A Look at the Last 50 Years + Beyond

Vintage TTW logo - 1970s - black

In 1972, two real estate greats and a young rookie came together to form what would become a legendary partnership — one that continues to lead the Rome-Floyd County market some five decades later!

VIDEO: 5 Decades of 5-Star Service in NW Georgia

TIMELINE: TTW at 50

Our story is the result of more than seven fruitful decades of dedicated visionaries, innovative ideas, seized opportunities, strategic mergers, and an ever-optimistic outlook of the future.

Join us on a trip down memory lane through this dynamic timeline that showcases these visionaries and their contributions to the Rome-Floyd County community and beyond! We hope that you enjoy this digital archive as we relive some of the many highlights of our company’s long history — past, present and future. 

How it all began…

ADRIAN HOWELL & COMPANY
1949
Adrian Howell & Company opens its doors to Rome and Floyd County
Adrian Howell & Co. - Mount Alto home for sale

The original predecessor of Toles, Temple & Wright is established by Adrian Howell, a local businessman. Adrian Howell & Company sets a new standard and lays the foundation for the prominent real estate developments, careers and other brokerages that would follow in the years to come.

Click here to read about Adrian's life.

1951
North Hills becomes one of Rome's first subdivisions
North Hills - entrance - Robert Redden

Adrian Howell & Company breaks ground and develops North Hills off Calhoun Avenue in North Rome. The development of the ranch home community, evocative of the 1950s, helps pave the way for the many neighborhoods that would follow.

1954
Covington enters real estate, joins AH&Co.

Jim Covington - headshot

North Carolina native James “Jim” Covington joins Adrian Howell & Company as its newest agent, coming over from Burlington Mills in the Shannon community. Upon joining AH&Co., he quickly moves into building and real estate development.

Click here to learn more
about Jim.

ADRIAN HOWELL & COVINGTON
1957
Specialists in the Sale of Quality Homes
Brokerage rebrands as Adrian Howell & Covington
Adrian Howell & Covington - Maplewood home for sale

As the company evolves while serving the Rome-Floyd market, so does the name, reflecting its ownership. Adrian Howell & Covington is born.​

1957
Fieldwood becomes one of first premier developments
Fieldwood - entrance - Robert Redden

Jim Covington and Adrian Howell break ground on a new subdivision located on a Kingston Highway property purchased by Dr. Warren Gilbert of Harbin Clinic. The FIELDWOOD development creates buzz in the local real estate market and begins an exciting new chapter for the firm. ​

1960s
Rome's earliest subdivisions begin to take off

Adrian Howell and Covington expand on the successful reception of Fieldwood with additional wooded neighborhoods, including SADDLE MOUNTAIN, RIVERMONT, MAPLEWOOD SQUARE and portions of HORSELEG ESTATES (pictured).​

1966
Toles is hired by AH&C as company's sales manager
Max Toles - Homes for Living headshot

Local entrepreneur C. Max Toles begins his career with the company that would one day bear his name. He initially serves the Adrian Howell & Covington team as its sales manager.​

Click here to read more
about Max's life.

COVINGTON & TOLES
1968
Select Homes for Better Living
Firm reenters market as Covington & Toles

Covington & Toles logo - Palette

With changing ownership and new players, Adrian Howell & Covington officially becomes Covington & Toles, continuing in seamless transition with a steadfast commitment. The company takes over and continues the development and marketing of its neighborhoods.​

Click here to view an ad from this era.

1971
C&T welcomes Brinkman
Rick Brinkman - 1971

After graduating from Georgia Tech, Richard “Rick” O. Brinkman, III is approached and offered a position as the newest agent on Covington & Toles’ growing sales team.

Click here to read an article about
the Covington & Toles team.

1971
Temple enters the world of real estate and development
Brooke Temple - Homes for Living headshot

After completing his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Alabama native and Shorter College graduate Brooke Temple is approached by Max Toles, who convinces him to enter the real estate business as a licensed agent and member of the sales team at Covington & Toles.​

Click here to learn more
about Brooke.

1972
River Ridge continues a domino effect down Horseleg Creek Road
Tudor home - 6 Kensington Rd - River Ridge

RIVER RIDGE is developed by Max Toles and Charles Sheron as a residential community of "high esteem and quality" — with classic elegance and formality. Building on the successful reception of similar neighborhoods like Horseleg Estates and Rivermont, River Ridge helps spur additional subdivisions down Rome’s wooded corridor.

1972
Covington sells his share to Toles

Upon the sale of Jim Covington's interest in Covington & Toles, Max Toles then sells 50% to Brooke Temple — which ultimately leads to a new name and the next chapter. Adrian Howell and Jim Covington’s lasting legacy will always be underscored by spearheading the development of many of Rome’s early planned neighborhoods; as well as commercial developments including Professional Court.

1972
Sara Wright is recruited to serve as associate broker
Sara Wright - Homes for Living headshot

The legendary Sara Wright of Sara Wright Real Estate is hired by Toles & Temple to be the company’s newest associate broker. Although not a part owner herself, Wright's surname brought such prestige that Toles and Temple agreed it must be incorporated into their branding and company name.​

Click here to read more about
Sara's life.

