You Won't Believe What C. Max Toles Did for Rome: The Shocking Legacy Behind His New Intersection!

A significant milestone for the Toles family and the local real estate community was celebrated last week with the official unveiling of the C. Max Toles Intersection. This event, held at the offices of Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc. (TTW) located at the corner of Turner McCall Boulevard and Avenue A, brought together generations of the Toles family and past and present agents of TTW.

Among those present were Max's children, including his daughter Lisa Toles Reid from Boca Raton and son Chuck Toles from Tallahassee. The gathering, which numbered over 50 attendees, also included notable guests such as Georgia Representative Katie Dempsey, former City of Rome manager John Bennett, and Lynn Dempsey, Georgia Real Estate Commissioner.

The history of Toles, Temple & Wright stretches back to 1972, originating from the sale of Jim Covington’s interest in Covington & Toles. Following this, the entrepreneurial Max Toles sold 50% of the brokerage to the energetic Bill Temple. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed Sara Wright as the company's newest associate broker, and the firm rebranded as Toles, Temple & Wright. Their initial office was at 4 Professional Court, just across from their current Georgian-style building.

“While Max never worked in the offices we’ve called home since the early 1990s, this intersection literally and symbolically links our past with our present — and our future,” said Bill Temple, VP and associate broker at TTW.

TTW traces its roots back over 76 years to 1949 with predecessor Adrian Howell & Company, which later became Adrian Howell & Covington. Max Toles joined this firm in 1966 as sales manager and became a part-owner in the late 1960s, leading to the rebranding as Covington & Toles.

“Max was a builder, a developer, and a real estate broker all at the same time,” remarked Brooke J. Temple, co-founder, president, and principal broker at TTW. “Everybody loved Max. He was one of the best.”

The early 1970s marked a period of rapid growth in Rome, driven by expanding industry and healthcare, prompting Toles and Temple to recognize the community's pressing need for adequate housing. Their partnership led to the development of several subdivisions in desirable locations throughout Rome and Floyd County, including River Ridge, Ashley Manor Townhomes, and Woodfin Estates. This collaboration resulted in more than nine new developments, significantly impacting the community's growth.

“Max’s legacy will always be a story of seeing a need and opportunity in the community — a void — and filling it with a quality product,” Temple noted.

After a successful career in real estate and various business ventures, Max chose to semi-retire in the 1980s, relocating with his wife Joan Toles to the Florida coast. He continued to engage in the local real estate market until his passing in 1997.

Before the unveiling of the new signage, Rep. Katie Dempsey, who played a critical role in the project, presented a framed version of Georgia House Resolution 1415 to the Toles family. This resolution recognized Max's success in business, his notable career in real estate, and his significant contributions to the development of housing options in Rome.

The dedication of the intersection has been a project several years in the making. The resolution to honor Max Toles, described as a “remarkable and distinguished Georgian,” was first adopted in the Georgia Senate and subsequently in the Georgia House of Representatives. The project was managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation due to its significance and the involvement of U.S. Route 27.

“We want to express our appreciation to TTW, local government, and state government for making this all happen. It really means a lot to our family,” Chuck Toles expressed during the event.

The newly named C. Max Toles Intersection adds to the rich history of TTW, which celebrates nearly 55 years of operation, following the recent accolades awarded to its founders, including a Key to the City of Rome presented to Brooke J. Temple and the renaming of West 8th Street to “Sara Wright Way.”

“When we think of real estate in our community, we think of Max Toles,” emphasized Brooke J. Temple. “He left an indelible mark on Rome, Georgia.”

Today, Max Toles' legacy lives on in the large family that continues to honor his memory, as well as in the company that still bears his name. Nearly 40 agents at TTW continue to serve the real estate needs of Rome and Floyd County, showcasing Toles’ enduring impact on the community.

“Max was a character. In his own special way, he showcased our commitment to developing relationships and communities,” added Bill Temple. “May this be a fitting tribute to an unforgettable entrepreneur who helped build and solidify the quality of life that the citizens of Rome and Floyd County continue to enjoy to this day.”