William Hodges

Executive Managing Director
Hospitality
Investment Sales
Atlanta, GA
[email protected]

William M. Hodges is the chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Hodges Ward Elliott and is integral in all phases of the firm’s development since it was founded in 1975.  

Hodges has spoken or appeared on panels at the New York University Hotel Investors Conference, Americas Lodging Investment Summit, and REIT Finance Conference. He has also been an Entrepreneurial Studies guest lecturer in the Emory University MBA program. 

He holds a BA degree from LaGrange College in Georgia where he has served as a member of the LaGrange College Board of Trustees for over 21 years (1998-2014, 2015–current) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for seven years (2007– 2014). In May 2014, Hodges received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities. In 2025, he was the recipient of the prestigious “Jack A. Shaffer Financial Advisor of the Year” award.

The Franklin Street experience

Ralph Smalley
I’ve worked with prominent investors across the spectrum throughout my career and having the ability to deliver tailored solutions, full-service capabilities across the lifecycle of an investment—including in-house insurance services— is a significant advantage and exactly what clients are looking for in today’s opportunity filled market
Chris White
Executive Managing Director
Franklin Street’s people-first approach and integrated platform create a unique opportunity to deliver more than real estate transactions by providing strategic guidance for the entire lifecycle of an occupier’s needs.
Rafael Romero
Regional Managing Director
The collaborative environment and excitement around where Franklin Street is today—and where we are going—is palpable and unlike anything else in our industry. Talent is the heartbeat of this business and we’re going to recruit growth-minded people with a hunger for—and track record of— excellence to join our us.
Chibuzor Nnaji
Senior Managing Director
Franklin Street is a client-focused firm dedicated to delivering best-in-class results through tailored commercial real estate solutions. By integrating investment sales with insurance, property management, and other strategic services, we provide clients with a comprehensive platform that creates a distinct competitive advantage.
Jason Donald
Managing Director
Franklin Street offers what I’ve sought throughout my career—a high growth trajectory and a culture that is unlike any other in our industry. We’re targeting high-impact, institutional deals, and no other firm gives you more tools, talent and support to get it done.
Justin Sturdivant
Regional Managing Director
Franklin Street’s unique and strategic platform provides its producers with the tools we need to exceed client expectations. This, combined with the ability to connect clients with all our services for the entire lifecycle of their assets, will result in better outcomes.