CobbFendley Celebrates Right of Way Professionals Week
Right-of-Way (ROW) work is a crucial foundation for every successful infrastructure project, yet it often happens behind the scenes. At CobbFendley, we’re proud to bring this important work into the spotlight during ROW Week, honoring the professionals who navigate complex challenges to connect communities and make progress possible.
To put it simply, Real Estate for Public Uses. It is the legal right to use or access someone else’s land for a specific purpose, such as building roads, utilities, pipelines, or communication lines. It involves acquiring easements or property interests that allow these vital infrastructure projects to move forward while balancing the needs of landowners, communities, and public safety.
Understanding the ROW process is key to appreciating the complex work that happens behind every infrastructure project. From initial planning to final acquisition, each step requires careful coordination, clear communication, and a commitment to fairness. Below is an overview of the typical stages involved in securing ROW, a critical pathway that helps bring community projects to life.
This week, we’re highlighting the experts behind the effort. Get to know a few of the team members and discover how their work helps shape the infrastructure and communities we’re proud to serve.
Terry Beck joined CobbFendley in 2018, bringing with him a background in real estate where he specialized in flipping properties. It was his son, an appraiser, who encouraged him to apply for a position on CobbFendley’s ROW team, a recommendation that led to a fulfilling career.
Terry sees ROW professionals as vital links between government agencies and the communities they serve. “We work as ambassadors for governing bodies to the public providing infrastructure items like water, sewer, roads, power distribution, parks and other vital services with the responsibility to compensate owners fairly“.
Can you share a memorable Right of Way project you’ve worked on? What made it stand out?
TxDOT was acquiring property in Navarro County to expand US 287 from a 2-lane to a 4-lane highway. What made this acquisition stand out was the owners of the properties. They were rural hard-working families that had owned the properties for generations. We had several confrontational issues that required extra understanding and the opportunity to work with TxDOT and the owners for a solution. The results were not perfect, but the owners began to feel a bond with us through the negotiation process so that we received Merry Christmas texts from them the following holiday season.
What do you enjoy most about working in ROW at CobbFendley?
After owning my own company for many years. I appreciate the professionalism, reputation and employee focus of CobbFendley. The environment of the company allows me to enjoy my work as well as collaborate with my colleagues.
What’s something people might not realize about right-of-way work?
It takes a team to get property acquired.
- Negotiators to provide offers to owners including appraisals
- Management liaisons to the government entities
- Legal reviewers for eminent domain condemnation
- Legislator regulations reviewers
- Coordinate commissioner court hearings
- Title/vesting research
- Working with the Assistant Attorney General office
- Project Status reporting
- Payment requests and delivery to owners and Title companies
During Right of Way Week, what message would you like to share with your fellow ROW professionals?
Thank you for your willingness to teach, encourage and support growth. It is a blessing to my life that we can enjoy the challenges of our work together
As a Project Manager at CobbFendley, Shelley Bishop brings nearly a decade of experience in ROW services, and a willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed. Whether she’s leading negotiations, managing condemnation cases, or supporting relocation efforts, Shelley thrives on the variety and complexity that ROW projects bring.
Although she entered the ROW field with no prior experience, Shelley quickly found her footing and discovered a passion for the work. “I find the process of acquiring property for infrastructure to be fun and interesting,” she says. “It’s definitely challenging at times, but that’s what keeps it exciting.”
Can you share a memorable Right of Way project you’ve worked on? What made it stand out?
Loop 88 in Lubbock is definitely the most memorable. So many different types of relocation – mobile home parks, large businesses, residential….I’ve got lots of stories! And so many condemnation hearings to manage- many of them were pretty fiery with the landowners and attorneys!
What’s a challenge you’ve encountered in ROW work, and how did you overcome it?
Communicating with landowners can be very challenging because they see us as the person taking their land away. It’s all about good, clear communication and understanding their frustration. It’s all in how you talk to people.
Michael Staines joined CobbFendley’s ROW group nearly seven years ago and has steadily grown from a trainee agent to CobbFendley Project Manager for the ROW group. He manages and helps others manage the projects that we work on to ensure successful project delivery.
Drawn to the legal side of ROW, Michael thrives on tackling title complexities and working closely with the Office of the Attorney General on condemnation proceedings.
Can you share a memorable Right of Way project you’ve worked on? What made it stand out?
FM 2185 in Culberson County, West Texas. It is a very remote project that had unique mineral rights on every parcel we were acquiring. Resulted in a lot of unusual circumstances and special exceptions to be made with TxDOT to acquire what they needed.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in Right of Way?
Don’t try to advance or take on too much too quickly, take your time to read the manuals, learn the processes, and develop good habits.
What’s your go-to ROW field gear or desk essential?
Field gear: safety vest, hard hat, work boots. Desk essential: caffeinated drink (coke zero for me!)
Right-of-Way work is often behind the scenes, but it’s essential to every infrastructure project that shapes our communities. The stories of Terry, Shelley, Michael, and the entire CobbFendley ROW team highlight the dedication, expertise, and teamwork required to navigate complex challenges, from negotiating with landowners to managing legal intricacies and collaborating across departments. Their commitment ensures that vital projects move forward fairly and thoughtfully, balancing the needs of the public and property owners alike. As we celebrate ROW Week, we honor these professionals who play a crucial role in building the foundations of progress and community growth.
Happy Right of Way Professionals Week!