Fort Worth REALTOR® named Good Neighbor by NAR

James Austin Jr., broker/owner of Austin Company Commercial Real Estate in Fort Worth, has been honored as a Good Neighbor Award winner by REALTOR® magazine. Austin, one of five winners, was chosen from nearly 300 entrants for his ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in his community.

He and his wife, Gloria, in 1991 opened the Renaissance Cultural Center, which offers such events as film festivals, poetry readings, talent competitions, and celebrity speakers. The center has awarded $200,000 in scholarships since 1995. Austin also founded the National Cowboys of Color Museum to highlight the little-known contributions of minorities who helped settle the West.

"At least a third of all working cowboys were African American, Hispanic, or Native American," says Austin. "Minority cowboys weren’t shown in movies or on TV. Youngsters need to know about them and what they did in order to fully appreciate their own history and know how much they have to be proud of," he says.

During his 17 years in commercial real estate, Austin also has used his company to effect change in the city. For example, one project helped establish a much-needed bank and supermarket in southeast Fort Worth.

In recognition of his award, Austin will receive $7,500 from NAR to put toward his community projects. Good Neighbor Award winners are selected based on the depth and impact of their volunteer contribution, the broadness of that impact, and their demonstrated leadership and initiative.

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