple to complete their move back to Alabama. Today, Williamson still draws on that experience. As president of Roberts Brothers, Inc., she often reminds agents that behind every transaction is a family making important financial and personal decisions.

“I understand it from a personal side, as well as from being a real estate professional,” she said.

Williamson earned a degree in business with a focus on management and finance from the University of Mobile. Growing up in Mobile, she was keenly aware of her interest in business and entrepreneurship. That interest led her and her husband to Oklahoma before they moved home to be closer to family as both of their fathers faced health challenges. Upon returning, Williamson joined Roberts Brothers as a sales associate, combining her business background with an interest in the real estate industry. While she was initially drawn to the valuation and analytical side of the business, she quickly developed a broader appreciation for helping clients navigate important life and financial decisions.

As the market recovered, Williamson’s responsibilities within the company continued to grow. Over the years, she progressed through a series of leadership roles, ultimately being named president in 2022. As the first person outside the Roberts family (as well as the first woman) to lead the company, Williamson oversees one of the Gulf Coast’s most established real estate organizations.

As Baldwin County continues to grow, Bay Minette is attracting attention from buyers looking for more space and value while still maintaining convenient access to employment centers and the rest of the region. 

Williamson (TW) graciously took the time to speak with your author (KW) from her office at company headquarters on the Beltline just north of Dauphin Street about her career path, the company’s evolution and local real estate trends.

KW: Tell me about when you first joined Roberts Brothers.

TW: When I was a brand-new agent, I really did not yet know what I needed to know. The only thing I knew was that Roberts Brothers had an excellent level of professionalism, and I knew that from personal experience. Every time my husband and I made a purchase or a sale, it was handled by agents who were connected to Roberts Brothers. They always treated us with the utmost care, and we developed really good relationships with them. They knew the things that we needed; they knew the questions to ask.

I credit my early development in the business to several key mentors. My broker, Sandy Purvis, helped me establish strong business practices and develop a relationship-centered approach. Annie Powell, Roberts Brothers’ Career Development director at the time, along with several experienced agents, helped me navigate paperwork and transactions while building confidence in this new career. In 2013, Purvis began stepping back and approached me about succeeding her as managing broker for the company’s North Mobile office. It was a tremendous vote of confidence. Sandy invested in my development; she believed I was prepared to lead.

Just a year later, Daniel Dennis, who was Roberts Brothers president at the time, asked me if I would take over one of the largest offices, which is the West Mobile office. I really started to excel at that. We were able to grow that office to some great successes. There was a thriving culture between work and fun, the number of agents grew to more than 100 in that single location and we exceeded the number of actual closings of any other branch or company. During that time, I also was named general manager for the company. In late 2021, Daniel made the decision to take a position out of state with another organization. He and I had developed a unique working relationship that enabled us to work behind the scenes to make sure the transition was as smooth as possible. I’ve always had great people around me, and I think that is what affords me such great success.

KW: You seem very passionate about residential real estate — helping people sell or find their home. Describe what Roberts Brothers does. Is it all residential?

TW: We have all facets, from prelicense instruction, ongoing agent training and business development, relocation services, brokerage (residential and commercial sales) and now offer title and mortgage services. Many years ago, when Johnny Roberts was president and he and his cousins owned the operation together, there came a time where they each decided they would carve out their own paths, one that was led by David and Ben T. Roberts, and the one that most people know as the residential and market leader, Roberts Brothers, which is what we are. I would say we are 90% focused on residential real estate. We’ve been the market leader in Mobile and Baldwin counties focusing on just residential. We have, in the past few years, delved back into commercial. A lot of our agents have relationships with people who own commercial properties, unique properties, so we’ve been able to tap into that since we have experienced agents who understand that world. We also do long-term and short-term property management. Long-term property management involves properties that sit on both sides of the bay, and we manage over 500 properties.

KW: Do you have enough manpower to handle that?

TW: We have an exceptional team with a strong service mindset. Our Director of Property Management Anna Boston leads a highly efficient operation and does an outstanding job balancing the needs of both property owners and residents. While the team is relatively small, they have built processes that allow them to manage a large portfolio effectively while maintaining a high level of personal service. Property management is often where people first enter the housing market journey with us. Some are relocating to Mobile and need time to learn the community before purchasing a home. Others are homeowners transitioning to a rental property due to a job change, family situation or investment opportunity. On the ownership side, many clients are looking for a trusted partner to help protect and manage one of their largest investments. Our team helps guide people through those transitions every day. In many ways, property management sits at the intersection of housing, investment and community. It’s often the first relationship we establish with a client, and over time that relationship may grow into buying, selling, investing or other real estate services. That’s why it plays such an important role within our organization.

KW: What else does Roberts Brothers do outside of traditional residential real estate?

TW: We have vacation rentals on Dauphin Island (a result of Roberts Brothers acquiring ACP Real Estate Inc. in 2021¹). There are about 145 properties that are vacation rentals — both condos and homes — in the Dauphin Island area. Short-term vacation rentals are property management with a twist, that is, it has to lean more into hospitality. When we bought them, it was an industry we really didn’t fully comprehend, so we said, “We need you to help us understand it.” It’s about changing the linens and making sure the property is clean and ready and everything’s working so people who are coming for vacation have a wonderful time. It’s about making sure they have a great experience and want to return, setting the “room” to create a memorable experience. So now, we’ve got a wonderful team on Dauphin Island that does nothing but specialize in hospitality there.