TOLES, TEMPLE & WRIGHT
1972
Specialists in Better Homes
A New chapter in Rome-Floyd County real estate

The firm goes to market for the very first time as Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc. The company as we know it today is born — built on a legacy and continuity of ownership that remains.

Click here to take a closer look at
this ad from the Yellow Pages.

1973
Toles, Temple & Wright moves into its first HQ
Original TTW offices

The newly-formed Toles, Temple & Wright (TTW) reopens at 4 Professional Court, located across from the original Holiday Inn on Turner McCall Boulevard.​

Click here to view a clipping that highlights the "new home."

1970s
TTW methodically grows its team of real estate professionals
TTW Team - 1970s

The real estate brokerage commits to a growth strategy that includes seeking out and recruiting quality agents along the way.​

Click here to view the
"Homes for Living" brochure.

1974
Woodfin Estates proves to be successful business venture
Woodfin - lots

Brooke Temple and Wayne Robinson partner to develop phases II, III and IV of Woodfin Estates off Chulio Road. The opportunity in Rome’s East side helps create an exciting momentum that leads to other successful developments, including the River Place subdivision on Horseleg Creek Road.​

Click here to learn more about Woodfin Estates.

1976
The Firm opens its first branch

A second TTW office is established in West Rome at 1204 Shorter Avenue, nearly doubling the company overnight. Rick Brinkman is tapped to serve as branch manager.​

Click here to view an ad announcing the opening.

mid-1970s
TTW sees opportunity to meet housing demand
Riverridge - Section II plat

Brooke Temple becomes a developing partner with Max Toles, forever changing the community and impacting the growth of Rome as new developments dot the Floyd County map. Nine new subdivisions include as many as 300 quality residential lots, becoming an important part of TTW's offerings.​

late-1970s
The Company grows its commercial business
Westside Village Shopping Center

TTW expands commercial offerings across various developments, including serving as leasing agent for the Westside Village Shopping Center in West Rome.​

Click here to read about TTW's role
in Westside Village.

1980s
Floyd County sees explosion of population growth

Growing industry, including Rome’s medical community, translates into an even more pressing need for housing developments at a time when the local market isn’t keeping up with demand. Seeing the opportunities, Temple and Robinson strategically target the type of persona relocating into Floyd County, while also working alongside recruiters to promote its unique quality of life. Some of the developments to take root at this time include Brookwood West and Collinwood Place (pictured).​

1980
Robinson enters local real estate, development

Wayne Robinson joins TTW as an agent, later moving into construction and real estate development after successful ventures in Woodfin Estates and River Place.

1983
Huntcliff sets new standard

Huntcliff sign - Wayne and Brooke with Chamber of Commerce award

The development of the Huntcliff subdivision proves to be a strategic opportunity to continue creating neighborhoods that build on the strengths of earlier subdivisions, while adding much needed high-end residential products to the market.

Click here to learn more about Huntcliff.

1983
Mixon becomes part of the TTW family
Ronnie Mixon

Considered by many to be the quintessential “hometown real estate archive,” Ronnie Mixon of Ronnie Mixon Real Estate is recruited to become TTW's sales manager.​

Click here to read more about
Ronnie's life.

mid-1980s
Max Toles moves on to pursue new adventures

Max Toles - 1976 Christmas party-REVMax Toles leaves TTW after nearly two decades with the company, retiring to Florida. As Toles is transitioning out, Brooke Temple begins building more residential developments with Wayne Robinson.

1985
Colony Park greatly increases the local inventory of condos

Colony Park layoutColony Park is developed by Temple and Robinson as a unique condo concept in a residential district, featuring a mix of 1-, 1 ½- and 2-story homes in East Rome.

1990
Hunters Glen comes to fruition
Hunters Glen - brochure photo

Temple and Robinson team up again to carve out the Hunters Glen subdivision from Horseleg Creek farm land once owned by the Petropole family.

Click here to learn more about Hunters Glen.

1990
Relocated & Reinvigorated

TTW moves into its present-day office — a beautiful Georgian-style brick building just three blocks from the original headquarters. The relocation to 611 Turner McCall Boulevard coincides with a new era in the local real estate industry, which had since become especially vibrant and alive. ​

1990s
More TTW developments help meet the demand
Oaks at Collinwood - Collage

TTW continues to drive supply in the housing market across different segments and price points all over Floyd County, including the Oaks at Collinwood, the area’s first cluster home development of its kind.

Click here to take a closer look at
the Oaks at Collinwood.

1994
Sara Wright bids farewell
Sara Wright in retirement

Associate broker Sara Wright retires from TTW after an illustrious career in real estate, which inevitably saw her name on countless listings; as well as within the letterhead of successful brokerages all across Rome.

Click here to read Sara's
farewell letter.

1995
Maplewood East becomes Rome's first swim/tennis community
Maplewood East house - logo overlay

Temple and Robinson collaborate to develop the neighborhood’s third phase and continue to fulfill the area’s specific need for residential properties at higher price points.

