Robbins Realty, A Family Owned Business

By Sara Bridget Au

From Wal-Mart to Ford, Winn-Dixie to NASCAR, some of the most famous companies you know are family-owned. But, it’s the family-owned business in your local area that is more integral in your life, offering unparalleled customer service such as when the person at the reception desk treats you like you’re another member of the family.

The most successful are able to pass their business down to future generations, who carry on the family tradition. Robbins Realty, a third generation real estate agency, is one such success story.

Harry and Lois Robbins moved from a farm in Indiana in 1952 after vacationing with their grandparents here in Florida for a number of winters. “They took the ferry across Tampa Bay and said they’d never go back to Indiana,” explains Loyd Robbins, their son and current Vice President of the company. More formally named Harry E. Robbins Assoc. Inc., the agency was founded in 1971. Harry was in the construction industry and, as he enjoyed working with people, found it easy to slide into real estate.

“The primary focus was entry-level homes for first-time buyers,” explains Loyd. “But as the real estate industry transitioned from helping people find a place to raise their family into identifying the best investment vehicle, dad was drawn to helping family-owned businesses find their ‘home.’”

So now, instead of the standard lease package, Robbins Realty assists business owners in purchasing a location that perfectly suits their needs through what’s being called a business condo.

A revolution in commercial real estate geared specifically toward the small business community, the business condo model has become a major success story across the state during the past twelve years. Similar to residential condos, business condo owners enjoy tax advantages, property appreciation and freedom from landlord control.

“Instead of having a buy a property too large for a small business and being forced into becoming a landlord, a business owner can purchase a condo that’s the perfect size, have less capital at risk and use the location to build equity in their business.”

With 15 different developments across a four-county area, Robbins enters the Orlando market selling business condos at Goldenrod Commerce Park, near the intersection of Goldenrod Road and Lee Vista Boulevard. Orlando small business owners now have the economically-advantageous opportunity to own their warehouse or flex space units instead of leasing them.

Five members of the Robbins’ family run their family-owned small business, with offices in Lakeland and Sarasota. Loyd, who’s 53, got his broker’s license when he turned 19, and his two sons, Kevin and Troy, followed in dad’s footsteps getting their broker’s license at the same age. Kevin, a UCF grad with a degree in finance, started in the family business while he was still at school, commuting home on weekends.

Loyd says while the new generation is the future of the business, “My parents, who are now in their mid-70’s, are still very involved.”

Despite closing $70 million in sales in 2007, the agency remains dedicated to their family life more than any investments. The Robbins’ secret: “We keep a low overhead and we all have that farm work ethic instilled in us by my parents from their youth in Indiana.”

Harry E. Robbins Assoc. Inc. continually finds itself gravitating to other small and family-based businesses who want to build their net worth through their commercial location. “In most cases, the business location is the family’s second biggest investment ever – the first being their home – and we make sure they are proud to hang the family name over the front door.”