Ashley W. Roberts
Connector & Fun-Pusher
The “I Am Williamson” column highlights individuals who help shape the heart of Williamson County through leadership, service and a genuine love for the community they call home. This issue, we feature Ashley W. Roberts, a lifelong Williamson County resident with a strong connection to the community. From growing up in Grassland and attending Williamson County Schools to building a career in real estate, Ashley has spent her life surrounded by the people and places that make this county special. Today, she brings that same passion for home and community to her work as a REALTOR® with Hamilton Young Residential; continuing to stay involved in local nonprofits, parks, public arts and community events. Ashley embodies the energy, heart and fun that make Williamson County feel like home. Get to know Ashley in this issue’s “I Am Williamson” interview.
How long have you lived in Williamson County and what makes it feel like home to you?
I've been in Williamson County since 1985. I was in preschool when my family put down roots here, and I never left. I attended kindergarten all the way to graduation in Williamson County Schools. I grew up in Grassland, in the same house where my parents still live now, forty years later. That kind of staying power says something about this place.
This place is special, and to me, it's the little moments that makes this place home. It's running into the grocery store and spotting a friend's mom I've known since I was six years old. It's my love of the backroads. It's driving down Main Street and asking myself how I got lucky enough to live inside a Hallmark movie.
What is your profession, and what led you to choose it?
I'm a REALTOR® with Hamilton Young Residential in Downtown Franklin. Real estate and construction run in my family, so in a lot of ways, this path chose me as much as I chose it. I have a degree in Interior Design and have spent years working as an Appraiser Trainee in my family's long-established residential appraisal business. Becoming a REALTOR® was the perfect way to bring all of that together: my eye for design, my background in appraisals, and my love for people all into one career that I absolutely love!
Three words that best describe you.
Empathetic, Connector and I’ve been called a “Fun-Pusher” a time or two by my best friends.
What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, traditions, etc.)?
I'm big into the local nonprofit event scene! There are so many incredible charities in this town, and it feels like there's a fundraiser to support almost every week. When I'm not at one of those, you can usually find me hosting people at my house or at our family farm; brunching with friends, cheering on one of my nieces or nephews at a sporting event, traveling somewhere new, or out at a concert!
Where is your favorite place to go in WC and why?
My favorite place is The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. I love walking the outer trail with my chocolate lab, Stevie Nicks! We always make our rounds down to the river, up to the upper trail, and by (or sometimes in) the pond. And I might be a little biased, but it's also hands-down the best spot in the county for an event. No matter the season or the reason you're there, you never know what or who you might run into!
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
What keeps me motivated is knowing I get to help people find their own version of home in the place that raised me. Every client, every closing, every "sold" sign is a reminder of how much this community has given me and I love getting to give a little of that back! Being so involved in the local nonprofit scene means I get to see this town's heart up close, week after week, and that never stops moving me. It's a big part of why I keep showing up, fully, in everything I do.
What organization(s) are you involved with and why?
I'm proud to currently serve as Vice President of the Friends of Franklin Parks Board of Directors, a Board Member for FrankTown Open Hearts, Vice Chairman of the Franklin Public Arts Commission, Leadership Franklin Alumni and a Committee/Founding Member of The Hog Ball.
What is the one thing you do not go a day without?
Music! I always have something playing! You never know what it'll be day to day. It just depends on my mood.
Finish this statement: I AM Williamson because…
I think this is truly the greatest place in the whole world!
