Ebby Halliday Companies: A Legacy of Excellence, Honored as a Top Workplace in DFW

The spirit and foundational principles of the late Ebby Halliday continue to resonate deeply within the company she established. Her enduring legacy was recently celebrated as The Ebby Halliday Companies, a prominent Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, was recognized as a premier employer in North Texas. This esteemed acknowledgment, which saw the company ranked No. 11 in the Large Companies category of the “Top 100 Places to Work” by The Dallas Morning News, stands as a testament to the vibrant culture and unwavering commitment to its people that Ebby Halliday instilled decades ago.

This prestigious annual contest, meticulously conducted by The Dallas Morning News‘ research partner, Workplace Dynamics, delves into the organizational health of U.S. companies. Through comprehensive employee surveys, the research gauges crucial performance metrics that define a truly exceptional workplace. In the latest iteration, an impressive 330 DFW companies, collectively employing 154,197 individuals, were meticulously evaluated. The final selection of the 100 best was shaped by the insights of 78,960 responses, which provided critical feedback on leadership effectiveness, clarity of mission, abundance of career opportunities, strength of company culture, and the competitiveness of compensation and benefits packages. The Ebby Halliday Companies’ strong showing in these areas underscores its dedication to creating an environment where employees not only succeed but thrive.

The Enduring Vision of a Real Estate Pioneer

Ebby Halliday, who began her venture as a one-woman office in 1945, would undoubtedly be filled with immense pride at this latest recognition. Her work ethic and philosophy were legendary; even as she approached her 104th birthday, she remained actively engaged, famously stating, “Oh, work isn’t work unless there’s something you’d rather do!” This profound sentiment encapsulated her passion and the joy she found in her profession. Beyond her personal drive, Ebby’s approach to human relations was equally remarkable. When asked if someone “worked for” her, she would gently correct, emphasizing, “Yes, she works with me.” This subtle yet powerful distinction reflected her belief in collaboration, mutual respect, and the shared journey of success – a philosophy that continues to be a cornerstone of The Ebby Halliday Companies today.

This ethos of partnership and support has allowed the company to flourish, extending its reach across North Texas with three distinguished real estate brands. At its heart is Ebby Halliday, REALTORS, the iconic firm founded by Ebby herself. Complementing this flagship are Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, a luxury market leader acquired by Ebby in 2011, and Fort Worth-based Williams Trew, a dominant force in its regional market, acquired in 2014. These strategic acquisitions have not only expanded the company’s geographical footprint but also diversified its market segments, catering to a wide spectrum of clients from first-time homebuyers to luxury estate purchasers. Furthermore, the company’s integrated ecosystem includes essential core-services companies: Prosperity Mortgage, Home Team Insurance, and Texas Premier Title. This comprehensive suite of services ensures a seamless, efficient, and convenient experience for clients, embodying Ebby’s vision of a holistic real estate solution.

Cultivating a Collaborative and Client-Focused Environment

With a thriving network of over 1,800 agents, The Ebby Halliday Companies has cultivated a unique work environment that consistently attracts top talent. President and CEO Chris Kelly encapsulates the company’s success factors: “Our people are humble, hungry and smart. We treat the Ebby Halliday family of companies as one team and share a common goal of service to our clients, service to our industry and service to our community.” This philosophy is not merely rhetoric; it’s deeply embedded in the company’s operational DNA, manifesting in the day-to-day experiences of its agents.

Many agents describe their workplace as akin to a family, a testament to the enduring influence of Ebby Halliday’s foundational principles. For 75 years, the company has upheld simple, honorable values that prioritize integrity, support, and professional growth. Shaun Hayes, an agent at Ebby Preston Center, eloquently expresses this sentiment: “Working for the Ebby Halliday Companies is a true honor. Knowing that Ebby has my back 100 percent of the time, pushes me to be my best and ensures I’m prepared for any type of market definitely makes day-to-day easier.” This unwavering support, coupled with exemplary leadership and world-class training, creates an unparalleled sense of security and belonging. Shaun further emphasizes, “Our offices are like a second family. I know that no matter the situation, Ebby will always stand behind me, almost like a parent.” Such heartfelt testimonials highlight the profound personal and professional connections fostered within the company.

The Edge: Elevating Professionalism Through Premier Training

A cornerstone of The Ebby Halliday Companies’ commitment to excellence is its robust and comprehensive training program. Formerly known as Ebby School, this vital initiative was rebranded in 2020 as The Edge, an acronym for Education, Discipline, Growth, and Excellence. This name change reflects a refreshed, forward-thinking approach to agent development, ensuring that professionals from every Ebby Halliday Companies brand possess a distinctive polish and unparalleled expertise. The Edge is designed to equip agents with the most current market knowledge, advanced negotiation strategies, and cutting-edge technological proficiencies, guaranteeing that clients receive guidance from the absolute best in the real estate industry.

