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Odds are if you’re a longtime South Sound resident, you know Trevor Will ’93’s face. For years he has starred alongside his brother, Courtney Will ’95, in charmingly goofy televised ads for their family business, Titus-Will Automotive Group.

But if you’re a Tarrier, you know that their theme of “protection” extends far beyond powertrain warranties and roadside assistance. As a member of Charles Wright’s only three-generation family, Trevor is also a fierce protector of the legacy of not only founders Sam and Nathalie Brown, but also of his father, Jamie ’65—as well as of the futures of his children, Mackenzie ’24 and Cooper ’27, and all current and subsequent students. As an alumnus and a parent alongside his wife, Cassandra, he has dedicated himself to the Spirit Auction, Parent Association, Sports Boosters, Arts Boosters, Annual Fund, the Alumni Council, and the Board of Trustees.

It is in honor of his passion for the school and his commitment to care for the greater community that Trevor has been named Charles Wright Academy’s 2022 Alum of the Year. “Trevor is one of CWA’s greatest alumni champions,” said Head of School Susan Rice. “His leadership on the Board of Trustees strengthens his alma mater. We have a bold vision for CWA’s future, and Trevor has been there every step of the way to make this school the best it can be.”

Fellow Trustee Nicole Stice P ’24, ’27, ’29 highlights a memory from their joint time as parents of Lower Schoolers as an example of the authentic relationships Trevor has developed among Tarriers. “No matter how busy he was with morning commitments or with work—and no matter how rainy or stormy it was outside—Trevor could be seen parking his car in the LS lot, walking his kids into the building, and dropping them off at their classrooms,” she fondly recalled. “This small act of kindness, this unselfish giving of time, is a glimpse into Trevor’s character. He would actively cultivate respectful, supportive relationships with the kids, the families, and the teachers along his morning ritual. These supportive relationships are the heart of community.”

Relationships are also at the heart of Trevor’s life as a Tarrier—both on campus and beyond. “I love that I learned from teachers whom my father had and that my children are getting that same experience,” he said. “My father and I remain close with the legendary Donn Laughlin, a teacher we shared. Mackenzie and Cooper were lucky to learn from my teachers Miz Candy, Ms. Herrington, Mr. Bob, and Ms. Hunt. Mackenzie was on the jump rope team with Mr. Pelander, my brother’s first grade teacher. Her advisor this year is Mr. LeFrancios, my favorite math teacher. These relationships matter to me.” 

Trevor in particular cherishes the bond he had with European history teacher Doc Neunherz, with whom he stayed in touch long after graduation and shared a penchant for persuasive writing. “I remember telling him that I hoped my kids would go to CWA and learn to write the way he taught me,” Trevor said. “Before he passed away in 2012, Doc came by my home and left a copy of his 200-page, nearly complete manuscript about teaching persuasive writing on my front porch along with a typed, two-page letter to me that read like a forward to the book. Doc remained my teacher and friend for nearly 20 years after I graduated, and he continues to inspire me. I keep the manuscript, along with his letter, in my nightstand. I miss him terribly.”

Trevor now applies what he learned from Doc in his leadership on the Board. “Trevor asks great questions, truly seeking to understand others and their perspectives,” Mrs. Rice said. “As I have gotten to know Trevor more closely, I also know that he isn’t afraid to express opinions that differ from a group. He cares deeply for the success of Charles Wright Academy and keeps that at the forefront of his involvement with the school at all times.” Nicole agreed. “Trevor asks the tough questions, and he challenges and supports change,” she said. “He has demonstrated vision, leadership, and sound business sense—all with a great sense of humor.”

Trevor now, of course, applies that sense of humor in Titus-Will commercials, and he credits Charles Wright with establishing his work ethic and noticing where he could make a big impact. “In the Upper School, a 14-hour day wasn’t unusual,” he recalled. “I woke up, went to school, played sports (not well—I’m a terrible athlete), did my homework, went to bed, got up, and started over.” He taught himself Adobe Illustrator in Steve Matson’s journalism class to design graphics for the Academy Times. “When I started working at Titus-Will after I graduated from college, it was clear that there was no real marketing plan or anyone on staff who could build a newspaper ad or a direct-mail piece,” Trevor said. “I saw an opportunity to make a mark on the family business. I bought Illustrator and became a pretty decent graphic artist. That evolved into a love of all things marketing, including creating websites and television commercials. I realize now that all of the branding we now have in place at Titus-Will, including our silly TV spots that people seem to enjoy, are the result of my taking journalism at CWA.”

Beyond marketing, Trevor has also spearheaded the philanthropic arm of Titus-Will through the support of local Boys & Girls Clubs and United Way and the launch of tituswillgives.com. “Titus-Will has been part of this community for over 80 years,” Trevor said. “We believe in it and want to support it—we want to see it thrive, so giving back is second nature. Our passion is supporting organizations that benefit children and families in need.” The giving website, through which the business has donated more than half a million dollars, “allows nonprofits to easily request support and gives us the ability to better manage our contributions. We continued to give during the pandemic when many companies froze contributions. We’re very proud of that.”

The Will family’s generosity extends to CWA, too. They have been Sports Boosters, Arts Boosters, and Spirit Auction sponsors for years—Trevor and Cassandra co-chaired the latter in 2019—and they prioritize the act of giving back. “As for CWA, I think I’ve been giving since college. I wanted to get in that habit early on,” Trevor said. “Charles Wright is my family, and—like any family—there are times when I’m madly in love and times when I get frustrated for one reason or another. But our bond keeps us moving forward. This school has been a part of me for 40 years—since I started as a second grader. It has made me who I am today and continues to challenge me. I’m never going to forget that, which is why I’m still here and why I continue to support Charles Wright.”