PALM BEACH POWERHOUSE

Live Beautifully

RODES ROBINSON OF COMPASS REAL ESTATE IS A STRONG FORCE IN THE PALM BEACH LUXURY REAL ESTATE SCENE. THE TRANSPLANT FROM KENTUCKY, WITH A BACKGROUND IN DESIGN-BUILD AND AN EYE FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES, EFFORTLESSLY DELIVERS THE DREAM LIFESTYLE TO HIS DISCERNING CLIENTELE.

Offering a unique blend of design-build expertise, multi-state market insight, and a hospitality-driven personal ethos, it’s no surprise that Rodes Robinson is making his mark in the luxury real estate scene. Renowned for his strong client relationships and relaxed approach to sales, he is the ideal guide to the coveted Sunshine State lifestyle.


“I work with a lot of people who are moving from out of state and looking for a second or third home,” Robinson says. “It starts with a phone call, and then you meet them for the first time. It's a little bit of a dance that ends in finding the perfect thing and realizing maybe you've started over there, but now you're over here. It’s all part of the journey.” Robinson earned his real estate license at 28, but his career began years earlier while working for his father’s design-build company in Kentucky. He reflects on the experience as an incredible opportunity, appreciating the hands-on process of building and bringing design concepts to life.



“At the end of it, you were able to see the fruits of your labor,” Robinson adds. “No project was the same and it’s fun because I have that same sense of variety in my job now. One of the reasons I moved down here was because my dad and I did the Kips Bay Show House together for four years in West Palm Beach. I really, really loved the area and now I'm never leaving.” Newly married and approaching five-years as Floridians, Robinson and his wife, Celine—along with their pets—are embracing all that Florida has to offer, from balmy temperatures to world-class dining and endless outdoor activities. The agent leverages his local know-how to help buyers find their ideal match, whether they seek easy access to golf and equestrian pursuits or prioritize waterfront views and acreage for privacy.


“Besides the perk of getting to sell real estate in paradise, I could be on the water and a golf course all in one afternoon,” Robinson laughs. “I could have nothing on the calendar that day, and then all of a sudden, there’s 30 things I'm trying to do. There's people from all over the world around, so you also get to meet a melting pot of amazing people with new perspectives.” Clients often describe Robinson’s sales approach as refreshingly simple—'pushy' simply isn’t in his real estate vocabulary. “I have around four or five current clients who are looking at good price points, and have been looking for the perfect property for two or three years,” Robinson shares. “I'm not the type of guy that's going to get you in the car for a weekend and say, ‘We’re finding a house in two days.’ It’s about practicing patience and listening to people. You're working with a custom clientele, and you really get to know them and be part of their lives.” Driven by the variety of his work and the people he meets, Robinson says he rarely turns down an opportunity. “My real estate partner, Christina Zecca, always laughs,” Robinson adds. “She gives me any inbound lead because she knows I'll do it. I love the hunt. Some of that mentality comes from my background and the fact that I’m used to the sales cycle of building a house. It takes a lot longer and requires the understanding that things unfold over time.”


Looking ahead, it’s clear Robinson’s building days are far from over. The agent is currently focused on elevating his price point, securing a few key deals, and even considering a return to building—this time in Florida. He says he is excited to step into a new chapter of his career and continue to expand his work in the Palm Beach area. “It’s rewarding to see how happy people are to start their life here,” Robinson says. “One of my favorite memories happened in my first year of selling. I had a family who was leaving California and when they closed on the home in West Palm, they were so excited. I remember thinking, ‘Wow.’ I'm not just helping people make a couple bucks; I'm actually helping them change their lives at times. I'm not a brain surgeon, so I don’t like to overplay what it is we do every day, but it is cool. To be a little part of that is really rewarding.”


For inquiries, contact Rodes Robinson at rodes.robinson@compass.com.