Tampa Bay Metro Magazine

the last word

A Pulse on the Community

Robert Glaser — President/CEO,
Smith & Associates Real Estate | By Ronda M. Parag

A leader in an industry that is going through transition doesn’t stop Bob Glaser. With over 30 years in the real estate business, Glaser has weathered the ups and downs of the real estate markets and sees this as an opportunity for corporations and individuals to seize market opportunities and relocate to the Bay area. Originally from Rochester, New York, Glaser moved to the Bay area 30 years ago. He has been President and CEO of Smith & Associates Real Estate since 1986. He strives to adapt and change with the market by always providing innovative, customer-centric real estate services. Operating two offices in South Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, Glaser keeps a pulse on the community by his involvement in both professional and civic organizations. “I find that Bob’s success is based on more than business savvy,” said Nancy Kipnis, owner of NK-92, LLC. “His genuine desire to get behind people and motivate them is apparent at all levels. I have seen Bob roll up his sleeves and dig into projects both big and small with equal verve.” Glaser has served on the Committee of 100, in numerous positions from director to president of the Greater Tampa Associates of Realtors and is a graduate of Leadership Tampa. Two years ago, Glaser served as president of the Downtown Partnership. Currently, Glaser is involved with the Tampa Theatre Foundation, The Arts Center in St. Petersburg and the Pier Aquarium. “He’s a great businessman, a dynamic leader and devoted father, but Bob's depth and beauty as a person is what leaves a lasting impression,” adds Kipnis. “His sense of humor is off the charts. He’s definitely one-of-a-kind!”

Metro: What are people moving to the Bay area looking for?

Glaser: Buyers moving here are looking to secure homes in prime locations; Pinellas waterfront favored locations and Old Northeast or South Tampa, where pricing has become affordable and the offering includes the diversity of living near the downtown core, and all of the public activities as well as cultural facilities for their enjoyment.

M: What are your thoughts on the current market? When will things turn around?

G: In November 2008 the market settled down and continued some sense of consistency with 2009 showing signs of building sales velocity. In the affordable price ranges (up to $400,000), the new federal stimulus has been effective in building momentum. There will continue to be a buyers market for the next few years in the Bay area making this an excellent time to buy.

M: What does the Bay area need next?

G: The solution to transportation and growth is at hand. The citizens need to embrace the solutions and be proactive to achieve needed results.

M: How have you kept your team motivated during the slow market?

G: We developed sales strategies through new technologies and through many group sessions, and developed initiatives that assisted first time home buyers (new markets) and our luxury markets.

M: How do you choose the nonprofits your involved with?

G: My interest is peaked by the values of the institutions leadership and by my own personal interest in the programming for the community.

M: What is your perfect summer weekend?

G: A little time on the boat, a long bike ride and poolside with family and friends.

M: What are your favorite local restaurants?

G: Mise en Place, Cafe B.T.'s, Red Mesa Cantina and Hooker Tea Company.

M: What are a few of your passions or hobbies?

G: Fishing with my son Drew, or sitting on Beach Drive enjoying a " Hooker Tea" with a magazine while the world rolls by.

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