Fort Worth couple named to 2026 Business Hall of Fame

Laura and Greg Bird will join the 2026 Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame. The ceremony honors their contributions to the local economy and community. The event is hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Texas Wesleyan University, and the Fort Worth Report. Proceeds support the Thomas H. Law Scholarship endowment for business students at Texas Wesleyan.

The couple developed the 25-story Frost Tower. The building opened in May 2018. It stands on the site of the former Fort Worth Star-Telegram Annex at 640 Taylor Street. The project cost $115 million. It was the first downtown high-rise designed and built by a Fort Worth-based firm in more than 40 years. The tower houses their business offices and features parking, fitness centers, and event spaces.

Greg Bird co-founded Jetta Operating Company in 1991. He serves as the chief executive officer. The company is an independent oil and gas producer. It operates throughout the southern United States. Headquartered in The Fort Worth Club building, the firm grew by acquiring assets from larger energy companies. Greg acquired the interests of the other original owner in 2007. The company has been owned solely by the Bird family for the last 20 years.

Laura Bird serves as president of Anthracite Realty Partners. She has a career in construction and real estate. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in construction science. Her experience includes work with general contractors and developers. She has led projects in retail, residential, healthcare, and high-rise developments. She emphasizes creating interdisciplinary teams to build environments that support occupant health and wellness.

The couple met as students at Texas A&M University. Laura is from Dallas and earned a bachelor’s degree in construction science. Greg is from Alvin and earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. They started their partnership during their college years. Their approach to business relies on perseverance, honesty, and hard work. They focus on managing volatility through better processes and technology.

The Birds are active in local philanthropy. The Bird Family Foundation supports organizations focused on health, education, and nature in North Texas. Laura has served with Jewel Charity, Cook Children’s Medical Center, and the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership. Greg has served as president of Scouting America’s Longhorn Council and BRIT, which manages the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

In 2022, the couple received the Distinguished Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Greg was named a Southwest Region finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He was also inducted into the Texas A&M University Petroleum Engineering Academy of Distinguished Graduates. The family includes two grown children and seven grandchildren.

Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, called the couple visionary, community-minded leaders. He noted that their impact extends beyond individual buildings. The couple’s investment in downtown aligns with current growth. The first tower of the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus is open nearby. New construction is set to begin on the Fort Worth Convention Center. Interest in the south end of downtown is rising.