William Martin was an extremely successful business man, described by his peers as a genius of the industry. Upon his beginnings at Phillips Petroleum Martin quickly rose through the ranks as he served as both treasurer and Secretary before being appointed to the board of directors in 1964. The following year he was named the senior vice president; by 1971 he was named president of the company. In 1973 he became the Chief Executive Officer and a year later he was made chairman of the board.

Martin is credited with leading the company through a period of exponential growth while the company was in his reigns. They eventually became one of the top companies in the entire industry and much of their success is credited to Brother Martin. In 1972 he was honored by the University of Oklahoma by being named to their Alumni Hall of Fame.