St. Cloud State University alumnus Mark Robinson ’08 was named the Broker of the Year at the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors 15th Annual Expo and Awards show on Oct. 26.
Robinson, a Certified Commercial Investment Member, is a Principal in Investment Sales at Mid-America Real Estate.
“You are an absolute natural at this business … you genuinely and empathetically connect people,” Doug Sailor of Mid-America Real Estate said about Robinson in the award presentation video. “You find ways for people to come together, and you do that with empathy. That makes you best in class not only as a salesperson but as a human being.”
Robinson arrived at Mid-America in 2012 to build an investment sales group. He’s now been there a decade, enjoying how his team can share concepts and ideas.
“We are a small boutique office that competes with national and international groups,” Robinson said. “We have the flexibility to be more nimble and reactive.”
He earned his Bachelors in Real Estate from St. Cloud State in 2008, serving as President of the SCSU Real Estate Association in Fall 2007 and Spring 2008.
Robinson is no stranger to receiving awards from MNCAR, also being honored as their Rising Star of the Year in 2013. But this award came as a complete surprise for Robinson, who described himself being in “shock and awe” at earning the distinction. He was one of the last to find out, with his co-workers, wife and three kids all keeping his “Broker of the Year” title a secret.
“I’ve had the joy of watching you and your passion for real estate since the days of our classroom in St. Cloud State,” Robinson’s wife Holly said in the video. “To see your drive and passion for your work over the past 15 years has been an honor for me and for our kids.”
Robinson met his wife Holly in the Real Estate Department at St. Cloud State, both graduating in 2008.
“My line of work is about networking … we had a really strong connection with alumni and student body because it’s a smaller program,” Robinson said about St. Cloud State. “The most valuable part was creating those bonds with fellow students and alumni and leveraging those connections throughout my career.”
Robinson also served a term as president of the Real Estate Alumni Association. He still has essential advice to pass on to current students.
“Connect with as many people as possible,” he added. “Figure out a way you can add value to other peoples lives and you won’t have to worry about the money.”
