In the three-plus decades since, the Franks’ have reared two daughters and developed some 30 new neighborhoods in Williamson, Maury and Davidson counties while living out a commitment to preservation.
“We love historic properties,” says Franks, and that shows: The couple’s current abode is a Franklin home built in 1864, where they moved in 2010 after a stint living in the 1819-built farmhouse at Homestead Manner in Thompson’s Station.
Their ventures have included operating a tea room in Franklin (“that was the hardest job we ever had; running a restaurant is really tough,” she says), being part owners of Puckett’s Boat House café, and working to develop a hotel/retail project in downtown Franklin
Business is truly a family affair at her firm, Franklin REALTORS®. Marcia and Jay each have offices there; daughter Tonya is the office administrator; and daughter Bryana is an agent working toward her broker’s license.
“It has been marvelous for me to see the girls grow up in the business,” says Franks, who envisions “easing Bryana into being the principal broker, which may free me up to teach classes and play with my grandson who is the light of her life!”
Franks’ impact on the industry extends to TAR, where she has served as a director and an RPAC trustee, among other volunteer-leadership roles.
Before she was appointed to the Commission, Franks admittedly knew little about its inner workings. “I had only been to TREC a couple of times. I was afraid to go. I thought they might find something wrong. Looking back, I hate that licensees sometimes have that impression.
“I was delighted when I got the call, humbled and honored to be selected. I’m so thankful, and I have really, really enjoyed it.” While noting that she and her fellow commissioners have “taken an oath to protect the public,” Franks adds that they also hold a positive view of the industry. “All of us love and appreciate the real estate profession,” she says.
Franks’ eyes have opened to the complexity of regulation—and to the need for every licensee to stay informed. “I have learned more in these two years on TREC than in the last 28 years that I have been a REALTOR®.
Chairman Franks is a member of Williamson County Association of Realtors, her home association, having lived and worked in Franklin for nearly 40 years of which 28 have been as an agent/broker. Commissioner Franks served as WCAR president in 2006 and was named its REALTOR® of the Year in 2007.
In her earlier years, Commissioner Franks was an interior designer. One year she had a house in the Parade of Homes that won Best Overall Home Design,” she recalls. “A REALTOR® picked up her card and took it to a developer in Franklin.”
She landed an interview with the developer, who hired her to design for him. The job was a hit, as was the personal connection with the developer. “Within about six months, Marcia and developer Jay Franks were married.
