Sarasota real estate firm merges with another family-owned company

A family-owned real estate company that has been in Sarasota County since 1971 has merged with another local, multigenerational business.

One of Sarasota County’s longest established real estate companies under the same family ownership — Harry E. Robbins Associates — has joined forces with Richardson Kleiber Walter. 

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Jennifer Kleiber-Button, who was brought into the firm in 1997 by her father, Bill Kleiber, will help lead growth of the Robbins management team while leasing her existing commercial properties, according to a statement.

Harry E. Robbins Associates, which deals in both commercial and residential real estate, has also introduced various family members into the fold over the years. Two years after Harry and Lois Robbins founded the company, their son Lloyd joined in 1973. More than 50 years later, the founders' grandsons — Kevin, Troy, Derek and Emerson — all own and operate the family business together.

“I have known Kevin Robbins and family since he started working in the business,” Kleiber-Button says in the statement, noting her father worked with Lloyd Robbins in the 1980s. “The Robbins family and my family have always had a mutual trust and respect for each other. The Robbins are one of the few local companies I would merge with.”

Those currently at Robbins Associates are looking forward to the partnership, particularly with Kleiber-Button, who has 27 years of experience and will focus on growth and technological progress.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to work with Jennifer,” Kevin Robbins, president of Robbins Commercial, says in the statement. “She brings a wealth of information to our team. Jennifer knows real estate and project management, and she’s also personable and very detail oriented. I really appreciate the systems and processes she has established throughout her career. We feel this is a great addition to the team and are excited for the continued partnership.”