Meet Robert

"From Retail to Real Estate"

Robert Holmes III and his late dad, Robert L Jr, have been part of the Morristown and Hamblen County community with a heritage that goes back to granddad Robert Sr's first shoe store on Main Street way back in 1918.  Those Scotch-Irish values of hard work, honesty and frugality served the family well as they became sucessful full-service retailers for over 89 years in Morristown.

Robert's first real estate investment was a duplex at age 25 but the family business soon called.  The next 30 years of retail management brought valuable experience in financing, leasing, site analysis, construction management and Customer service as Robert was responsible for 7 remodels, 2 mall build-outs and over 16 lease negotiations at four locations with over 30+ associates.

The transition to real estate as a career began in 2003 with son John's encouragement that owning a condo near the University of Tennessee campus was not only less expensive than renting but also a good investment with a decent rate of return.  This led to Robert's volunteer duties as an HOA President of a 40-unit student complex for the past 6 years and "on-the-job" property management and landlord experience. 

Robert was fortunate to train with Monty Sams of RE/MAX Real Estate Ten, one of the most successful residential/commercial brokers in the state and a great believer in education and technology.  In addition to hundreds of hours for required classes and seminars, Robert continues graduate-level courses in Atlanta and other cities in a three-year program leading to commercial and investment real estate certification.

Robert resides in Morristown with wife Bertie.  Sons John and David are in Knoxville.

Professional Profile

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Affiliate Broker and Realtor, RE/MAX Real Estate Ten COMMERCIAL in 2008
Owner/Manager of Condos near UT, Knoxville since 2003
Co-founder of RentUTK.com, student housing website with son, John in 2003
President of Sullins Ridge Homeowners Assn, a 40-unit residential condo complex
VicePresident of Renaissance I Homeowners Assn, 9-unit upscale student condos
President/Owner/Manager Holmes Shoe Store Inc, full-service family retail corporation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Director of National Shoe Retailers Assn, a 1200 member retailer group for 3 terms
Graduate of New York University "Retail U". intensive course in retail leadership
President of Downtown Morristown Merchants Assn, retail development association
Leadership Morristown, community leadership class by Chamber of Commerce

EDUCATION:
University of Tennessee Knoxville, BS with High Honors in Business Administration

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Chamber of Commerce Retail & Commercial committee
Rotary Club of Morristown
Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 91 (2000-2003)
Elder, First Presbyterian Church