KW: What are some of the hotspots in local residential real estate?

TW: Midtown remains one of Mobile’s most desirable areas. Its character, established neighborhoods and walkability continue to attract buyers. Downtown is also experiencing renewed energy as investment and revitalization efforts continue to gain momentum. Property owners, developers and organizations like the Downtown Mobile Alliance have helped create a sense of excitement about what the area can become. One of the challenges in both Midtown and Downtown is that there is very little undeveloped land remaining. Because those areas are largely built out, much of the new residential construction activity is occurring in West Mobile and Mobile County, where builders have greater opportunities to develop new communities and meet ongoing housing demand. While some are drawn to the history and character of Midtown’s older homes, others appreciate the features, floorplans and conveniences that come with new construction. Fortunately, Mobile offers both, which gives consumers a variety of options depending on their lifestyle and priorities.

Across the bay, Fairhope continues to attract buyers because of its charm, quality of life and strong sense of community. We’re also seeing significant growth in Foley, which benefits from its proximity to the beaches while expanding into residential development. Another area worth watching is Bay Minette. As Baldwin County continues to grow, Bay Minette is attracting attention from buyers looking for more space and value while still maintaining convenient access to employment centers and the rest of the region.

KW: How many employees does Roberts Brothers have?

TW: We have approximately 40 full-time employees and around 200 independent contractor agents who place their active real estate license with us. The 40 employees handle the workloads of all these agents, as well as all the other departments. It’s multilayered.

KW: Where do you see yourself professionally in five to 10 years?

TW: I believe I still have room to grow professionally, but my focus today is on helping this organization and our people grow. One of the things I enjoy most about leadership is that there is always another challenge to solve, another opportunity to pursue and another generation of leaders to develop. Each year, my team and I focus on many of the same priorities — recruiting talented professionals, investing in training, strengthening our culture and ensuring that Roberts Brothers remains well-positioned for the future. As our market evolves, we are constantly evaluating how best to serve our agents, clients and communities. This year marks our 80th anniversary, and that milestone has caused me to reflect on the responsibility we have as stewards of a company that has been part of the Gulf Coast for eight decades. A company can be 80 years old and still be forward-looking, innovative and committed to growth. That’s how I view Roberts Brothers.

My professional goal is to continue making an impact — on the people I work alongside, on the leaders who will follow us and on the communities we serve. Roberts Brothers is much more than a real estate company. Housing plays a critical role in economic development, workforce attraction and quality of life. Whether we’re helping a family purchase a home, assisting an investor, managing rental housing or sharing market insights with community leaders, we have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term success of our region.

KW: How does Roberts Brothers give back to the community?

TW: Giving back to the community can take many forms. Sometimes it’s through charitable giving and volunteer service, and other times it’s through civic leadership and helping shape the future of the region. One of the ways Roberts Brothers has long been involved in the community is through the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. That relationship spans generations. Both Daniel Dennis, our former president, and I have had the privilege of serving as chairman of the Board, and our founders, John and David Roberts, were also deeply involved in Chamber leadership and community development. Here locally, we know the transformational projects that took shape as Chamber initiatives. For example, it was instrumental in the early development efforts that helped establish the Town of Dauphin Island. Years later, when Roberts Brothers had the opportunity to bring ACP Real Estate into our company, it felt like a meaningful full-circle moment because of the shared history.

Beyond being the leader in the Mobile region, we support a number of organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Salvation Army and many local service initiatives, with our agents and staff regularly contributing their time, talent and resources to causes they care about. One effort that is especially meaningful to us is the Roberts Brothers Charitable Fund. The fund was established following the loss of children by members of our Roberts Brothers family. We wanted to honor those children and support other Gulf Coast families facing similar hardships.

Today, through the generosity of our agents and staff, the fund provides financial assistance to families navigating the serious illness or loss of a child. While we cannot remove the grief, we hope to ease some of the financial burden during an incredibly difficult time and allow families to focus on what matters most.

“Whether we’re helping a family purchase a home, assisting an investor, managing rental housing or sharing market insights with community leaders, we have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term success of our region.”

Roberts Brothers Milestones

• 1946: Two young brothers, John and David Roberts, return from serving their country in World War II and open Roberts Brothers, Inc., a real estate company in the garage of their parent’s Midtown Mobile home. Driven by work ethic, character and enterprising spirit, they go on to help thousands of Mobilians achieve property ownership.
• 1987: The company opens its first Baldwin County office.
• 2005: Roberts Brothers is acquired by HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm, which also includes a Birmingham-based affiliate.
• 2022: Teresa Williamson becomes president of Roberts Brothers, the first woman and the first person outside the Roberts family to lead the company.
• 2026: The company celebrates 80 years.

Reference

¹ “Roberts Brothers Acquires Dauphin Island Vacation Rental Group,” Business Alabama, December 23, 2021.