Click here to learn more about Maplewood East.

1997
Berry Forest enters the inventory mix as one of area's first golf course communities

On land once part of the original Berry family estate, Stonebridge Golf Club gives rise to Berry Forest, a development created in partnership between TTW and Berry College. The adjacent Fairways subdivision soon follows.

Click here to learn more about
Berry Forest.

2002
A New upscale gated apartment community emerges in Rome
Hamilton Ridge - sign

Brooke Temple and Wayne Robinson partner to develop and open Hamilton Ridge, one of the area's first luxury apartment communities of its kind.

2002
TTW becomes a multi-generational family business
Bill Temple receiving award from Brooke

Following his success working in business development in Atlanta, Bill Temple comes home to Rome to join his father as a second-generation real estate agent.

Click here to learn more
about Bill.

2006
The Firm fosters an environment that promotes longevity
Jack Busbin and Ben Lucas - RN-T feature

Real estate powerhouses like Jack Busbin and Ben Lucas continue to serve the local market as part of TTW well into their 70s and 80s.

Click here to read an article about why they weren't "ready to call it quits."

2008
The Housing market collapses
Housing market crash - bw

With a continued commitment to professionalism and honesty, TTW survives the real estate market collapse. Not every developer and brokerage are as fortunate.

2011
Lambert Realty joins TTW
Von Lambert and Sharon Lambert Mathis

Von Lambert and Sharon Lambert Mathis, formerly of Lambert Realty and Lambert, Dixon & Tate, bring their combined years of expertise and book of business to the TTW community.

2011
The River Center is renovated
River Center - Facade - Blue Fin & Firehouse Subs

Brooke Temple leads the redevelopment of the former site of the Holiday Inn on Turner McCall Boulevard into the River Center – now home to BlueFin, Buffalo Wild Wings and Firehouse Subs.

2012
Bill Temple named company's VP
Bill Temple - headshot

REALTOR Bill Temple is promoted as TTW’s new vice president, later receiving his broker’s license.

2016
TTW debuts new website

To better serve the needs of buyers and sellers who have become increasingly savvy in the digital space, TTW undergoes a year-long process to develop and launch a brand new content-focused website.​

Click here to view
the homepage.

2016
Company launches dynamic relocation guide
Roman Resource - map with pins

The Roman Resource, powered by TTW, debuts as a companion to the company's new website. The centerpiece of the groundbreaking platform is an interactive map of Rome-Floyd County that includes various dynamic filters designed to help users sift through different features and facets found within “the South's Best Kept Secret.”

Click here to access the
Roman Resource.

2018
Susan Jones promoted

TTW’s Susan Jones is promoted to sales leadership upon receiving her broker’s license. The Rome native joined the company in 2005 when she began her career as a licensed real estate agent. ​

Click here to learn more
about Susan.

2018
Harrington Realty moves over to TTW
Jackie Harrington - HR headshot

Long-time REALTOR Jackie Harrington becomes part of the TTW team, bringing along with her fellow colleagues from Harrington Realty.

2019
TTW wins Best of Rome yet again
Best of Rome

The brokerage and its agents are honored by Rome News-Tribune readers as winner of the "Real Estate Company" category in the Best of Rome competition for the second time after its first honor in 2016.​

2020
The Company brings business brokerage to Rome

TTW expands its commercial offerings into business brokerage, becoming the first and only local real estate agency with the expertise to market businesses and connect qualified buyers with owners looking to start a new chapter. ​

Click here to learn more about
the service.

2020
TTW experiences record year

Decade of Success graphic - 2010-20 (cropped)
Among some of the silver linings to emerge from 2020 is a record year of sales revenue for TTW and its agents, capping off a “Decade of Success” and industry leadership in Floyd County real estate.

2021
TTW collaborates with Barney Fletcher Schools
Barney Fletcher - agent instructors (2021)

The company, in partnership with Barney Fletcher Schools, offers the Success Through Learning program to area professionals actively seeking their real estate license. Each exam prep course is taught by a TTW agent.

Click here to learn more
about the partnership.

2021
Brooke Temple celebrates 50 years in real estate

Brooke Temple - casual

Principal broker Brooke Temple continues to be involved in the day-to-day operations of Toles, Temple & Wright some 50 years later. He remains a stalwart, consistent force in the community, offering a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to his fellow colleagues in the real estate industry.

Click here to send a congratulatory message to one of our favorites!

TTW @ 50
2022
Developing Relationships & Communities
Company celebrates 5 decades as TTW

TTW Logo Seal - 50th anniversary

Tracing back its roots to the original Adrian Howell & Company of the late 1940s, the brokerage commemorates both its 50th year of service to the Rome-Floyd community as Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc., and, a 72nd anniversary operating as a small business based right here in Rome.

Click here to read more about the anniversary celebration.

Today
Another 50 years begin ...

Start your new chapter with TTW!

Click here to become part
of our story.

 2024 Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce Equal Housing Opportunity Georgia Multiple Listing Service