In the heart of Downtown Lubbock, a renaissance is underway, and at the forefront of this revitalization effort is Dan Williams, founder of Williams and Company Real Estate and chairman of the Downtown Lubbock’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Board.
Meet Dan Williams
With a passion for community development and an eye for opportunity, Williams has become a driving force in the city’s urban core.
Williams' journey into real estate began in 2006, but early years in Muleshoe, TX, shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. There, his family immersed him in the world of small businesses: Williams General Store and Williams Brothers Office Supply.
"I started working in the family business when I was twelve," Williams said. “I learned to be a buyer at market, and grew up going to market…So I always knew I wanted to be in sales,” said Williams.
After high school, Williams attended Lubbock Christian University, and he says that’s what helped him integrate his business acumen with his faith—a combination that has profoundly influenced his approach to real estate and community development. "I think that my faith and my business mind are not separate," he says. "They intersect in everything I do." This holistic perspective led him to start a real estate firm that focuses on financial success, adds genuine value to clients' lives, and contributes positively to the community.
Bringing the Entrepreneurial Spirit to Avenue J
When it came time to establish Williams and Company Real Estate, Dan knew exactly where the office should be—right in the heart of Downtown Lubbock. "When we travel, we mostly go to downtowns," said Williams as he explained why he was so passionate about Downtown Lubbock. "It's a walkable environment... where you can eat, work, and play all in the same spot."
Downtown Lubbock is extra special for Dan and his wife, who took engagement photos throughout the red-bricked streets over 16 years ago. But it wasn't just the charm of old buildings or the fun backdrops that drew Dan to base his business there. The city's grant programs, offered through Market Lubbock, provided attractive incentives for businesses looking to renovate spaces in the area.
Learn More About Market Lubbock
More Than Just Location
For Williams, being downtown is more than just an excellent office space. It's about community.
Dan says he thrives being part of the mix of local business owners and the arts. That definitely included being around the corner to his favorite eats like Dirk’s, The Pancake House, Claraboya, Triple J's, Cast Iron Grill, Italian Garden, Jaliscos, and The West Table.
It’s a passion he shares with the whole family. Most weekends, they kick off their Saturdays at The Pancake House for a family breakfast.
Giving Back to the Community
Dan's commitment to Downtown Lubbock extends beyond his business. He serves on the TIF Board, which helps fund improvements in the area. "Inside of a TIF, which is an identified boundary... the value created has to be spent inside the TIF, and we can spend it to make improvements here," he explains. This organization has helped fund important projects like burying utilities underground, creating the Tornado Memorial, and developing new park spaces.
Dan’s involvement in community development stems from those early days back in Muleshoe. "We had that small business, and so you just saw the importance of business owners' involvement in city operations," said Williams. He sees his participation as a way to give back to the community that has supported his success. For him, giving back is a way of life.
Vision for A Vibrant Future
Dan's vision for Downtown Lubbock is far from complete. "I think a vibrant downtown is an important part of a growing city," said Williams.
Specifically, in the next five to ten years, Dan is looking forward to attracting more tourism and business to the area. “…I think we'll have more housing. I hope that we have more hotels and restaurants. I envision more people walking around down here, so we’ve got lots of little businesses. As those come in, then there will be the need for everything. You know, each kind of need, each piece of activity begets another piece,” said Williams.
He also voiced that a key component of a thriving downtown is attracting the 40,000 students at Texas Tech University. In his mind, that includes amping up housing options for students and other populations.
A Simple Philosophy
Williams’s philosophy for revitalizing downtown reflects every aspect of his life as he invests in the community. His approach is simple yet powerful: "A rising tide raises all boats." By focusing on creating valuable opportunities through real estate, Williams aims to enhance the lives of his clients and the broader community. As he looks toward the future, it's clear that Lubbock's tide is on the rise, bringing growth and prosperity to this vibrant region in the plains of West Texas.