This emphasis on continuous learning and professional development directly translates into superior client service. Chris Kelly elaborates, “As an Ebby Halliday Companies client, consumers benefit from knowledgeable, respected real estate agents plus a team of trusted professionals dedicated to making buying or selling your home one convenient experience.” The integrated model extends beyond just expert agents; the affiliated core-services companies seamlessly handle mortgage, insurance, and title needs, transforming what can often be a complex process into a remarkably smooth and stress-free journey. This collaborative culture, where various expert teams work in concert, ensures that clients are expertly guided through every step of their real estate transaction.

The dedication to supporting agents is evident in the “back house” infrastructure. Paige Elliott, a veteran Dave Perry-Miller Park Cities agent, attests to this: “As an agent with the Dave Perry-Miller brand of the Ebby Halliday Companies, I enjoy an exceptional ‘back house’ support, particularly in marketing, technology and relocation services.” This robust internal support system, encompassing talented staff and proactive management, empowers agents to focus on their clients’ needs, confident in the knowledge that they have extensive resources at their disposal. The collaborative agent culture further amplifies this, fostering an environment where agents learn from each other and collectively strive to help clients achieve their housing goals.

Building Relationships and Community Trust

Beyond transactional expertise, The Ebby Halliday Companies places immense value on relationship-building – a fundamental cornerstone of enduring success in any field, particularly real estate. Kelly McLean with Williams Trew highlights this crucial aspect: “Our success grows from the relationships we establish, our client service and our work in the community. That culture is at the core of who we are.” This deep commitment to fostering genuine connections extends to both clients and the broader community, solidifying the company’s reputation as a trusted and responsible corporate citizen. McLean further asserts, “With the resources, the technology and the education that Ebby Halliday Companies provides us, I cannot think of a better company to associate with.” The synergy of cutting-edge resources, advanced technology, and comprehensive educational opportunities creates an unparalleled platform for agent success.

The consensus among agents underscores that strong, visionary leadership is another indispensable ingredient for an optimal work environment. Elisha Scott, an agent at Ebby’s Little White House – a historic location that once served as the town hall for the Village of Preston Hollow – enthusiastically states, “The concierge level of office support, company wide commitment to serving others, endless training opportunities, international brand recognition and our new CEO, Chris Kelly, makes it so wonderful to be with Ebby Halliday Realtors.” This testimonial encapsulates the multifaceted benefits of being part of such a well-regarded organization: localized support combined with global recognition, consistent opportunities for growth, and inspirational leadership that guides the company forward while honoring its rich past.

From Little White House to Texas Real Estate Giant

The remarkable journey of The Ebby Halliday Companies, originating from those humble beginnings at The Little White House, is a testament to the power of unwavering vision and steadfast principles. Under exceptional leadership and guided by the foundational tenets mentored by Ebby Halliday herself, the company has evolved into a modern-day real estate powerhouse. It consistently excels in selling homes and, more importantly, in enriching people’s lives through dedicated service and expertise.

As the company approached its 75th anniversary of serving the residential real estate needs of North Texans and those choosing to relocate to the region, this “Top 100 Places to Work” recognition held profound significance. Chris Kelly, President & CEO of The Ebby Halliday Companies, expressed immense pride: “It’s so meaningful for the Ebby Halliday Companies to be named one of the Top 100 Places to Work by The Dallas Morning News. This is a great honor for us as a company. I’m most proud that our people are so passionate about the workplace they’ve helped build together.” This collective passion and collaborative spirit are the true engines of the company’s continued success.

Today, Ebby Halliday stands as the largest residential real estate company in Texas by sales volume. Its strategic acquisition in 2018 by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the nation’s largest residential real estate company based on transactions, further cemented its leadership position. This acquisition brought even greater resources and national recognition, allowing The Ebby Halliday Companies to continue its growth trajectory while preserving the local expertise and client-first philosophy that have defined it for generations. The company’s enduring success is a beacon for the real estate industry, demonstrating that a commitment to people, integrity, and community service lays the strongest foundation for sustained excellence.

For more detailed information about the comprehensive brokerage, mortgage, insurance, and title services offered by The Ebby Halliday Companies, please visit their respective brand websites: ebby.com, daveperrymiller.com, and williamstrew.com.