40 Under 40: Tourists love Sevierville. For Austin Williams, it's a home he's always building
Austin Williams, 33, CEO, Compass
Commercial real estate development is needed all over the world, but Austin Williams chooses to keep his roots in Sevierville to help grow the community he loves to call home.
Motivated by those who doubt him and a severe physical scare in his youth, "grit" keeps him moving toward further investing in his team − a team he trusts to get the job done.
When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?
I recently received the "Citizen of the Year" award from the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. This award stands out the most because of my love and passion for my hometown. I don't believe there is a professional award that I could ever receive that will have a greater meaning for me. Growing up in Sevierville, I had so many people who had a tremendous impact on my life. I have always had a great desire to make a difference here in our community, and that award was confirmation that I'm starting to accomplish that dream.
What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
My greatest professional obstacle has been the revitalization efforts of downtown Sevierville. I serve on the Sevierville Commons Association, alongside a group of young professionals who are passionate about our downtown. We spent 5-6 years of pitching a vision of what downtown Sevierville could become, with little progress and much doubt, as it had been tried for 40 years prior. However, we stayed persistent and focused on the vision without waver and, in 2018, the streetscapes project began, which was a large public project. And there has also been significant private investment made since that point.
What will you focus on in 2023?
In 2023, I will focus on my roles both personally and professionally. This focus includes building my team at Compass and further investing in my team members. As a leader, I hope to lead my team to do great things individually that will further our goals together professionally. In my personal roles, I will focus on growing in those as a husband, father and leader by prioritizing my faith, quality time with my family, consistent self-improvement and relationship maintenance.
What is your biggest professional dream?
To change my "world" by leaving it in a better place than how I found it. Currently my "world" is East Tennessee. Maybe someday that is a larger area but, for now, East Tennessee is where we focus. I hope that the businesses we create and projects we tackle improve the communities they're in, the people who they employee and the customers they serve.
What mistake did you learn the most from?
I believe making mistakes is the best way to learn, and I’ve made plenty. I learned the most from breaking my legs attempting a dirt bike jump at 19. One moment, I was invincible. The next, immobile. I spent five surgeries and two years of physical therapy learning my lesson. That experience helped to develop my grit. I walked away from that experience with the ability to use my legs and the revelation that over-confidence and risk-taking do not always equal reward. I also learned not to take things in life, like the ability to walk, for granted.
What motivates you?
Intrinsic: my purpose. Extrinsic: accomplishing something that others doubt is possible
What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?
"As the owner, you need to know how to do everything at your company." I feel that a great leader finds great people to get on the bus and makes sure they're in the right seats. Basic understanding of what each person does is needed, but you have to trust those great people to do their jobs and figure out the details.
What trait do you most want in a co-worker?
A desire to grow and learn, as well (as) the ability to collaborate and contribute toward a common goal.
What about Knoxville would you like to improve?
I believe that Knoxville, much like the rest of East Tennessee, faces a housing crisis. There is a significant need for affordable housing, and it seems to only get worse as many people are moving to our beautiful area. One of our primary goals at Compass is to play a significant role in helping to solve that crisis by developing different types of housing projects that fill different needs throughout the area.
Family: Wife Katie Williams, daughter Harper, sons Rhett and Baker
Years worked at current company: Five
Degrees and certifications: Bachelor of science in business administration, Carson-Newman University
Community involvement: United Way Board of Directors, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Sevier County Quarterback Club, Leadership Tomorrow Advisory Board, Sevierville Commons Association, Leadership Sevier Board of Directors. Previous involvement: Graduate of East TN Regional Leadership Association, graduate of Leadership Sevier, graduate of Leadership Tomorrow, Carson-Newman Alumni Board, Sevier County Republican Party Board of Directors.
This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
-Ryan Wilusz
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox News 40 Under 40 awards: Austin Williams, Compass
